Coach Stuart Dewey will urge his 7 Elite Academy 05 Boys South players to “seize the momentum” when they travel to Kansas for the National President’s Cup this week.
The St George youngsters make the trip Wichita following an encouraging Regional Presidents Cup campaign, where they won all three of their group games before a narrow defeat in the final.
Success in Kansas this weekend would deliver a second national title for 7 Elite Academy, following the 01 Boys South championship in 2018 – a team also coached by Stuart Dewey.
And he believes his youngsters have the ability to make their mark against some of the best teams in the country.
Dewey said: “Tournament soccer is all about making a good start and continuing that progress throughout every game. All the lads have a key role to play in making that happen.
“We had a good regional tournament, so I want us to seize the momentum we generated in Boise and bring it to Kansas. If we can do that, then we have every chance of doing well.
“But we have to remember that the teams we are facing have been through the same process to qualify and will be just as motivated. It’s going to be extremely tough.”
The action kicks off at Stryker Sports Complex on Friday for group play, before the semi-finals and finals next Monday and Tuesday.
Dewey also guided his 05 Boys to a semi-final place at the 7 Elite Academy International Tournament in February, alongside a successful league season.
He added: “It has been a pleasure to work with this group of young men. I’m extremely proud of the progress that has been made and the work they put in to continually improve.
“We have a great team of coaches and staff here who have also seen them develop over the years. We are a real family and that shows in the attitude of the players.
“They’ve worked so hard to get to this stage and now it’s time for them to take another step in their development. Like the 2001 players in 2018, they will remember this tournament for a very long to come.”
7 Elite Academy administers and coaches teams for thousands of players across the world, in the United States, the United Kingdom and in East Africa.
