The 7 Elite Academy International Tournament will once again be presented by the Greater Zion Utah Convention & Tourism Office when it returns to Southwest Utah on February 5–7, 2026.
A record 450 teams have registered, including clubs from the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and New Zealand, bringing thousands of players, coaches, and supporters to the region for one of the fastest-growing international youth soccer tournaments in the country.
2026 marks the second year of the partnership, following the successful launch of Greater Zion’s presenting sponsorship in 2025.
Greater Zion spans over 2,400 square miles of dramatic landscapes with a variety of outdoor adventures and world-class amenities, including the world-famous Zion National Park. Tournament matches will again be played at leading venues across Southwest Utah and Nevada, including the spectacular new Shivwitz complex.
“Our partnership with Greater Zion plays a vital role in bringing the best international youth soccer to Southern Utah,” said Nick Nield, 7 Elite Academy International Tournament Director. “Our first year working together in 2025 allowed thousands of visiting players and families to discover one of the most breathtaking and diverse destinations on earth. We started with just 70 local teams in 2018 now more than 450 teams from across the world are joining us in 2026. It’s an exciting time for our tournament, and for our continued collaboration with the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office.”
Greater Zion is home to renowned outdoor experiences and hosts some iconic sporting events, including the PGA Tour Bank of Utah Championship, the Huntsman World Senior Games, and the Red Bull Rampage.
“We’re thrilled to support the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament for a second year,” said Chad McWilliams, Sports and Adventure Sales Manager at Greater Zion. “Sharing our incredible region with a global audience is at the heart of what we do. At the 2025 tournament, visiting teams and families embraced the adventure, whether through hiking, golf, canyoneering, off-road tours, or simply taking in the scenery. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors in 2026.”
The tournament has delivered a significant tourism impact since its launch. Since 2018, an estimated 250,000 players, coaches, and supporters have visited Southwest Utah as part of the event, staying in local hotels, dining at local restaurants, and exploring the region’s natural wonders.
“The extension of this partnership reflects the global reach and growing reputation of our tournament,” added Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Academy Global Director. “The feedback from players and families in 2025 was extraordinary. I personally took several teams on hikes, and they experienced moments they will remember for a lifetime. We are excited to continue bringing the world to Greater Zion in 2026.”