ORLANDO – January 6, 2015 – The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) Winter National Tournament, hosted by Orlando City Soccer Club, the Seminole County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Central Florida Sports Commission, generated a significant amount of economic benefit for Seminole County and the surrounding areas – estimated at over $5 million and resulting in over 3,400 room nights used in Seminole County and over 3,500 in additional counties.
The national female youth tournament, which took place on December 28-30, 2014, included thousands of participants at Seminole Soccer Complex and Sylvan Lake Park – the official training facilities for Orlando City SC and Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS).
The 2014 edition of the ECNL tournament marked the fifth consecutive year that the winter event has taken place in Seminole County, featuring over 170 elite female teams from across the United States.
Additionally, the national tournament serves as a college recruiting ground, with over 400 coaches from numerous prestigious universities in attendance to scout players.
"The ECNL event was a massive success for Orlando City, Seminole County, ECNL, and all of the players who participated," said Orlando City Founder and President Phil Rawlins. "The impact on the area and the incredible turnout of players and coaches underscores why Orlando is the 'Soccer Capital of the South.'"
ECNL is the nation's top league for young women, ages 15-18. Established in 2009, ECNL provides the highest level of competition and the best developmental environment for American female youth soccer players, as well as an identification and development program, which seeks to include players in U.S. Soccer's National Teams.
