San Diego, CA., Monday, March 5, 19/-- Manchester City, current English Premier League champions and, and Surf Cup Sports, the most influential and recognized youth soccer and events management program in the United States, are teaming up for the fifth-year of the internationally respected youth soccer tournament, the Nexen Manchester City Cup.

The fifth-annual Nexen Manchester City Cup presented by Surf Cup Sports will be held Memorial Day weekend. The Super Groups will play from May 23-27 with the regular tournament play from May 25-27, 2019. This highly successful elite youth soccer event features boys’ and girls’ teams competing in all age groups from U8s right through to U19s. Games will be held at both SoCal Sports Complex in Oceanside and Surf Cup Sports Park in Del Mar.

The goal of the Nexen Manchester City Cup is to provide a forum in which international teams, national teams, regional teams and local teams have the possibility of playing each other, challenging themselves, and testing their abilities with the ultimate goal of becoming the best player they can be; all whilst 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, Atlanta United, Sporting Kansas City, Seattle Sounders, Real Salt Lake – AZ, San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, LAFC, San Diego Surf, Strikers FC, Crossfire Premier, De Anza Force, FC Golden State and Real So Cal.

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.

Jeremy McDonald, Vice President of Surf Cup Sports, said, “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. As the leading brand for 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.”

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 the Nexen Manchester City Cup gives players the chance to demonstrate their skills in a top football environment. It is an exciting opportunity for these youngsters.”

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.

Benoit Simeray, CEO of PLAYR, said, “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. 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 team mates and opponents.”

Michelle Chesters, Nexen Manchester City Cup Tournament Director said, “This is a world class event with a high level of competition with quality teams, the DA Super Groups with televised games and exceptional pageantry —the overall experience is something that players do not normally experiences anywhere in the world. This is something truly memorable for everyone; whether they be a player, a coach or a spectator. 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.”

The Nexen Manchester City Cup is an opportunity to push the limits, learn and demonstrate skills. The event’s tag line is PLAY. COMPETE. HAVE FUN.