Henrico, VA (November 8, 2022) – The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), the premier youth soccer league in the United States, and Continental Tire, one of the oldest independent and largest tire manufacturers in the world, today announced a multi-year partnership. As the ECNL player pathway continues to bring access and opportunities to support players in reaching their potential, this sponsorship will support celebrated and emerging ECNL programs.
The partnership highlights Continental Tire’s continued and deep support of sport and soccer nationally and is the first youth sports partner for Continental Tire. The ECNL is the leading path for youth players to the collegiate and pro level making the partnership a logical extension of Continental Tire’s established commitment to the game at the professional level.
As an Official Partner of the ECNL, Continental Tire will have exclusivity in the passenger automobile and light truck tires and tire brands category for the League. Additionally, Continental’s sponsorship includes:
- “The Zone, presented by Continental Tire” - The Zone presented by Continental Tire will offer an on-site experiential platform at national and regional showcase events.
- “Road Trip Derby Day, driven by Continental Tire” – This new program established in 2022 highlights interleague play between rival teams, reaching into grassroots league play supporting the athletes in their hometowns.
- “Continental Tire ECNL National Selection Games” – The National Selection Games are the premiere showcase events giving athletes access and a platform for collegiate and pro careers with dozens of coaches attending as well as the support of clubs throughout the league.
- “Breaking The Lines: The ECNL Podcast” – Continental Tire will be the sponsor and exclusive supplier of the Product Category in biweekly “Breaking the Lines: The ECNL Podcast”, monthly Instagram promotion featuring Continental on the Companies’ feeds.
“The ECNL has a history of developing player programs to enhance the player experience and broaden the opportunities for player development. Continental Tire’s commitment will help power continued offerings for players,” commented Andrea Wheeler, Creative Director, The ECNL. “The shared commitment to raising the game through the support of youth sport programming makes Continental Tire a natural and welcome extension of the ECNL family.”
“When players look back at the thrill and excitement of the ECNL experience, so much will be captured in their road to success – the family time, the teammates, and the drive to be their best,” commented Travis Roffler, Director of Marketing for Continental Tire. “We have a long history of supporting and celebrating soccer in the United States. The ECNL is the premiere youth soccer organization in the United States, and we are thrilled to be a part of the ECNL journey and experience.”
About the ECNL:
The ECNL is the nation’s leading youth soccer development platform. The ECNL respects and celebrates the unique individuality of every youth soccer player and club, supporting and enabling them to unleash their unfettered passion and fierce tenacity in striving to achieve their potential.
The ECNL’s mission to Raise the Game is a total commitment to create the best possible environment for players, coaches, referees, and administrators, with a determination to constantly question convention and challenge the status quo in youth sports.
The ECNL Commitment:
We will lead, set our eyes on new horizons, and pursue them relentlessly. Born out of the belief in a better way. Continued in the ever-evolving pursuit of excellence.