AFC Liverpool’s youngsters (operated by 7 Elite Academy) have been drawn against St Helens Town in the preliminary round of the FA Youth Cup – the most famous youth soccer competition in the world.

The Under-18s side, which is now run by 7 Elite Academy UK staff, will travel to Ruskin Drive on September 13th (Sunday) for a 3pm kick-off – only the third time AFC Liverpool has entered the prestigious competition.

7 Elite Academy assumed responsibility for the running and coaching of AFC Liverpool's Under-18 youth side from the start of the new season.

The FA Youth Cup is traditionally dominated by youth sides from Premier League Clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and most famously, Manchester United’s ‘Class of 92’ line-up.

Conor Hannah, who manages the AFC Liverpool Under-18s team alongside Scott Seddon, said: “It goes without saying that everyone connected with our club is looking forward to our game in the FA Youth Cup.

“This is a great opportunity for our players to demonstrate how they are progressing against St Helens’ talented youth set-up in knock-out football.

“Ever since we heard the draw, there has been a buzz about the lads. I can’t thank 7 Elite Academy enough for helping to make this happen.

“Scott and I are already hard at work making sure the team is fully prepared for the trip to St Helens later this month.”

AFC Liverpool was formed in 2008 by football fans in the city who were disillusioned by high prices charged by top-flight clubs. The senior side currently plays in the North-West Counties League.

7 Elite Academy runs teams for hundreds of young people across the world, including the United Kingdom, United States and Tanzania, East Africa, alongside a major international tournament in Utah and Nevada.

The partnership means 7 Elite Academy UK players can now extend their youth career - with an eye on the senior ranks – when they reach 16.

Anthony Godfrey, Global Technical Director at 7 Elite Academy, said: “This is great opportunity for 7 Elite Academy and AFC Liverpool to experience competitive football in one of the world’s most famous youth competitions.

“When we first started talking to AFC Liverpool and running their Under-18s team, we wanted to make sure the players would be given every chance to prove their themselves.

“By entering the FA Youth Cup we are making sure they can judge themselves against extremely talented and experienced opposition.

“This is something we want to build on and continue every season as we open up a clear pathway of talent for players in the 7 Elite Academy system, not only in the UK but across the world.”