Anonymous wrote:EDP is a great 2nd tier league for smaller or newer clubs that can't or don't want to get into MLSN/ECNL/GA. The out of state (more than MD, PA, NJ, VA, NC) travel commitment is less, so that's less of a financial strain on the families, there are some very talented players/teams that play in EDP.
On the boys side it goes: MLSN, ECNL, EDP
On the girls side is goes: ECNL, GA, EDP
I'm not here to argue (GA vs [ECNL) vs MLSN] - just putting it into perspective for OP.
MLSN, ECNL and GA are all national platform leagues = bigger travel commitment for the players/families multiple times per year to CA, TX, AZ, FL, WA, etc.
ECNL wants both of a club's top boys and girls club in the league, so if you have a GA club and you can't get into MLSN then your boy's program will most likely end up in EDP. I assume the inverse is true, where a boys club is in MLSN and their girls play EDP.
At least on the girls side, the top EDP leagues prior to U13 tend to be future ECNL and GA teams. After U13, I think it depends on if you consider USYS to be part of EDP. If so, then it slots in behind ECNL and GA and above RL. If not, then I think it comes in behind RL