Two youngsters from Liverpool returned to the UK with championship and finalist medals after playing in one of the biggest football tournaments in the United States.

Joel Skillen and Dylan Crawford, who both play for 7 Elite Academy Under-18s at Litherland Sports Park in Sefton, flew to Utah to take part in the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament.

The trip was part of 7 Elite Academy’s international exchange program, which has already seen numerous young people from Liverpool accept scholarship offers from leading colleges in the USA.

During their week-long stay in the USA, the youngsters joined team-mates from 7 Elite SABA 04 and 06 Boys for the competition, which attracted thousands of players to venues in Utah and Nevada.

And following an intense three days of competition, the pair emerged with highly-rated honours, including a winners medal for Joel and a finalists medal for Dylan.

7 Elite Academy Director, Anthony Godfrey, was delighted with the players’ performances during the event, which is in its sixth year.

He said: “Dylan and Joel conducted themselves extremely well in the United States and are shining examples of how our Player Pathway program is helping young people achieve their ambitions.

“Joel has already played in competitions with the 06 Boys this season, while Dylan won our tournament with a team of UK-based players at the start of 2020.

“They found differences in playing styles compared to teams in the UK, but were able to adapt. They formed strong partnerships with their 7 Elite SABA team mates very quickly.

“As well as coming home with medals, both players also met with college coaches and are now looking forward to developing those contacts to help further their educational ambitions.”

The 7 Elite Academy International Tournament is spread over top-class youth football venues in Saint George and Washington in Southern Utah, and Mesquite in Nevada.

This year’s event featured a record 360 teams and 540 games, with plans to expand capacity even further for 2024.
Dylan who played for 7 Elite SABA 04 Boys, said: “This trip has been a great opportunity to play a different style of football and represent 7 Elite Academy UK in the United States.

“It’s opened more categories for me in terms of getting scholarships out here, and routes to achieving those ambitions. It has been a very exciting tournament to play in.

“My mom rang me and said I had been selected for the trip. I was very happy because these things don’t come along for other players, but with 7 Elite Academy in the UK it is very regular.”

Joel, who was part of the 7 Elite SABA 06 Boys team, added: “I’ve already been to a tournament in Washington with 7 Elite Academy this season, which was a great opportunity to make contacts with college coaches.

“This tournament is another great opportunity, which along with our run in the FA Youth Cup means we’ve had a great season so far.”