The trip sees the Academy players visit San Diego for acclimatisation, training and preparation before they travel to Phoenix in Arizona for the competition.

The competition is hosted by SC Del Sol and attracts hundreds of teams from across the world in a variety of age groups. The Academy are the only English representation at the tournament and have competed for over twenty years on a annual basis.

This opportunity represents a unique opportunity for the players and one that sees them potentially attract Football Scholarships at one of the American University Football programmes on leaving college. One such player, Luke Mulholland, travelled to America with Preston’s College a few years ago and now plays in the MLS for Real Salt Lake and is hoping to attend the opening fixture Vs Cook Inlet Soccer Club on Friday 12th February at Reach 11 Sports Complex.

Academy Coach and Reserve Team Manager, Andy Pilkington said, “Our programme is about providing young players with opportunities to play football. The annual trip to Phoenix provides the lads with an opportunity to travel abroad, play against teams from other countries, compete in an international tournament and potentially attract scholarship opportunities. The trip provides a opportunity of a lifetime for our players and is unique to our Academy and in fact we are the only English side that enters the tournament!”

Parents and supporters are encouraged to follow the lad’s progress and send messages of support via the Academy Twitter Page, @BBFC_Academy and the Facebook Page, Bamber Bridge FC Academy.