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7EA girls get 'dream' trip to Premier League Academy

By James Shaw, 05/16/19, 6:50AM MDT

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7 Elite Academy will send four female players to train with one of the world's top soccer clubs this summer after they were given the opportunity to take part in coaching sessions in the United Kingdom.

The four girls will travel to the U.K. in August for a one-week Premier League Academy experience, working side by side with some of the finest female players in the English youth system.

They were selected for the life-changing trip by coaching staff during the masterclass camp in Salt Lake City last month.

The girls chosen are Mikayla Wise - 01G, Berkley Payne - 04G, Ashley Garcia - 05G and Kaeda Wilson - 05G.

Anthony Godfrey, Global Technical Director at 7 Elite Academy, said: “We are building a tradition here at 7 Elite Academy for giving youngsters a chance to train with some of the best players in the game.

“This trip is a life-changing opportunity for four of our girls to travel to the UK and learn first-hand how professional players train on a day to day basis.

“These girls know that the future is in their hands and if they perform well in the U.K., it could very bright indeed.

“For girls and boys who train and play with 7 Elite Academy, we will continue to offer these opportunities as we continue to expand, both in Utah and abroad.”

7 Elite Academy recently announced plans for a stunning 45-acre indoor and outdoor training base in Southern Utah, with further designs for a similar base in Northern Utah still under wraps.

The organization also recently launched 7 Elite Academy East Africa, based in Tanzania, and is preparing to open another training base in Europe later this year.

Wayne Scholes, Chief Executive at 7 Elite Academy, said: “I am so excited to see four of our girls being given the chance to train in the U.K., while also having the chance to enjoy a fantastic life-changing experience. 

“These girls are part of a larger group who have worked so hard and that hard work is paying off after they were identified as being of the caliber to get the chance to go to England, the birthplace of soccer, and train with the best in the world. Who knows what will happen after that? These girls really are masters of their own destiny, and 7 Elite Academy is here to help and guide.

“Our job at 7 Elite Academy is to provide the opportunities. That’s what makes us different from being ‘club soccer’ - we are more interested in the future of our players than we are in what league they are playing in here at home. Better opportunities has to be the priority. 

“Six more girls are shortlisted and have just a little more work to do, but were so close to being invited on this trip. 

“This opportunity is the result of a plan laid out at the inception of the Academy to bring these opportunities to our players, and will be the first of what we hope will be many breaks around the world for our Academy players. 

“I hope the other Academy players are paying attention and see that opportunities like this are there and that they just need to keep on working hard, living the values of the Academy and take the chances when they are offered.”

“We already have a professional coaching and playing set-up, but we want to make sure our players develop in all aspects of their lives.

“By joining us a tryouts this month, players can secure their place in the exciting future that we are creating for young people across Utah and the world.”

7EA is holding a series of trials for new and returning players throughout May, starting in Southern Utah and running at locations across the state until May 31st.

There is no charge for current 7 Elite Academy players to take part in tryouts, while others will be charged $10 ($20 if paying on the day) which includes an exclusive tryout jersey.

Age brackets will range from under-9 to under-18, although there will also be sample training sessions for Pre-Academy players in the 2012-2015 birth years.

Players are encouraged to attend all days of tryouts for their location and age group.  To aid in an efficient check-in process at the try-outs, all players are encouraged to pre-register. 

On site same day registration is $20 dollars.

For more information go to www.7tryouts.com.