The 2020 7 Elite Academy Tournament will feature a record entry list of 138 teams from the United States and Europe after a last-minute rush of registrations.

The main window for applications closed on Sunday evening, with games due to take place on February 6th to 8th in Saint George, Utah and Mesquite, Nevada.

Teams from the United Kingdom, Arizona, Utah, Washington State, Colorado and Nevada have registered for the tournament, which will also include a Pre-Academy jamboree for players in the 2012-2015 age brackets.

This year's entry list beats the 2019 total – which itself was a 7 Elite Academy record – as the organisation continues to expand into Europe, Africa and across the United States.

Daren Woolstenhume, Chief Executive of 7 Elite Academy, said: “I am so proud of all the staff here at 7 Elite Academy, who have worked virtually non-stop to ensure we have a record total of entries. We are almost 40% up on last year, which is great.

“It is testament to their efforts, within the Utah and Nevada soccer communities and further afield, that we have such a wide range of teams coming to our tournament.

“It has been hard work to create a tournament that will include high-class officials, entertainment throughout the three days and a mix of very challenging games for every team.

“But for the players, parents and officials it will be worth all the effort. I can't wait to show young people from across the world what 7 Elite Academy has to offer.”

The tournament takes place at Sullivan Virgin River Soccer Park in Saint George and Mesquite Regional Sports & Events Complex, and both locations will feature DJs to create a party atmosphere.

A high-class pool of experienced officials will take charge of matches, which will all feature penalty shoot-outs at the end of play for an extra point.

Anthony Godfrey, 7 Elite Academy President and Technical Director, said: “2020 is going to be fantastic for 7 Elite Academy and our tournament is the ideal way to start the year. It is great that we've had so many teams register.

“Our professional staff have worked as a team to make sure 7 Elite Academy can offer the best playing fields, great officials and superb entertainment throughout the tournament.

“The fact that we have a record total of teams taking part is testament to that effort and shows how the academy is always searching for better ways to develop youth soccer in the United States and across the world.

“The next twelve months will see even more 7 Elite Academy players fulfil their potential and start making a career in professional soccer.”