Hundreds of young people in St. George kicked off a week of top-flight soccer training with 7 Elite Academy as part of a series of free and exclusive coaching masterclasses.

The players have been joined by coaching staff from leading English Premier League sides for the three-day camp, following similar sessions held in Salt Lake City and Northern Utah last month.

The masterclass is part of a year-long programme of events, designed to bring the best international coaching techniques to young players and staff at 7 Elite Academy.

Sessions for players start on Tuesday at Little Valley Soccer Fields and are set to continue until Thursday, focussing on a range of basic and advanced coaching techniques.

Anthony Godfrey, Global Technical Director at 7 Elite Academy, said: “These sessions in St. George are part of our commitment to providing professional coaching to every single 7 Elite Academy player.

“They give our youngsters the opportunity to experience how players in the world's top leagues work with coaching staff and how they take full account for their fitness, both on and off the pitch.

“We have developed session plans that include all parts of the game, including dedicated goalkeeper development techniques.

“I am incredibly grateful to the coaches who have travelled over to Utah this week, following what would have been very busy seasons for them all in the EPL.”

Each session will be overseen by a member of 7 Elite Academy’s coaching staff, most of whom have also worked with players from top leagues across the world.

Wayne Scholes, Chief Executive at 7 Elite Academy, added: “The continuing education of young people is at the very core of what we do, from the very first sessions in Pre-Academy to senior players who are looking at college or even professional soccer.

“The fact that we can offer these masterclasses on a regular basis is a massive benefit for youngsters who may be considering joining our tryouts later this month.

“We are determined to keep on developing new and exciting coaching opportunities for players and coaching staff, both here in Utah and at other 7EA locations across the world.

“Where else can you get a free Masterclass Camp from Premier League Academy coaches every single year? Giving these kinds of opportunities to our players is that extra commitment and value that is important to us at 7 Elite Academy.”

Click here to read more about the 7 Elite Academy tryouts.