Coastal Rush, Tennessee United SC showcase club pathway
Graphic Credit: ECNL
PRESS RELEASE
RICHMOND, Va. (March 11, 2026) – The ECNL Boys is proud to announce a pair of clubs have been promoted from the ECNL Regional League Boys to ECNL Boys for the 2026-27 season in the initial round of membership promotions. Coastal Rush and Tennessee United will both join the Mid-America Conference next season off the heels of stellar play within the ECNL Regional League.
“Coastal Rush and Tennessee United have shown tremendous performances in the ECNL Regional League Boys, and we are extremely excited to welcome both of these clubs into the ECNL Boys next season,” said ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney. “These two promotions are just the most recent of many examples over the last several years of the ECNL Regional League being a proving ground, where clubs show they can compete at a high level, and are rewarded for it. Pathways are earned and proven, and Coastal Rush and Tennessee United are great examples of that.”
Coastal Rush joined the ECNL Regional League Boys for the 2025-26 season in the newly-formed ECNL Regional League – Gulf Coast, following a season in ECNL Regional League – Florida, where the club’s U15 team earned a berth in the ECNL Regional League Boys Finals. This year, its U14, U15, and U16 are all at the top of the table, with the U13 and U17 squads also in position to qualify for the ECNL Regional League Playoffs – Southeast. Four of the club’s six teams have yet to suffer a loss this season, and with a combined 37-6-3 record, Coastal Rush is poised to immediately compete in the ECNL Boys Mid-America Conference.
Tennessee United also joined the ECNL Regional League Boys in the 2025-26 season, entering the ECNL Regional League – Mid-America. Five of their six age groups are in first place (U13, U14, U15, U16 and U18/19) and overall, the club has a combined record of 53-4-6 this season. The club will send nearly all of its teams to the ECNL Regional League Playoffs – Southeast, with the goal of reaching the ECNL Regional League Boys Finals.
Coastal Rush
League: ECNL Boys
Location: Pensacola, FL
Founded: 2021
Coastal Rush was officially founded in 2021, bringing together a leadership team that has served the Gulf Coast soccer community for more than 20 years. While the club itself is young, the experience behind it is deep. Once aligned under one unified structure, Coastal Rush immediately saw on-field success and accelerated growth both on the field and in player advancement to the collegiate level. Since joining the ECNL Regional League, Coastal Rush boys teams have earned multiple regular season titles, a National ECNL RL Finals berth, and accumulated more than 200 league wins. More importantly, the club has achieved a record number of college placements during this period. The club’s focus remains clear: develop complete players, compete at the highest level available, and provide a defined player pathway.
“It is an honor to be welcomed into the ECNL Boys program,” said John Guidroz, Coastal Rush Director of Coaching. “All of the credit goes to the consistent effort of our players, coaches, and families, who have worked so hard to make this possible. ECNL raises the standards for our entire program, and we look forward to new challenges ahead. We appreciate the trust placed in our club and are excited to represent our community on the national stage.”
Tennessee United SC
League: ECNL Boys
Location: Hendersonville/Goodlettsville, TN
Founded: 2004
Tennessee United SC is dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages individual confidence and team success by providing players the opportunity to enhance their personal development through the game of soccer. The long-term goal is to produce both quality players and people who can use soccer as a stepping stone for high school play, college admission, and life in general. Through this philosophy, Tennessee United SC has won multiple ECNL RL regular season championships, multiple state championships and regional qualifiers, and the 2022 U19 NPL National Championship.
“We are honored for the ECNL to recognize TUSC’s success and potential by granting the boys program membership,” said Executive Director and Founder Jonathan Wayland. “This is a testament to the hard work of our players, families, coaches, and administrative team. The quality, exposure, and professional environment of the ECNL will provide even more pathway opportunities for our players to move onto levels past their youth careers. We look forward to the possibilities and accept the challenge of being among the best clubs in the nation.”
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About the ECNL:
The ECNL is the nation’s leading youth soccer development platform for America’s top soccer players. The ECNL mission to provide the best youth sports experience in the world drives constant innovations in competitions and experiences for players, parents, families, coaches, referees, and partners. The ECNL has questioned convention and challenged the status quo of youth sport since 2009, pushing boundaries and striving for unmatched excellence. Together with its clubs and club leaders, the ECNL creates unforgettable memories and supports the development of youth players into college stars, professionals, world champions, and leaders.