ECNL: Rochester NY FC Academy to Join Ohio Valley Conference for 2026-27 Season

Staff Writer
Apr 24
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

RICHMOND, Va. — ECNL Boys has officially announced the addition of Rochester NY FC Academy to the league for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The historic Western New York club is set to compete in the Ohio Valley Conference, marking a significant expansion of the ECNL footprint in the Northeast.

The move comes after months of dialogue between league officials and club leadership, focusing on a shared commitment to elite player pathways and professional standards.

A New Chapter for a Storied Club

Rochester NY FC Academy carries a legacy that dates back to 1966. Originally founded as Empire United Soccer Academy and later known as the Rochester Junior Rhinos, the club has navigated multiple eras of American youth soccer, consistently remaining a powerhouse in player development.

“The club has been deeply entrenched in the Rochester community for years, with a history of great player development,” said ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney. “Their addition further expands the ECNL opportunities for players in Upstate New York and will add exciting new matches for clubs in the Ohio Valley.”

A Professional Learning Environment

For Rochester NY FC Academy, the move to ECNL represents an alignment of values. The club prides itself on providing a professional environment that mirrors the methodology found in top-tier professional academies.

“Our goal is to provide that development platform to as many of the best players in the Western NY market as possible to help them achieve their individual goals,” said Academy Director Rory Charcholla. “The ECNL provides a platform that will allow us to continue to evolve and get even more players involved in our development process.”

Club Profile: Rochester NY FC Academy

Detail	Information
League	ECNL Boys
Conference	Ohio Valley
Location	Rochester, NY
Founded	1966
Previous Names	Empire United, Rochester Junior Rhinos

A Commitment to Excellence

Executive Director Jim D'Anza expressed the club's enthusiasm for the transition, noting that the ECNL’s reputation for high standards matches the club’s long-term aspirations.

“A league of the highest standard in youth sports, we look forward to being part of all that the ECNL stands for—excellence, competition, collaboration, innovation, and aspiration,” D'Anza added.

By joining the Ohio Valley Conference, Rochester NY FC Academy will face off against elite regional competition, providing their athletes with increased visibility and the rigorous competition necessary to bridge the gap between youth and collegiate or professional soccer.