Marine AFC Academy makes league debut
7 Elite Academy’s partnership with Marine AFC will make its competitive debut when Marine AFC Academy Under-23s host Moreton in the West Cheshire League on August 1st (7.45pm).
As part of the partnership, 7 Elite Academy manages the weekend Marine AFC’s Under-18s and Under-23s programmes, creating a pathway from grassroots football to the National League.
That pathway has already seen 7 Elite Academy youngster Jules Flanagan make his debut for Marine AFC’s first team this month, with more set to follow next season.
Admission for the game at the Marine Travel Arena is £3 for adults, £1 for children and £1 for season ticket holders.
Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Academy Global Director, is looking forward to seeing the team make its competitive debut at the Marine Travel Arena.
He said: “It’s exciting to get up and running with the league campaign and hopefully the players will gain a lot from it in terms of their future and where they want to get to.
“Since we agreed this partnership in May, we have held trials and coaching sessions to build a team that we believe will compete in the West Cheshire League.
“It’s been a lot of hard work for everyone involved, but I want to thank Marine AFC for making sure we have everything we need to get started.
“We’ve already seen Jules Flanagan make his debut for the club’s first team and we’re working closely with Marine AFC to make sure the pathway continues to progress.
“There will also be opportunities for players to travel to the United States to play in college showcase tournaments and meet college recruiters.”
Former 7 Elite Academy player Josh Miles signed a professional contract with Blackpool in 2023, while countless others have moved into senior football or gained college scholarships in the USA.
James Leary, CEO at Marine AFC, said: “Since we began our partnership with 7 Elite Academy, I have been hugely impressed by their professional approach to building a competitive squad.
“It will be great to see the players run out at the MTA on August 1st, as we continue to develop our partnership.
“Our senior management team, led by First Team Manager Bobby Grant, will be keeping a keen eye on the 7Elite Under-23s and Under-18s teams in addition and the Under-19 academy ran by Access Sport throughout the season.
“We also have great numbers recruited for the Academy which is helping young people create a future for themselves that includes both football and education.”