The 7 Elite Academy International Tournament will feature a bumper list of teams from the United States and beyond after entry numbers overtook last year’s total with three days still to go until the registration deadline.

Players will travel from the United Kingdom, Arizona, Washington State and Colorado to join teams from Utah and Nevada at the three-day festival of youth soccer.

The registration deadline for entries is 11.59pm (MST) on Sunday, January 20th, with 108 teams so far registered to take part and more set to join.

Hundreds of tournament games will take place at Sullivan Virgin River Soccer Park in Saint George and Mesquite Regional Sports & Events Complex from February 6th to February 8th.

Wayne Scholes, Chief Executive at 7 Elite Academy, is urging teams to come forward and enjoy one of the region's biggest youth soccer events.

He said: “This year's 7 Elite Academy International Tournament is going to be the biggest and best yet, with a true mix of playing styles and cultures. I can't wait for the games to start.

“The addition of young people from 7 Elite Academy UK in Liverpool will be fabulous and Club America Youth Academy is also sending a team, so it will be a tough but enjoyable three days of soccer.

"We will also have experienced officials from all access the country. Having the best referees for the 7 Elite Academy tournament is a priority for us.

“We've already had hundreds of players and teams sign up for the tournament, but we want as many people as possible to join and experience what Utah and Nevada youth soccer has to offer.”

Both locations will feature DJs to create a party atmosphere, while a Pre-Academy jamboree from players in the 2012 to 2015 age brackets will take place in Saint George on Saturday, February 8th.

Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Academy Director, said: “So many fantastic teams have signed up for this year's 7 Elite Academy International Tournament, meaning every game will be incredibly competitive.

“It will be fascinating to see how these different styles of soccer compete against each other and for all players this will be a fantastic experience, both on and off the pitch.

“We still have slots available in most age groups, so I would urge teams to make sure they sign up as soon as possible. This is a unique opportunity for everyone involved.”

The 2019 tournament was praised for the use of experienced officials, who will return in 2020, while an additional point will be awarded to the winners of penalty shootouts at the end of each group game.

Nick Nield, Tournament Director said: “We have been meticulous in our planning for the 2020 7 Elite Academy Tournament, from on-pitch competitions to food, evening events and hotels.

“That means everyone who attends can look forward to an enjoyable and memorable celebration of the very best youth soccer in our region.

“We had a record number of entries for last year's tournament, so I am looking forward to similar numbers this year. I wouldn't want anyone to miss out on this.”

For more details and to register, click here.

TEAMS ARE STILL NEEDED IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

BOYS