Nexen Manchester City Cup Kicks Off With Stellar International Super Group of 2005 Boys

PLAY. COMPETE. HAVE FUN.

UPDATED: This Memorial Day weekend, America’s finest city will be the host of the fifth #ManCityCup with 24 clubs competing in International Super Group including English Premier League champions Manchester City and MLS champions Atlanta United.

NEWS: FC Dallas and PUMAS MX have just joined the Boys 2005 International SuperGroup

Manchester City, current English Premier League champions and, Surf Cup Sports, the most influential youth soccer and events management organization in America, are teaming up for the fifth-year of the internationally acclaimed youth soccer tournament, the Nexen Manchester City Cup.

The fifth-annual youth soccer tournament presented by Surf Cup Sports will be held Memorial Day weekend.

In a world of youth tournaments, the Nexen Manchester City Cup is a rare find. This is a world class tournament.

The Super Groups will play from May 23-27 with the regular U8 to U19 Boys and Girls tournament play from May 25-27, 2019. Games will be held at both SoCal Sports Complex in Oceanside and Surf Cup Sports Park in Del Mar.

Read: MAN CITY’S ACADEMY DIRECTOR JASON WILCOX ON WHAT SUCCESS MEANS

Nexen Manchester City Cup Tournament’s Director Michelle Chesters has worked on this event since its inception in 2014 and has worked build it into one of the top events in the country. “This is a world class event with a high level of competition with quality teams, the DA Super Groups and exceptional pageantry —the overall experience is something that players do not normally experience anywhere in the world,” said Chesters.

The goal is to have players challenging themselves, and testing their abilities with the ultimate goal of becoming the best player they can be while providing aspiring young players with a variety of pathways to help them achieve their goals.

A unique component of the tournament is the ‘International Super Group’ competition, featuring B2005 age group academy players from a range of clubs, including: Manchester City FC, Melbourne City FC, New York City FC, Xolos, Chivas, Club America, CF Monterrey Rayados, Pumas MX, Atlanta United, Sporting Kansas City, Seattle Sounders, Real Salt Lake – AZ, San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, LAFC, FC Dallas, San Diego Surf, Strikers FC, Crossfire Premier, De Anza Force, FC Golden State and Real So Cal, Minnesota United FC and OC Surf.

The tournament has become one of the largest and most competitive youth soccer tournaments in the United States.

Last year, 454 high-level youth soccer teams took part with even more highly competitive teams committed to participate in 2019.

“We are incredibly proud of the Nexen Manchester City Cup and our partnership with Manchester City. Over the past four years, we have worked together to bring this professional youth soccer tournament to Southern California and host an increasing number of prestigious international youth teams,” said Jeremy McDonald, Vice President of Surf Cup Sports.

What began as a vision of bridging the Atlantic Ocean, Surf Cup Sports and Manchester City have built a lasting legacy and raised the bar on professionally produced youth soccer tournaments.

Jason Wilcox, Manchester City Academy Director said, “This is the fifth-year Manchester City is partnering with Surf Cup Sports to host the Nexen Manchester City Cup and we are delighted by the growth of the event since 2015.”

“In football, the best way to learn is through experience and #ManCityCup gives players the chance to demonstrate their skills in a top football environment,” said Wilcox.

The value of this international event is respected by top coaches around the world. Paul Harsley, U23 Lead Coach, Manchester City said, “Playing in tournaments is always a fun and challenging environment, especially in a different country against players from across the world. The teamwork and spirit between the players is so invaluable in these situations, leading to long-lasting memories to take forward.”

Manchester City’s midfielder Kevin de Bruyne perhaps said it best, “Throughout my football career I have focused on learning as much as possible. If you put the effort in, every single match can push you to your limit and teach you what you are capable of.”

“Working hard is the most important quality you can bring to the pitch,” said de Bruyne.

Continuing as the title sponsor of this year’s Cup is Nexen Tire, a leading global tire manufacturer, which is sponsoring the Cup for the third year in a row. Nexen Tire America is located in Southern California, and the company also recently opened its new Technology Center in Ohio. Joining Nexen Tire this year is PLAYR, the world’s first soccer SmartCoach system designed by leading elite sports tech brand, Catapult Sports.

Bringing technology to the players competing in #ManCityCup creates new ways for players to discover and track their potential. PLAYR will be allowing select teams and players to harness the power of technology and use their GPS player tracking to help take their performance to the next level.

“At PLAYR, our mission is to inspire performance improvement of soccer players, which is exactly why we’re proud to partner with Nexen Manchester City Cup and support the development of the talented players taking part,” said Benoit Simeray, CEO of PLAYR.

On-site at the #ManCityCup, PLAYR’s FIFA-approved GPS technology will be available for players to try at the tournament to track their stats and see how they compare to their teammates and opponents.

“It is the commitment from Manchester City and Surf Cup Sports, and everyone behind the scenes, that makes this event a great reflection of the best of youth soccer,” said Chesters.

“This is something truly memorable for everyone; whether they be a player, a coach or a spectator,” said Chesters.

“As the leading brand for the development of youth soccer, Surf Cup Sports is dedicated to providing an excellent environment in which youth players from around the world can be challenged,” said McDonald. “We are proud of this tournament and look forward to seeing everyone on the fields.”

The Nexen Manchester City Cup is an opportunity to push the limits, learn and demonstrate skills and is a summer Surf Cup qualifier.

Medals in top #ManCityCup image from SportsPins International