We are Club of the Year!
7 Elite Academy UK has been named Club of the Year at the Liverpool FA Grassroots Football Awards.
The prestigious honour comes after 7 Elite Academy UK was selected as a finalist alongside Bootle Bucks and Sirens FC, recognising the Academy’s contribution to grassroots football and player development across the region.
The Club of the year award will be officially presented at a ceremony later this year, celebrating outstanding clubs, coaches, volunteers and individuals from across the local football community.
7 Elite Academy UK forms part of a growing global youth football network, with academies and educational programmes operating across the United Kingdom, United States and South Africa.
Based at Litherland Sports Park, the Academy provides a complete development pathway for players of all ages, from its Pre-Academy programme through to senior football, supported by its partnership with Marine AFC.
The Grassroots Football Awards celebrate the people and organisations whose dedication, commitment and passion make grassroots football such an important and positive part of communities across the country.
Player development sits at the heart of 7 Elite Academy’s philosophy. The Academy maintains strong relationships with professional club academies across the North-West and has established a Player Pathway partnership with National League club Marine AFC, creating further opportunities for talented players to progress.
Bob Carter, Coach of 7 Elite Academy’s Under-12s Nemeziz, was also nominated as a finalist in the Male of Coach of the Year category.
Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Academy Global Director, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the hard work of everyone connected with this academy has been recognised.
“When we created 7 Elite Academy UK in 2019, we wanted to inspire opportunities for players to join EFL academies, colleges in the USA and National League clubs. That is why I am so proud today.
“Not only that, but we also had an aim of making football accessible for all parts of the community, regardless of age, gender or ability to pay.
“I can’t thank our coaches, staff and volunteers enough for their hard work and dedication throughout the year in making sure the players who join us are given every opportunity to thrive.
“Bob’s nomination as a finalist in the Male Coach of the Year category is further evidence of the passion for youth development that exists throughout our academy.”
Players are also given opportunities beyond the UK, including an annual trip to the United States each February, where they can compete in international tournaments, experience different football environments and visit colleges as part of the Academy’s wider development programme.
Those international opportunities form an important part of 7 Elite Academy’s global approach, giving young players the chance to experience different cultures, meet players from around the world and create memories that extend far beyond football.
The Academy’s work is supported by a network of coaches, staff, volunteers and families who contribute throughout the season. Their commitment plays a major role in creating the environment that allows players to train, compete and develop week after week.
7 Elite Academy UK has continued to grow in recent years, but its focus remains firmly on providing a supportive, ambitious and enjoyable football environment for young people across the Liverpool City Region. The Club of the Year award recognises not only results on the pitch, but the wider impact a football club can have on its players and community.
For 7 Elite Academy UK, the recognition represents an important milestone and reflects the work taking place across every age group within the club. It is also a reflection of the players and families who represent the Academy every week, as well as the coaches and staff who dedicate their time to helping young footballers reach their potential.
Being named Club of the Year is a proud moment for everyone connected with 7 Elite Academy UK and provides further motivation for the Academy to continue developing opportunities for young players in the years ahead.