The 7 Elite Academy International Tournament will welcome Waikato United Football Academy from New Zealand to Southern Utah in 2026.
Based in Hamilton, Waikato United will enter a team into the 2010 (Under-16) Boys category at the tournament, which takes place on February 5-7.
It will be the first time a team from New Zealand has played in the event, with more clubs from the UK, Europe and Canada also expected to enter.
They will travel to Utah to play in the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament and Las Vegas Mayors Cup as part of a two-week tour.
Anthony Godfrey, Global Director at 7 Elite Academy, is delighted to bring a team from a new region to the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament.
He said: “It is fantastic news that Waikato United Football Academy from New Zealand will play at our tournament next year.
“They will bring a new culture and competitive spirit to all the games, which is something I am really looking forward to seeing.
“It is the first time a team from New Zealand will attend our tournament and shows the growing reputation we have across the world.
“There is more interest than ever from out of state and international clubs, so this is a great opportunity for local teams to play new opposition.”
Registration for the event is now open, with over 450 teams from across the world expected to take part in Pre Academy to Under-19 categories.
There will no longer be a requirement for teams to use ‘Stay and Play’ for accommodation, although there is a list of trusted hotel partnersThere will also be no Sunday play.
Che Bunce, Head Coach of Waikato United Football Academy Under-16 Boys, is looking forward to making the trip to Utah.
He said: “We have watched the growth of the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament over the last few years and it’s a great event for us to enter.
“The level of competition will be extremely high and we are looking forward to playing new teams from Utah and the surrounding region.
“We will also be playing in the Las Vegas Mayors Cup a week later as part of a two-week football and educational tour.
“This will be a great opportunity for our players and staff to experience the incredible sights, facilities and atmosphere that Southern Utah has to offer.”