Wilmington and its Island Beaches will welcome Elite Clubs National League [ECNL] back to nCino Sports Park when the league returns for youth soccer competitions during back-to-back weekends in October. This marks ECNL’s second all-girls national event in the area, now expanded to include an additional weekend for an all-boys national event.
During October 11-13, seventy-six (76) soccer teams will participate in the three-day all-girls national event featuring U11-U14 age groups. The following weekend, October 17-19, seventy-two (72) teams will participate in the all-boys national event, also featuring U11-U14 age groups.
The ECNL North Carolina national events allow these teams to play three games against teams that are outside of their normal conference play.
In addition to participating athletes, approximately 1,000 families are expected for both events, bringing nearly 5,000 visitors to our destination over the course of two weekends. Athletes and their families will stay in a variety of local accommodations and experience the destination through its shops, restaurants, and attractions. Both events combined are projected to generate an estimated $1.1 million in economic impact, providing a significant boost to the local economy during the off-peak season.
“We are thrilled to be returning to Wilmington for the ECNL North Carolina events for multiple weekends this year,” states ECNL President Christian Lavers. “The City of Wilmington, the CVB, and the Hammerheads organization have all been incredibly welcoming to the ECNL and the clubs, and we're excited to be able to bring more players and families to this wonderful region. NCino Sports Park is an outstanding facility, and we can't wait for two incredible weekends of soccer!”
The nCino sports park, operated by the Wilmington Hammerheads Youth Soccer Club, was completed in September of last year, and includes 11 full-size sports fields, a 3,000 square-foot building with shelter, first aid, and bathroom facilities.
“We are very pleased to once again host the Elite Clubs National League in Wilmington and even more excited to grow the event with a second weekend of competition,” states Molly Johnson, vice-president of sales & services for the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Hosting sporting events in Wilmington and our island beaches offers athletes and their families an excellent opportunity to experience our destination. We look forward to welcoming them back for future competitions and family getaways.”
There are no comments
Please login to post comments