Marine AFC Under-17s to tour USA
Marine AFC will send a team of Under-17 Boys to the United States to play in the two of the biggest youth football tournaments in the country next February.
The team will play in the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament and Las Vegas Mayors Cup, while also touring local colleges and universities.
Over 500 teams from across the world will travel to Southern Utah and Nevada for the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament, which takes place on February 4-7, 2027.
The players will then travel to play in the Las Vegas Mayors Cup in Nevada a week later, while also touring D1 College Utah Tech University in Southern Utah.
Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Academy Technical Director, said: “This two-week tour is an incredible opportunity for the players to play football in a spectacular part of the United States.
“They will experience different football cultures from across the world and make friendships that will last them a lifetime.
“Just as importantly, they will meet college recruiters and coaches that could start the process towards gaining a college scholarship.
“Several players who travelled with us in 2026 are now studying with full time college scholarships in the United States and playing senior soccer.
“We have close working links with colleges in Utah, with many now directly contacting us to find out more about the players travelling with us.”
7 Elite Academy works with Marine AFC as part of its Player Pathway programme, running a number of the club’s teams up to Reserve level and creating regular first team opportunities.
Marine’s Under-18s won their bracket at the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament in 2026 and the club will be looking to add a further title.
Ryan Skeete, Head Coach of Marine AFC Under-17s added: “This is a hugely talented squad, with many players having moved up from the 7 Elite Academy Under-16s recently.
“Many youngsters from this group have signed for professional academies across the North-West and are now playing at a very level. That progress is a huge incentive for any player.
“We’ll be touring one of the biggest universities in Southern Utah, which in itself is a great opportunity to secure the next step on the college scholarship application process.
“Some of the players will be retuning from last year’s squad and everyone is determined to retain the tournament title they worked so hard for in 2026.”