The 7 Elite Academy International Tournament presented by Greater Zion will feature even more overseas players in 2025 after Bournville Under-18s Girls from the United Kingdom signed up to take part.

The club, based in Birmingham in the United Kingdom, currently plays in the world-renowned Junior Premier League UK and has close working links with professional clubs, academies and universities in the Birmingham and Midlands region.

A team of Under-18s Girls will play in the High School Girls brackets at the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament, which takes place over four action-packed days from February 6-9 at venues in Southern Utah and Nevada.

They are the first female overseas team to play in the tournament, with hundreds more teams and players from across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Europe also registered.

Robert Gray, Head Coach of Bournville FC, said: “This trip is a fantastic opportunity for our Under-18s Girls to gain a unique perspective of football and life in the United States.

“By travelling to Utah, they will not only play in a highly competitive tournament, but they will also create contacts that will serve them well in the future when looking for the next steps in their education.

“Every single player who makes the trip has been selected for their undoubted passion and talent when playing soccer, but also their potential to make the most of the opportunities presented to them.

“7 Elite Academy has been brilliant in organising this trip and I can’t thank them enough. The application process and travel arrangements have been first class.”

The tournament has developed into one of the biggest international youth soccer events in St George, Washington and Mesquite, with over 10,000 visitors expected to descend on the region.

They will enjoy incredible scenery and leisure activities in the region, as part of a four-day festival of international youth sport. It is estimated the event generates well in excess of over $1m additional revenue for locals towns.

Nick Nield, 7 Elite Academy International Tournament Director, said: “It is great to see so many overseas teams sign up for our tournament, especially those from the UK.

“Bournville will give the High School Girls bracket an extra edge in 2025 and I am absolutely certain they will provide the US teams with a huge challenge. I am looking forward to seeing their games.

“There is already a huge buzz around this tournament, especially with all the new sponsors and teams coming on board. It is hard to believe there’s still two months left before it starts!

“I would certainly urge any teams who want to play at our tournament in 2025 to register as soon as possible. It is very likely that we will close registrations early, given the remarkable levels of interest we are seeing.”