7 Elite Academy Chief Executive Wayne Scholes expects the launch of 7EA in East Africa to pay dividends for talented young soccer players in Tanzania and further afield.

The Academy's latest expansion was launched in a blaze of publicity on Saturday, in front of a packed press conference in the Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam.

Staff from 7EA will work to improve the prospects of young players and coaches across Tanzania, staging a wide range coaching and educational courses.

The move marks a further development for 7 Elite Academy, following the announcement of a new 45-acre indoor and outdoor training camp in Southern Utah.

Scholes, who lived and worked in Africa for a number of years before moving to the United States, said: “I am so happy to be launching in East Africa. I have spent many years both living and working in different countries in Africa, and found that it is an easy continent to fall in love with.

“Launching an academy there is such a great opportunity to help coach really talented players that are so ready and excited to be the best.

“With the amazing talent that is there we are looking forward to seeing great things from the 7 Elite Academy Tanzania players.”

The Academy will be run on a day-to-day basis by Reggie Wilson, who has spent a number of years building links with soccer clubs across Tanzania.

A delegation of 7EA staff met with high-ranking Tanzanian government officials during a visit to launch the project this weekend.

Scholes added: “I have watched this project develop from an initial idea last year to fruition this week and I am so grateful for the hard work from everyone involved, especially Reggie.

“We have already proved how our processes are working well to help young people in Utah, so it is a logical step to take those successes and work with players further afield.

“This is an exciting time for everyone here at 7 Elite Academy on so many fronts, both in Utah and across the world. 

“These links we are building will lead to even more exciting opportunities for our players and coaching staff to enjoy enriching soccer experiences within other cultures.”