A group of over 50 youth footballers from 7 Elite Academy have returned home after a two-week tour of the United States, where they played in several high-profile tournaments, and visited college and universities.

The youngsters, who all train in Sefton, flew out to Utah to play in the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament, before travelling to Nevada to compete in the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup.

They were also given an extensive tour of Utah Tech University and attended seminars with colleges recruiters, as they look to secure college scholarships and professional trials.

7 Elite Academy runs teams, coaching sessions and educational programmes for thousands of youth players in the United Kingdom, United States and Africa.

The tour was part of 7 Elite Academy’s Player Pathway youth development programme, which organises overseas tournaments and educational tours for players and staff throughout the season.

Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Academy’s Global Director, said: “This tour was an opportunity for our players in Under-14 and Under-19 age groups to get a firm understanding of the opportunities available in football and education.

“They played football against some very good youth teams from across the world, which will give them the experience to develop new skills in their own game moving forwards.

“But the interaction with college coaches will also prove vital to their long-term futures. Many recruiters were very impressed the players’ attitudes, both within football and their approach to education.

“They also attracted the attention of scouts from organisations closely linked with Major League Soccer, further expanding the opportunities available to them.

“One of the highlights for me was seeing the players grow their personalities during the tour and create memories that will always live with them. That was so great to see.”

The tour was run in partnership with AFC Liverpool, which works closely with 7 Elite Academy to run the club’s Under-18 and Under-21 teams and create further opportunities in senior football.

Players spent almost a year fundraising and gaining sponsorship to pay for the trip, alongside raising awareness of 7 Elite Academy’s programme within their local communities.

Anthony added: “The players were asked to conduct themselves with professionalism throughout the tour, from the flights and hotels, through to how they ate and prepared for games.

“I can’t praise the players enough for their attitude, which was exemplary and I know it certainly impressed the college scouts who were watching their games.

“The next step is up to them, however. We have given the players the best possible springboard, but they must push on from here and use the experience to reach their potential.

“That includes working hard on their game of course, but also reaching out to the colleges they visited in America and speaking directly with the recruiters they met.

“That will help them to stand out and show how they can benefit from the programmes on offer. By doing that, they will secure a good future for themselves in football and education.”