US Tour expanded to five teams
Five teams from 7 Elite Academy in Liverpool will travel to Utah and Las Vegas for an expanded two-week playing and educational tour in February next year.
Two teams in the Under-15 age group, alongside teams in the Under-16 and Under-17 age groups will play in two of the biggest youth football tournaments in the region, as well as touring universities. They will be joined by an Under-18s team from Player Pathway partners Marine AFC.
They will play in the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament from February 5-7, before travelling to Nevada for the Las Vegas Mayors Showcase just a few days later. Waikato Football Academy from New Zealand will also at both events.
The tour is part of 7 Elite Academy’s Player Pathway, which arranges regular tours of the USA for players who want to pursue college scholarship and trial opportunities.
Youngsters also get the chance to train with league clubs and academies throughout the UK, thanks to close working links with the professional game.
Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Global Academy Director, said: “This tour is a unique opportunity for this group of players to lay down the foundations for a brilliant future in football and education.
“The 7 Elite Academy International Tournament is one of the fastest-growing youth football events in America and includes some of the best teams from across the world.
“The Las Vegas Mayors Showcase is regarded as a hub for college scouts and professional recruiters to discover the best young talent and sign them up to scholarships and training contracts.
“By combining these events with tours of local universities, we are creating a tour that other players in our academy will look forward to and want to attend in years to come.”
In recent years, 7 Elite Academy has seen its players achieve college scholarships in the United States, alongside professional contracts and employment in the United Kingdom.
Many of those players travelled to the USA for tournaments and college tours, as well as showcase events and trips to meet professional recruiters.
Nick Nield, Tournament Director at the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament, is looking forward to seeing the UK players once again face teams in Utah.
He said: “Every year, we see teams from Liverpool bring great passion to their games and make a huge difference to the atmosphere at our tournament.
“I expect more of the same in 2026, when we will have teams from across the world, including New Zealand, UK and Europe compete for glory in Southern Utah.
“Our region not only boasts great facilities for soccer, but also outstanding universities and of course, the incredible scenery, hikes and trails that Utah is famous for.
“I look forward to welcoming teams from across the world to the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament and hope they have a fantastic time!”