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Thank you for record-breaking tryouts!

By James Shaw, 06/08/22, 7:00AM MDT

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7 Elite Academy tryouts smashed last year’s total as hundreds more young people signed up to play across Utah. Three weeks of tryout sessions in Southern and Northern Utah saw an increase of almost 25% in capacity over last year.

7 Elite Academy is a global youth football and education organization that runs teams for thousands of players in the United States, United Kingdom and Africa. Several new teams will now be formed as a result of the burgeoning interest, alongside an expanding Pre-Academy program for younger players.

That also includes the SABA program that focuses on college preparation through tournaments, showcase events and exclusive college visits.

Wayne Scholes, Chairman of 7 Elite Academy, said: “I am really happy that so many young people across Utah have chosen to join us for the new season. Our staff have worked incredibly hard to create a program that is drawn from the best coaches in professional soccer, both in the USA and Europe. To have so many players join us at tryouts is testament to that hard work - both in terms of player development and also education away from the pitch.

“We know selecting the right youth soccer academy is crucial for a young person’s future prospects. 7 Elite Academy is honoured to have been chosen by so many new players.”

In Southern Utah, coaches saw more players in younger age groups sign up, as the academy’s Pre-Academy program continued its expansion. Stuart Dewey, Program Manager for 7 Elite Academy in Southern Utah, said: “We have had a great year of Pre-Academy and that has been reflected in the number of players choosing to join us. 

"Our coaches are now busy planning to make sure youngsters enjoy a fruitful year with us and take advantage of our coaching and educational programs. Tryouts were an opportunity for players of all ages to see what we have to offer and I have to say I was impressed with the standards on show. 

"We have a lot of new players and teams starting next season and I am looking forward to seeing how they develop during their time with us.”

In the Northern Utah region, tryouts sessions took place in Utah County, Davis/Weber County and Salt Lake County. They were again attended by hundreds more players than last year, with SABA tryouts in particular showing increased numbers.

Shaylee Wilson, Head of Youth Development at 7 Elite Academy, said: “It was fantastic to see so many new faces at tryouts, as well as returning players. As a team of coaches, we make sure our program covers all aspects of player development, from initial training through to college applications.

“We have seen so many young people progress from our programme to college scholarships, especially through the SABA program. With the new intake and returning players, we will see so many more youngsters follow that path. I am so glad we’ll be able to see them achieve their ambitions.”