The 7 Elite Academy International Tournament will welcome an expanded group of FIVE TEAMS from Liverpool to Southern Utah and Nevada next February.
The popular youth soccer event – which runs from February 5 to February 7 – will now feature two Under-15s teams, alongside Under-16s and Under-17s teams from 7 Elite Academy UK.
There will also be an Under-18s team from Player Pathway partners Marine AFC.
Teams from New Zealand and England have already been announced as attending, with more from overseas and out of state ready to sign up in coming weeks.
Over 350 teams played in the tournament in 2025 – a total that is certain to be surpassed far ahead of schedule as its popularity continues to grow.
Games will take place at leading venues in St George, Washington and Mesquite, as well as the brand-new Shivwitz complex that features five full-sized natural grass soccer fields.
Nick Nield, Tournament Director at the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament, is looking forward to seeing the UK players once again face teams in Utah.
He said: “Every year, we see teams from Liverpool bring great passion to their games and make a huge difference to the atmosphere at our tournament.
“I expect more of the same in 2026, when we will have teams from across the world, including New Zealand, UK and Europe compete for glory in Southern Utah.
“Our region not only boasts great facilities for soccer, but also outstanding universities and of course, the incredible scenery, hikes and trails that Utah is famous for.
“I look forward to welcoming teams from across the world to the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament and hope they have a fantastic time!”
In recent years, 7 Elite Academy has seen its players achieve college scholarships in the United States, alongside professional contracts and employment in the United Kingdom.
Many of those players travelled to the USA for tournaments and college tours, as well as showcase events and trips to meet professional recruiters.
Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Global Academy Director, said: “This tour is a unique opportunity for this group of players to lay down the foundations for a brilliant future in football and education.
“The 7 Elite Academy International Tournament is one of the fastest-growing youth football events in America and includes some of the best teams from across the world.
“It is regarded as a hub for college scouts and professional recruiters to discover the best young talent and sign them up to scholarships and training contracts.
“By combining this event with tours of local universities, we are creating an experience that other players in our academy will look forward to and want to attend in years to come.”