Wilmington, N.C. - October 4, 2024: On October 12-14, 2024, travel industry partners in Wilmington and its island beaches will welcome the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) for their first all-girls national event at the recently completed nCino Sports Park. 

Sixty-two (62) teams will participate in the three-day national event featuring U12, U13, and U14 age groups. Approximately 900 families are expected, bringing between 1,500 and 2,000 visitors to our destination. The ECNL North Carolina national event allows these teams to play three games against teams that are outside of their normal conference play. Participants and their families will stay at a variety of lodging properties and shop, dine and play in local establishments. The economic impact of this event is estimated at approximately $2 million, creating a welcome boost to the economy during our off-peak season. 

“Wilmington is a fantastic city to host ECNL North Carolina,” said ECNL Girls Commissioner Ralph Richards. “With more than 60 teams traveling to the area for the weekend, the city is a prime location for many of the ECNL’s East Coast clubs, and nCino Sports Park is an outstanding facility to host our clubs this weekend.” 

The new nCino sports park, operated by the Wilmington Hammerheads Youth Soccer Club, was completed in September of this year, and includes 11 full-size sports fields, a 3,000 square-foot building with shelter, first aid, and bathroom facilities. 

“We are excited to welcome the Elite Clubs National League to Wilmington for the first time to utilize the newly completed nCino Sports Park,” states John Sneed, vice-president of sales & services for the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Hosting tournaments and sports events in Wilmington and our Island Beaches provides a wonderful opportunity for athletes and their families to explore our destination. We hope that everyone enjoys their experience and will return for future athletic events and family vacations.”  

The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place.  

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For more information or questions regarding the ECNL Tournament, please contact Ryan Bothmann via email at ryan@theecnl.com.  

Contact:
Hannah Almeter
Communications/PR Manager
Wilmington and Beaches CVB
910-341-4030 x126
866-266-9690
halmeter@wilmingtonandbeaches.com