Manchester United U-16s to play in JSSL 7s tournament next year

SINGAPORE - English Premier League giants Manchester United have confirmed that it will be sending its Under-16 team to compete in the 2018 JSSL Singapore Professional Academies 7s tournament which will be held at the Padang next April. 

The Red Devils are the first team to be announced by the event organisers of the JSSL 7s and Professional Academies 7s, with more participating teams to be announced over the next few weeks as registrations for the JSSL 7s pick up. They are also the first Premier Legaue academy side to play in the tournament 

The 2018 edition of the JSSL Professional Academies 7s will be the second time the academy sides of world renowned and regional teams participate in the event.

Earlier this year, English Championships side Fulham FC took part in the 2017 edition along with Bangkok United, Sporting Lisbon, Penang FC and Perth Glory. Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon eventually emerged as champions. 

JSSL Singapore managing director Harvey Davis described Manchester United’s participation in the JSSL Professional Academies 7s as a major coup. 

"It was important for us to raise the bar, and to aim higher. It is important for us to keep improving on the competition and to make it more exciting," he said.

"We are thrilled to have Manchester United at the JSSL Professional Academies 7s for 2018."

Former United midfielder Nicky Butt, who is now Manchester United's Head of Academy, said: "We are always looking out for good, competitive football competitions. We are looking forward to participating in the event in 2018 in Singapore." 

Supported by Singapore Tourism Board, the JSSL 7s and Professional Academies 7s attracted 271 teams and over 3000 players from 15 Nations in total in March-April 2017.

An estimated 350 teams from across the region will be participating in the JSSL 7s 2018 edition.