Premier League and England star Stephen Warnock is backing the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament in 2024 to be a “breakthrough event” for youth soccer in Utah.

Warnock, who played over 200 games in the Premier League and also for England, will be at the popular tournament in Southern Utah and Nevada on February 1-3.

He is a Global Ambassador for 7 Elite Academy and also provides regular commentary for Premier League coverage by NBC, BBC and Sky in the United States and United Kingdom.

The former Liverpool defender believes an explosion of interest in all areas of the game can only add to the expectation of another record-breaking tournament in 2024.

He said: “Interest in soccer in the United States is at an all-time high, especially with the Women’s World Cup taking place this year and the men’s World Cup in North America in 2026.

“If you look at players like Lionel Messi coming to play here as well, it’s giving soccer in the USA even more coverage on a global scale. That is developing a bigger platform for youngsters to show off their abilities.

“This year, young people on the 7 Elite Academy Player Pathway have signed contracts with professional clubs and training academies in the UK, as well as gaining college scholarships in the USA.

“Our tournament is helping even more youngsters get the kind of exposure that leads to opportunities with colleges and professional clubs. This can be a breakthrough event for countless youngsters taking part.”

Last year’s 7 Elite Academy International Tournament was contested by over 360 teams and early indications point to another sell-out of places in all age groups.

As well as three days of high-quality soccer – including penalty kicks after every game – there will be all-day entertainment at venues, as well as food options for all tastes.

The quality of pitches, venues and officials is a key selling point for the tournament, as is the presence of scouts from leading colleges in the USA and training academies in the UK.

Warnock added: “Every time I come to the 7 Elite Academy Tournament, I see a marked increase in the quality of play across all age groups. Last year it was especially clear.

“Not only does that give scouts an opportunity to see the best players in Utah, but it also means teams are more closely matched, which then leads to a better tournament for everyone.

“We are seeing more and more clubs from out of state and overseas attend, which also leads to better quality games. This is a tournament that is getting better every year.”