The record-breaking 7 Elite Academy International Tournament will take place on February 6-9, 2025 – teams are urged to sign up early to avoid missing a place at the newly expanded event.

For the first time, the tournament will include Sunday play for finals in the Under-16 to Under-19 age brackets, creating space for even more teams to take part.

Thousands of players from Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia are expected to gather in Southern Utah and Nevada next year, after up to 500 teams applied to play in the event in 2024.

That total was an all-time high for the tournament, which is now in its eighth year and is regarded as one of the biggest youth soccer events in the Western United States region.

As a result, teams need to register early to secure a place, with many brackets having sold out early for 2024. 

7 Elite Academy Global Director Anthony Godfrey, who saw over 70 overseas players travel to the tournament in 2024, is hoping to add even more international flavour next year.

He said: “We have seen the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament expand into a major event on the youth soccer calendar in this region and 2025 will see even more teams join in.

“Thanks to our newly expanded format, we’re holding finals for Under-16s to Under-19s on the Sunday, which will greatly increase capacity. It will also offer more space for recovery between games.

“We’re looking to bring more international quality teams to the tournament next year, with interest already coming in from several Football League and Premier League clubs in the UK.

“There is a full program of events, entertainment and food planned for every venue, making it a great family weekend with high quality youth soccer at its core.

“Teams must secure their place as soon as possible, as we only have a limited number of places in every bracket.”

The tournament will run at Sullivan Virgin River Soccer Park in Washington, Little Valley Field in St George and Mesquite Regional Sports and Events Complex, as well as other regional centers.

Sunday, February 9th will only be for U16-U19 Finals.  All U9-U15 groups will be completed on February 8th. Mesquite will be the venue for 7v7 and 9v9 matches, while 11v11 matches will be played in St. George.

In 2024, Liverpool and England star Stephen Warnock was joined by Real Salt Lake Head scout Luke Mullholland, alongside recruiters from some of the biggest colleges in Utah and Nevada.

Nick Nield, Tournament Director, expects the influx of teams will create an even bigger benefit for the region next year.

He said: “With a record number of teams needing hotel rooms, restaurants and shops, not to mention hundreds of staff, coaches and families, the economic benefit for the hosts towns is significant.

“We believe the total additional economical income will be well over $1.5m in 2025 and demand will again be huge. We are grateful for the hard work of everyone at the venues and local services.

“Our close working relationships with colleges and professional academies means players have the opportunity to make a big impression on scouts and recruiters.

“Along with a format that encourages competition throughout the age brackets, we are looking forward to putting youth soccer in this region firmly in the spotlight.”