7 Elite Academy UK rounded off the return to grassroots football with a tour of the education pathway available to players from across the world.

The academy has held tournaments and training sessions for Under-15, Under-13 and Under-10 teams to celebrate the end of restrictions on youth sport.

That programme of events began on March 29th and culminated in an insight day at the 7 Elite Academy / Coaching Connexions Programme this week.

The collaboration with Coaching Connexions gives 7 Elite Academy players from the United States and Africa an opportunity to live, train and study in Liverpool over two years.

Anthony Godfrey, President of 7 Elite Academy, said: “The last two weeks have been a great chance to welcome players back from all over the Liverpool grassroots community.

“The overall aim has been to celebrate the return of football, but to also show young people the numerous options on offer here at 7 Elite Academy.

“As well as weekly training sessions and weekend games for all players, we are working closely with Coaching Connexions on our Performance Enhancement Programme.

“Students on the programme study for BTEC qualifications at a dedicated centre in Liverpool, while also training with professional coaches on a daily basis.

“Already, we have students who have secured places at colleges in the United States and we want as many youngsters as possible to enjoy the same opportunities.”

The tournaments and training sessions attracted hundreds of players to 7 Elite Academy’s training ground at Jeffrey Humble Football Centre in Liverpool.

There was also a game between students on the programmme and AFC Liverpool’s Under-18s squad, which is also run by 7 Elite Academy.

Coaching Connexions was established in 2006 and has over 350 students on roll at seven training and education centres spread across the UK.

Gary Judge, Director of Education at Coaching Connexions, said: “I have been so impressed, but not surprised, by the sheer enthusiasm for grassroots football over the last few weeks.

“Our students have worked so hard, both in the classroom and on the training ground, to make the most of the opportunities that we can now offer after the end of restrictions.

“It was also great to see players of all ages enjoying football once again and giving Liverpool’s youth football community and much-needed lift.

“The insight day on Thursday was an excellent chance for players to see how they can benefit from daily study and training sessions with fully-qualified staff in Liverpool.

“It included classroom sessions and work on the training ground, giving them an all-round view of how they can benefit from joining our programme in Liverpool.”