Jacksonville / JASA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jacksonville, NC — March 25, 2026 — Jacksonville Hammerheads Soccer Club is proud to announce its acceptance into the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) Boys Regional League for the 2026–27 season.

This milestone represents a significant step forward in the club’s ongoing commitment to providing a high-level development environment for players in the greater Jacksonville community and surrounding areas. Participation in the ECNL Boys Regional League will offer Hammerheads players increased exposure, elevated competition, and a clearly defined pathway within the highest level of youth soccer in the United States.

A distinguishing feature of the ECNL Boys Regional League is its club-based competition model, where teams across all six age groups compete on the same day at a single facility. This structure fosters a true club environment, strengthens player identity, and creates a more connected and consistent experience for athletes, coaches, and families.

Within the broader Hammerheads Soccer Club player pathway, this milestone strengthens alignment across all levels of the game. The Wilmington Hammerheads will continue to compete in the ECNL’s top national league, and beginning this fall, Jacksonville Hammerheads ECNL Regional League players will now have a clear pathway into the highest level of youth soccer in the United States. This alignment creates meaningful opportunities for ambitious players from Jacksonville, Swansboro, New Bern, and surrounding communities to progress within a unified system while remaining connected to their local club environment.

“This is an exciting moment for our club and our players,” said Justin Moose, Jacksonville Hammerheads Director of Coaching. “Being accepted into the ECNL Boys Regional League reflects the hard work of our players, coaches, and families. This membership reinforces our commitment to long-term player development and represents the highest league in which we will have ever competed here in Jacksonville. It comes with challenges and it won't be easy. The league’s club-based format, combined with our connection within the Hammerheads Soccer Club, allows us to provide a true pathway for players with ambitions to reach the highest levels of the game.”

The ECNL Boys Regional League is known for its competitive standards and emphasis on player development, providing a structured platform for clubs striving to advance within the ECNL system. Jacksonville Hammerheads will join a network of like-minded clubs dedicated to fostering growth both on and off the field.

More details regarding team formation, tryouts, and league play will be announced in the coming months.

For more information about Jacksonville Hammerheads Soccer Club, please visit hammerheads.soccer or contact Justin Moose, Jacksonville Hammerheads Director of Coaching, moose@jasa-nc.com.