The 7 Elite Academy International Tournament will be presented by the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office in 2025 after a landmark partnership was agreed upon with the Southern Utah region’s destination marketing organization.

Over 400 of the best youth soccer teams from across the world, alongside coaches, families and friends, will gather in St. George, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada, for the international event on February 6-9. The tournament is one of the fastest-growing youth soccer events in the United States attracting hundreds of players from the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and Canada.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Greater Zion, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and boundless outdoor adventures, visitors will have the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most spectacular destinations. Throughout the tournament, players will compete at top-class soccer venues across the area, including facilities in St. George, Washington City, and on the Shivwits Band of Paiutes Reservation. 

Nick Nield, 7 Elite International Tournament Director, said: “We are located in one of the most beautiful areas on the planet and are honored to be partnering with the tourism office there. Our tournament hosts teams from some of the most diverse regions in the world and by bringing them to Southern Utah, we are helping to create a global window into the region.

“Every time we welcome players to Greater Zion, they are blown away by the incredible scenery, facilities and locations we have to offer. It is a fantastic place to visit and play soccer.

“Our tournament has grown from just 70 locally based teams in 2018 to well over 400 teams from across the world anticipated in 2025 and with support from the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office, I am confident we can grow even further.”

Located in the southwest corner of Utah, Greater Zion includes more than 2,400 square miles of incredible adventure. Zion National Park is the third-most visited National Park in the USA. No stranger to sporting events, the region hosts some of the best off-highway vehicle riding in the country, the PGA Championship FedEx Cup, as well as previously several IRONMAN World Championships —  to name a few. 

Chad McWilliams, Manager of Sports and Adventure at Greater Zion, said: “We are proud to be supporting the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament in 2025 to promote our incredible region. We will be working alongside tournament organizers on a variety of initiatives and promotions during the event to maximize our partnership, and to welcome all the participants.

“We see this tournament, which has grown into one of the biggest youth soccer events in Utah, as a great way to showcase our area and its many opportunities to this global audience. We hope the players, their families, and visitors will embrace the inspiration and adventure they find here. While visiting, check out Zion, go for a hike, break out the golf clubs at one of our 14 golf courses, try something new like canyoneering or offroad tours, and explore all there is to do.”

Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Academy Global Director, added: “This partnership will help us to take our tournament to the next level of expansion for national and international youth soccer events. Since 2018, well over 200,000 people have attended our tournament in Southern Utah and enjoyed playing or watching international soccer at some of the country’s best sporting venues.

“It is only natural that we work with Greater Zion to ensure visitors have the best possible experience while they’re in Southern Utah and see the incredible facilities on offer.”