Can Your Child Guest Play in ECNL or MLS Next Games?
As a parent with a child playing in Pre-ECNL and MLS Next, I’ve often wondered about guest playing opportunities. Can my child join another team for an ECNL or MLS Next league game?
What are the rules, and how does it work? If you’re navigating these leagues, here’s what I’ve learned along the way about guest playing in these highly competitive environments.
Guest Playing in ECNL Games
Yes, ECNL allows guest playing, but the process involves a few steps:
Eligibility Is Key:
Guest players in ECNL must have a valid US Club Soccer card and meet all league eligibility requirements.
If the player comes from another ECNL club, additional rules may apply, such as verifying they haven’t played for a different ECNL team earlier in the season.
The Club Pass Advantage:
ECNL clubs use a “club pass” system, allowing players to move between teams within the same club. This means your child can play up an age group or support another team as needed.
League Approval Required:
Guest players from outside the club can participate, but league approval is required, and all paperwork must be completed well in advance of game day.
Roster Limits:
Even with guest players, the matchday roster can’t exceed league limits. So, there’s always a balance between giving players opportunities and sticking to the rules.
In reality, it’s rare for an ECNL club to bring in guest players from outside the club. Most ECNL clubs already have an abundance of players within their own teams, making it unnecessary to look elsewhere.
Additionally, using outside players can create friction with parents who may feel their children are being overlooked. It’s also often viewed as an unfair competitive advantage, which goes against the spirit of fostering player development within the club.
Can an ECNL Player Guest Play in a Non-ECNL Game?
Yes, ECNL players can guest play in non-ECNL games, but there are a few key considerations and guidelines to keep in mind. While the specific rules may vary depending on your ECNL club and league requirements, here’s how it typically works:
Summary
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- ECNL League Play: No, guest play is not allowed.
- ECNL Showcases: No, guest play is not permitted.
- Tournaments Outside of ECNL: Yes, with the proper forms and approvals.
- Other League Play (Non-ECNL Affiliations): Yes and no—club loyalty rules may apply to ECNL players, so check with your club.
- Other Showcases (Non-ECNL Affiliations): Yes and no—club loyalty rules may also apply in these situations.
Coach and Club Awareness
Guest playing outside ECNL should always be done with your ECNL coach’s knowledge and approval. Many clubs have guidelines to ensure guest playing doesn’t interfere with the player’s ECNL commitments or risk injury.
Off-Season Opportunities
Guest playing is more common during the off-season when there are no active ECNL games or practices. This allows players to maintain their fitness and sharpen their skills without conflicting with ECNL schedules.
Card and League Rules
Most guest play typically happens outside the ECNL structure, meaning players don’t use their ECNL US Club Soccer player card. Instead, they often join non-ECNL teams for tournaments rather than league play.
In these cases, the hosting club usually provides the necessary player card, especially during the summer when the player is technically unattached. This process typically takes a few days and can be done for both USYSA and US Club Soccer cards.
No Release Needed
A formal release from your ECNL club is usually not required for guest play, especially if the guesting is done informally with the approval of the coach. However, it’s always best to double-check with your club to avoid misunderstandings.
Finding the Right Fit
Many parents and players opt for older or non-ECNL teams that need extra players for tournaments. This approach minimizes direct competition with ECNL games and keeps the focus on development.
Playing with Other Competitive Leagues
It’s not uncommon for ECNL players to guest play with teams from other competitive leagues, like Girls Academy (GA). These experiences can provide additional challenges and exposure, but as always, ensure it aligns with your ECNL club’s policies.
More on Permissible Guest Play Opportunities
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- Short Tournaments: Players can participate in tournaments lasting under four days with the correct paperwork and permission.
- All-Star Teams: Participation is allowed with the proper forms and approvals.
- International Trips: Players can join teams traveling abroad, provided the necessary paperwork is completed.
Sanctioned vs. Unsanctioned Tournaments in Youth Soccer
In youth soccer, a sanctioned tournament is officially approved by a governing body, such as US Youth Soccer or AYSO, ensuring that it follows the organization’s rules, regulations, and standards.
These tournaments often serve as a pathway to regional and national competitions, offering players the opportunity to advance to higher levels of play. An unsanctioned tournament, on the other hand, is not recognized by these governing bodies and may have more flexible rules and less oversight.
While they can still offer competitive play, they lack the official backing and benefits, such as eligibility for regional and national tournaments, that come with sanctioned events.
While extremely competitive Copa Talento is an example of an unsanctioned tournament.
Guest Playing in MLS Next Games
MLS Next takes a slightly different approach to guest playing. While opportunities exist, the rules are more focused on the league’s long-term development goals and club structure.
Development Focused:
MLS Next emphasizes long-term development, so they’re careful about bringing in players who aren’t part of their ecosystem. Guest playing usually happens during league showcases or special events rather than regular-season games.
Strict Across-Club Rules:
Unlike ECNL, MLS Next typically discourages guest play across different clubs. However, the league does allow for movement within a club through the “development player” category. This setup lets younger players or those from affiliated teams participate in higher-level matches.
Approval Process:
Any guest player must receive league approval before stepping onto the field. This involves submitting documentation such as player passes and signed guest agreements. Without this, the player and team risk penalties.
Exceptions at the Academy Level:
While these rules are generally strict, there are important exceptions, especially at the academy level:
Evaluating Potential Signings:
Some MLS Next clubs will invite players to train and guest play if they are considering them for a potential roster spot.
This is a way for clubs to assess whether a player fits into their system and team culture before making a long-term commitment.
Part-Time Players:
MLS Next clubs sometimes work with part-time players who cannot relocate immediately. These players might guest play in games to stay connected with the team and maintain their development trajectory.
It’s a way for clubs to invest in players while accommodating their current circumstances.
Key Takeaways for Parents:
If your child is playing in MLS Next and considering guest playing opportunities, it’s important to understand the specific situations where this is allowed.
Guest play is typically reserved for scenarios like league showcases or when a club wants to evaluate a potential signing.
These opportunities are less about filling rosters and more about strategic development and assessment.
If your child is being considered for a roster spot, speak directly with the club director to explore development-focused opportunities. They can provide guidance on how guest playing might fit into the club’s overall plan for your child’s growth.
Remember, MLS Next emphasizes long-term development over short-term competitive needs.
Guest playing in this league is less about immediate competition and more about fostering connections, gaining experience, and showcasing talent in meaningful ways.
These opportunities, while limited, can be an incredible stepping stone for young players aiming to grow and get noticed at the highest levels.
My Experience Navigating These Systems
When my child first started playing Pre-ECNL and MLS Next, I was overwhelmed by all the rules. But here’s what I’ve learned:
Start With the Coach or Director:
They know the process and can guide you through it. When my child was asked to guest play for another ECNL team, the club director helped handle the league approval.
Paperwork Matters:
Whether it’s ECNL or MLS Next, you’ll need to stay on top of forms. It’s not fun, but once it’s done, the experience is worth it.
Opportunities Are Unique:
Guest playing can be an incredible chance for your child to grow as a player and build confidence. My child loved the challenge of stepping into a new team dynamic and competing at such a high level.
What Parents Should Know
If your child is invited to guest play, here are some tips to make the process smoother:
Be Proactive: Talk to the coach and club director early. Approvals take time, and you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute.
Stay Within the Rules: Leagues like ECNL and MLS Next are strict about roster limits and eligibility. Double-check everything.
Focus on Development: Guest playing isn’t just about winning games—it’s about giving your child a chance to challenge themselves, learn, and grow.
Final Thoughts
Guest playing in ECNL or MLS Next is a fantastic opportunity for young players to experience elite-level soccer, but it requires some planning and patience.
If your child is interested, start by having an open conversation with their coach or club director.
From my experience, these opportunities can be nerve-wracking but also incredibly rewarding. Seeing my child step into new roles and thrive has been one of the highlights of their soccer journey.
If you have questions or need help feel free to email me at neil@anytime-soccer.com.
