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Riverhounds Development Academy Big Announcement – Youth Girls Teams Join ECNL

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy promised a “big” announcement at halftime of tonight’s pro club team game between the Hounds and Wilmington Hammerheads. 
The RDA announced that they will participating in the Elite Clubs National League for its Girls teams.  
Here’s the release that went along with announcement at the game…
Riverhounds Development Academy Girls Join ECNL for 2017
RDA Girls one of four teams from PA in ECNL
PITTSBURGH (August 24, 2016) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy Girls (RDA) have officially been invited to join the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) of US Club Soccer for the 2017 season. Expected to be announced formally by the ECNL tomorrow, the RDA Girls join the highest level of play for youth female soccer players in the United States.
 
“This is a very proud moment for our Club, but beyond that, it is a positive step for soccer in our area,” said Academy and Youth Development Director, Jason Kutney. “We have strived to help stimulate opportunities through the MLS-USL Academy Initiative on the boy’s side and now, ECNL on the girl’s side. Our goal remains the same – we aim to contribute to soccer in a meaningful way. Female players will have an unparalleled opportunity to compete against the best in the country and we are extremely pleased to help bring this to Pittsburgh.”
 
A milestone achievement in the advancement of the RDA competitive team platform, the Academy Girls will join an elite league of competition featuring only 84 clubs nationwide that showcases female players in front of an enormous audience of college coaches across the country in highly exclusive events. Of the now four clubs in Pennsylvania, only the RDA is located in the western part of the Keystone State – the other three are in Downingtown, Richboro and Westown, respectively.
 
Competition in the ECNL for the RDA Girls will start fully in fall of 2017, but the Academy may be involved in select events throughout the current 2016-17 year.
 
For further information on the ECNL, visit the League site at Eliteclubsnationalleague.com.
 

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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