Tournament
The Big One 2026
The Big One 2026 is the UK’s premier two-day 11v11 youth football tournament at Warwick University, featuring top grassroots teams, professional officiating, and guaranteed games.
newcastle, england
18th and 19th July 2026 ( Girls U11 to U18).
Tour Snapshot
Program Overview
Open to U12–U18 grassroots boys’ teams, it features elite A-grade pitches, professional officiating, and a fair play format with knockout stages.
Teams enjoy 90–120 minutes of guaranteed play, AI filming for highlights, and awards including trophies and MVP recognition.
With accommodation packages for a full weekend experience, this prestigious tournament offers a top showcase for young talent.
• Premier U12–U18 grassroots tournament held on elite A-grade pitches at the University of Warwick. • Professional refereeing with 90–120 minutes of guaranteed play and exciting knockout stages. • AI-powered match filming plus trophies and MVP awards for standout recognition. • Optional weekend accommodation packages for a full team-bonding tournament experience. • Inclusive, well-organised event offering top-level competition for grassroots teams across the UK.
What's Included
- Elite A-grade grass pitches at University of Warwick Sports Village
- Professional officiating with 3+ officials per match
- Guaranteed 90–120 minutes of game time per team
- Group stage and knockout rounds (Champions Cup, Shield, Plate) tailored to ability
- Trophies, medals, and MVP awards for recognition
- AI camera filming for player highlights and social media exposure
- Opportunity to showcase talent to a wider audience
Sample Team Itinerary
Day 1 – Travel
Fly to London Heathrow or Birmingham Airport
Day 2 – Arrival + Training Block 1
Arrive in UK and meet Tour Director. Transfer from airport to accommodation, check-in & lunch. Afternoon training session. Group welcome dinner to acclimate and review tournament plans
Day 3 – Sightseeing + Training Block 2
Welcome meeting for tournament plus registration. Morning training session. St James Park Stadium Tour. Explore Newcastle. Team dinner.
Day 4 – Tournament Day 1
Breakfast at accommodation. Transfer to University of Warwick Sports Village. Participate in Day 1 matches of The Big One Tournament. Evening team debrief and recovery session. Dinner and relaxation
Day 5 – Tournament Day 2
Breakfast at accommodation. Transfer to University of Warwick Sports Village. Participate in knockout rounds (Champions Cup, Shield, or Plate). Awards ceremony and closing celebrations. Team dinner & reflection on tournament performance
Day 6 – Recovery Session + Edinburgh Sightseeing
Light recovery session. Lunch. London Guided Tour & Emirates Stadium Tour. Team awards dinner.
Day 7 – Travel
Return Flight from London/ Birmingham
Development Focus
Fixtures
With Axis Football Tours, teams can compete in top-level international tournaments, facing opponents from around the world. All logistics are handled — including fixtures, pitch hire, referees, and travel — ensuring a seamless, professional experience. Tournaments provide a thrilling environment that builds confidence, resilience, teamwork, and unforgettable memories on the global stage.
Training
Teams travelling with Axis Football to participate in tournaments will have the opportunity to include training sessions either delivered by the team's own coaching staff or you can be trained by coaches from local professional club academies. All players will be given a Player Development Plan (PDP) highlighting an improvement plan regardless of the level they are currently at.
Classroom Sessions
At Axis Football Tours, tournament programmes can include dedicated classroom sessions to support team preparation. Through match analysis, tactical planning, opponent scouting, role clarity, and team-identity workshops, players build confidence, understanding, and cohesion before stepping onto the pitch. These sessions ensure teams arrive ready to compete with purpose and unity.
Team Bonding, Awards & Feedback
During Tournaments delivered as part of your Axis Football Tour, we can provide meaningful team bonding experiences to strengthen unity and performance. Through shared activities, group challenges, guided reflection, and positive social time, players build trust, communication, and resilience. These moments deepen team identity and connection, helping squads compete with confidence, togetherness, and purpose on and off the pitch.
Accommodation, Meals & Player Safety
Accommodation
With Axis Football Tours, every detail of your stay is designed to match the prestige of your football experience. We’ve partnered with a handpicked collection of exceptional hotels across the globe — each offering first-class comfort, style, and amenities perfectly suited to your team’s needs. Our accommodations are carefully selected for their prime locations — whether steps away from elite training facilities or set within resort-style complexes offering outstanding sports and leisure options. Every property meets our rigorous standards for quality, safety, and service, ensuring a seamless and inspiring experience from check-in to check-out. We believe your surroundings should elevate your performance. That’s why we exclusively feature premium 3 and 4-star hotels, chosen to provide superior comfort and a touch of luxury throughout your tour. Typically based on 2–4 persons sharing, your full-board package includes delicious, nutritious meals — with lunches served at the hotel or training complex, and evening dining experiences either at your accommodation or a quality local restaurant. (Comparable alternatives may occasionally be used if your featured hotel is unavailable.)
Meals
We have half and full board options for travelling groups depending on your needs. We recommend the full board for most of our groups knowing that you have everything taken care of on site.
Player Safety
We only work with accredited partners ensuring you have a safe and stress-free tour. Risk assessments are completed for all our tours and support is provided 24/7 by our team and on the ground with your very own Tour Director.