Oakland, CA.  (February 27, 2025)  – East Bay United - Bay Oaks is thrilled to announce that we have been selected as a founding member of the top division of the recently announced expanded and realigned NorCal ECNL Regional League. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the ECNL Regional League in Northern California will expand and realign to include two divisions. Administered by NorCal Premier Soccer, the ECNL RL - NorCal will be a first-team league primarily serving as a proving ground for clubs seeking promotion into the ECNL on both the boys’ and girls’ sides. 

Following a rigorous application process, East Bay United - Bay Oaks is one of the 25 top-performing clubs within NorCal Premier Soccer chosen as members for this updated ECNL RL - NorCal  division. Clubs were evaluated based on the quality of the teams and their performance in NorCal competitions over the past three years, a review of their technical standards–including their technical staff and club curriculum–and their adherence to NorCal administrative standards.

“The expansion of the NorCal Premier ECNL RL to include club-based membership provides a clear pathway for ambitious clubs seeking membership in the full ECNL, while still providing a pathway for top-performing teams to earn their way into the highest division of NorCal competition,” said NorCal Director of Competitions, Dan Chamberlain. “This hybrid between club-based and team-based will be the first of its kind in the country, but we believe that it will provide serious clubs with the stability to focus on player development, while also bringing in top-performing teams who will add to the competitiveness of the league.” 

How ECNL RL - NorCal is Structured

The ECNL RL - NorCal will feature approximately 24 teams per age group. Most teams will come from the ECNL RL - NorCal Members Clubs, who have guaranteed access to the league for all of their U13-U19 first teams. Each age group will also feature several ‘wildcard’ teams who have earned their spot in NorCal’s highest level of competition based on their performance in the current NorCal ECNL RL or NPL divisions. This hybrid approach will allow NorCal to offer a club-based league while still providing a pathway for top teams in NorCal Premier to earn their way into the highest level of competition.

For the Member Clubs, the ECNL RL - NorCal will be the proving ground for clubs to earn their way into the ECNL. Additionally, the ECNL RL - NorCal will have the highest level of competition within NorCal Premier Soccer, offering the best competition for the best teams in NorCal.

Founding Clubs of ECNL RL - NorCal

• Selected Boys Clubs–Clovis Crossfire, East Bay United, Eastshore Alliance FC, Elk Grove Soccer, Folsom Lake Surf, Livermore Fusion SC, Los Gatos United Soccer Club, Revolution FC, San Ramon FC, SF United FC, Sheriffs FC, Solano Surf, South Valley Chivas Academy, Stanford Strikers FC, Union Sacramento FC, Walnut Creek Surf Soccer Club

About EAST BAY UNITED - BAY OAKS : 

Founded in 1980, The East Bay United Soccer Club is a community based club that takes great pride in the development of our players and coaches on and off the field.  EBUSC provides a safe, positive and engaging environment to learn the game of soccer.  We understand that we have children with varying levels of ability and a variety of reasons for participating.  We strive to meet as many players as we can at their level, and provide pathways for those players to reach their fullest potential in the beautiful game.  EBUSC promotes soccer as a healthy and enjoyable activity among children and young adults, regardless of race, color, religion or belief, sexual orientation, economic advantage or disability.

History of Success, Legacy of Excellence.

About NorCal Premier Soccer:

Founded in 2004, NorCal Premier Soccer is the leading developmental soccer organization in Northern California. With a membership of over 270 diverse clubs and over 120,000 total competitive and recreational players, NorCal continues to be a driving force behind youth soccer's development in the region. NorCal is committed to elevating the game of soccer through its comprehensive programs—including year-round competitions, NorCal State Cup,  a no-cost Player Development Program, and heavily subsidized coach, referee, and club education programs. NorCal Premier Soccer is a California Nonprofit Benefit Corporation.