7 Elite Academy will draft in extra facilities for this month’s 7EA Tournament after a record number of teams signed up for the three-day event.

Over 80 teams from Utah and the wider United States have now registered for the competition, which kicks off on January 31st in St. George.

That total is higher than any previous tournament held by the organization, with a week still remaining until the registration deadline on January 18th.

Daren Woolstenhume, General Manager at 7 Elite Academy, has started 2019 with a welcome headache – finding facilities for the additional teams.

He said: “We were confident this year’s competition would be popular, but the number of teams showing interest has been far beyond our expectations.

“That has given me more work in terms of finding the necessary changing, playing and other facilities, but that has all gone very smoothly indeed.

“Everyone involved in soccer in the St. George area has pulled together to make sure we can accommodate so many teams.

“I am hoping we can bring even more clubs on board over the next few days and make it a real event to remember for everyone here at 7 Elite Academy.”

Matches will be played at Sullivan Virgin River Soccer Park and Little Valley Fields, with a dedicated finals day to be held on February 2nd.

Registration costs for the tournament will be $545 for teams aged under-9 to under-12 and $595 for teams aged under-13 to under-19.

Wayne Scholes, Chief Executive of 7 Elite Academy, added: “I couldn’t be more proud of how hard each member of staff has worked to bring in so many teams for the 2019 7EA Tournament.

“The fact that we have had to bring in more facilities to cope with demand is testament to the high regard in which 7 Elite Academy is held, both in Utah and across the United States.

“I can’t wait to see the first games kick off, so we can show off the progress we’re making in changing the shape of youth soccer. We are determined to make sure each young player enjoys a wonderful few days with us.”