An elite international tournament experience for individually selected players. Compete in two prestigious tournaments: the Welsh Elite Cup in North Wales (July 27–30) and the NCE Summer Challenge at Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe Lancashire (August 2–3). July 24 – August 4, 2027.
Apply HerePlayers apply individually and are selected by NCE Soccer into two squads — one U13 and one U14 — who represent NCE at both tournaments. Compete in the Welsh Elite Cup at Ruthin Town FC (U13 27–28 July, U14 29–30 July) against top academy sides, then return to Stonyhurst College for the NCE Summer Challenge (August 2–3) — an elite domestic competition hosted at our prestigious boarding school facility.
Dates: 27–28 July 2027 (U13) · 29–30 July 2027 (U14)
Location: Ruthin Town FC
Format: U13 & U14 age groups, competitive tournament format
Opposition: Welsh Pro Academy clubs, FAW pathway sides, invited international academies
Dates: 2–3 August 2027
Location: Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe Lancashire
Format: U13 & U14 age groups, elite championship format
Opposition: English Pro Academy clubs, and County Schools FA, invited international academies
Watch highlights from our elite international youth tournaments and boarding experience.
Selected players will experience elite facilities and professional environments across two carefully selected venues: Chester and Ruthin Town FC for the Welsh Elite Cup week, and Stonyhurst College for the NCE Summer Challenge.
Centrally located hotel accommodation in historic Chester, perfectly positioned for access to the Welsh Elite Cup in North Wales. Close to major transport links and city amenities for the team.
Base for July 25–30 while competing in the Welsh Elite Cup. Easy access to Ruthin Town FC and other North Wales venues hosting the elite international tournament competition.
One of England's most historic cities with 2,000 years of history. Free time to explore medieval walls, local culture, and amenities between tournament matches.
A prestigious 400-year-old independent boarding school in Lancashire. World-class facilities, authentic English boarding culture, and professional training environments for the NCE Summer Challenge.
Base for July 31 – August 4 hosting the NCE Summer Challenge (Aug 2–3). Dedicated training facilities and elite competition stage, with recovery and preparation time built in.
Stay where UK's elite young athletes develop. Use the same training pitches, dining facilities, and accommodation as resident students. Professional, immersive environment.
One of England's leading independent schools with over 400 years of academic and sporting excellence. Located in the heart of Lancashire, the 400-acre campus combines historic tradition with modern facilities.
Renowned for rigorous academic standards, elite sports programs, and holistic education. Players train and compete where some of the UK's top young athletes develop their craft.
Chester is one of England's most historic cities, famous for its stunning Roman architecture and medieval charm. Home of the Welsh Elite Cup (July 27–30), Chester provides the perfect backdrop for elite competition.
Strategically located at the English-Welsh border, Chester welcomes elite clubs from across Wales and beyond. Experience the authentic character of a city that's hosted events and visitors for over 2,000 years.
Compete against elite Welsh clubs in a prestigious invitation-only tournament.
Cardiff City
Swansea City
Wrexham AFC
FAW
Face established English Football League clubs at an elite domestic tournament.
Blackburn Rovers
Burnley FC
Preston North End
Bolton Wanderers
Accrington Stanley
Stockport County
Elite player development isn't about throwing players into the deep end. It's about strategic exposure, adaptation, and measured progression.
When young players arrive in England for the first time, they face a significant shock: a step up in technical level, physical intensity, and competitive pace that's unlike what they experience at home. Players often struggle in their opening matches—not because they lack talent, but because they haven't yet acclimated to the English game.
This is why the NCE Pro Academy Tour features two elite tournaments, not one.
The Welsh Elite Cup (U13 July 27–28, U14 July 29–30) serves as your first exposure. You'll compete against professional-level opposition in Cardiff, Swansea, and Wrexham—a genuine test that reveals the intensity you're up against. It's demanding, revealing, and essential.
Then comes the critical phase: recovery, analysis, and tactical adaptation. Between tournaments, the squad trains at Stonyhurst College under professional coaching, reviews match footage, adjusts tactics, and rebuilds confidence. Players process what they've learned and prepare mentally for the next level.
By the time the NCE Summer Challenge (August 2–3) arrives, your players are transformed. They understand the physicality. They've adapted to the tempo. They're ready to perform at their peak against Blackburn Rovers, Burnley, Preston North End, and other established Football League academies—and the difference in performance is dramatic.
Two tournaments. One transformative journey.
Eleven nights, twelve days. Squads alternate between the Queens Hotel and Stonyhurst College, with both tournaments at the centre of the trip. U13 and U14 groups travel together but run to separate schedules — the framework below is indicative and confirmed with families before departure.
Welsh Elite Cup · 27–28 July 2027 · 2015 born
Tournament entry, training, accommodation, meals and transfers — delivered as a single, professionally managed package.
Parents and family members travelling to support their son can join the tour on a dedicated supporters package, staying with the group and following the squad throughout.
Places are limited and allocated by invitation only.
Played under FAW and IFAB Laws of the Game, with the competition-specific rules below. Selected players and their families receive the full regulations pack on acceptance of their place.
The tournament committee's decision is final on all matters of eligibility, discipline and competition format.
Supporting the tournament with world-class technology and equipment.
GPS performance tracking and smart match balls. Each team receives post-tournament data analysis and player metrics.
Live streaming of every match, viewable in real time and streamed back to the USA for parents and scouts.
Providing professional equipment for all teams throughout the tournament. Official kit and technical supplier.
Live tournament scores, fixtures and standings in real time via the tournament app. Full visibility for all teams and participants.
Places are limited. Submit your application to secure your player's spot on this elite international tour experience.
Players apply individually. NCE Soccer selects two squads — one U13 and one U14 — to represent NCE at both tournaments. Parents and family members can travel on the supporters package; ask about supporter places when you apply.
Apply Here
