“It’s a World Cup year in North America, so there’s an extra spark of excitement” – those are the words of Liverpool and England defender Stephen Warnock, who will offer advice on careers in professional soccer at the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament, presented by Greater Zion next month.
Warnock enjoyed a lengthy career at the top level of English soccer, playing over 270 games in the Premier League and was a member of the England World Cup squad in 2010.
He is currently a highly-respected televised soccer analyst with NBC Sports in the United States and also works with the BBC and Sky Sports in the UK, covering the EPL, Champions League and international games.
The 7 Elite Academy International Tournament features teams from across the USA, UK, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and Europe, with over 450 teams due to part.
Matches will be hosted at leading youth soccer venues in St George, Washington and Mesquite on February 5-7.
Warnock, who played 540 games during his professional soccer career in England, said: “The standard on show at the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament is always brilliant and every year it gets better.
“There are more international teams than ever in 2026, so that upward trend will undoubtedly continue. It’s a World Cup year in North America, there’s an extra spark of excitement.
“I want professional clubs in England and across the world to continue recognising the talent we see and give players from the USA an opportunity to follow their ambitious of playing professionally.
“There is regular flow of youngsters joining academies in the UK after playing at our tournament and I am happy to help players start their journey towards a career in the game.
“I will be available to offer advice on working in soccer, but also how young people can follow alternative routes to coaching or even a career in the media.”
Places for this year’s 7 Elite Academy International Tournament sold out earlier than ever, with all brackets through to Under-18 now full, although limited places remain in Pre Academy.
Nick Nield, Tournament Director, added: “There is a definite dose of World Cup fever in the air and I am expecting that to reach critical levels during our tournament!
“Having a player with Stephen’s experience – he was a squad member with England at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa – will only add to that feeling of excitement.
“Soccer is a global sport and as a country we are honored to be hosting the World Cup. By having so many international teams in Utah next month, we will be mirroring the World Cup atmosphere.
“We will have something for everyone at our main venues, with all-day entertainment, food and fun for all the family. Let’s make it a three-day celebration of international soccer!”