[ECNL] The Elite Clubs National League has hired Jay Howell as its first executive director. In his role, Howell will be responsible for overseeing all league activities and managing the national girls league's external partnerships. Sarah Kate Noftsinger will continue as the ECNL Commissioner, managing league operations and administration.

“We are really excited to have Jay join the ECNL on a full-time basis,” said ECNL President Christian Lavers. “Not only has Jay been a part of the ECNL from its inception, he also brings a wealth of soccer and management experience to the league, and will help us continue to make the ECNL the best female youth soccer developmental platform in the world.”

Howell worked as the director of coaching at CASL for 11 years and executive director/director of coaching for Birmingham United Soccer Association for the past two years.   

Jay will be based in Richmond, Va., where he will also serve as the ECNL director for the Richmond Strikers.