Tournament
The UK International Cup
UK International Cup 2026: Premier youth tournament at Loughborough University Easter weekend, featuring U9-U15 boys and U12 girls, attracting global teams for competitive, professionally run matches.
Loughborough, england
Tour Snapshot
Program Overview
The Big One 11v11 Youth Football Tournament 2026 is the UK’s premier youth football event, hosted at the University of Warwick Sports Village. 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.
What's Included
- Entry into the UK International Cup tournament
- Matches hosted at Loughborough University with top-quality facilities
- Qualified and experienced referees officiating all matches
- Comprehensive team support throughout the event
- Awards and trophies for finalists
- Access to past tournament highlights and memories
- London club Stadium Tour
- Nottingham Forest or Leicester City Stadium tour
- London landmarks tour
- Team Training
Sample Team Itinerary
Day 1 · Travel
Flight. Overnight flights to London or East Mids
Day 2 · Arrival + Training Block 1
Transfer to accommodation near Loughborough. Check in & lunch. Afternoon training session. Welcome meeting & tournament registration. Evening dinner
Day 3 · Tournament Day 1
Breakfast and transfer to Loughborough University. Participate in tournament group stage matches. Evening team debrief and recovery. Evening entertainment
Day 4 · Tournament Day 2
Breakfast & transfer to Loughborough University. Continue tournament matches including playoffs. Nottingham Forest or Leicester City stadium tour. Team dinner
Day 5 · Tournament Day 3
Breakfast & travel to Loughborough University. Compete in final matches and awards ceremony. Celebration dinner and reflection session. Rest
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.