The 7 Elite Academy International Tournament has received entries from hundreds of teams across the United Kingdom, California, Texas, Utah, Arizona, Idaho, Oklahoma and Wyoming.

The three-day youth soccer event, which takes place on February 1-3 in St George, Washington and Mesquite, is expected to break all records for attendance in 2024.

Entries opened at the start of September, but entries have soared past the two-thirds point of expected capacity for teams – and more are ready to sign up in coming weeks.

Players are also expected to fly in from both the West Coast and East Coast of United States, alongside those from the famous Steven Gerrard Academy in Liverpool.

College scouts and professional academy recruiters will be in attendance at the event, after five players were snapped up by UK-based academies during the 2023 tournament.

Nick Nield, 7 Elite Academy International Tournament Director, said: “It has been incredible to see so many teams sign up this early. The numbers are far exceeding our expectations.

“The fact that teams from such a diverse set of locations are taking part just adds to the unique atmosphere we’ll all experience next February. I can’t wait to see the quality of soccer.

“It is testament to the high standards we set in terms of organisation and competition that word has spread so far. I can’t thank our staff enough for their efforts throughout the year.

“We are seeing most brackets filling up very quickly and although we can sometimes re-arrange groups for late additions, I would advise teams to sign up as soon as possible.”

Age groups for the tournament range from Pre Academy to Under-19 level, with all brackets arranged to ensure maximum levels of competitiveness throughout.

High-quality officials from senior leagues in the USA and UK will take charge of games, with penalty kick shootouts to be held after every match for an extra point.

Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Academy Global Director, said: “There is a real momentum building behind this tournament and that is reflected in the remarkable sign-up figures we are seeing.

“From around 1,000 players when we began in 2018, we are expecting to see well over 6,000 players take part in 2024. That rate of growth will soon place us in the top tier of tournaments in the country.

“Our formula is quite simple. We are staging a tournament that will showcase high quality international youth soccer and offer a great day out for all the family.

“By bringing on board partners from leading colleges in the USA and Steven Gerrard Academy from Liverpool, we are creating a platform for players to shine at all age groups.

“Our combination of competition, opportunity and entertainment is unique in tournament soccer. That is why we’re getting such fantastic interest from across the world.”