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
It honors past champions and memorable moments, showcasing a rich history of competitive youth football.
The event connects teams across the UK and internationally, providing a platform for young players to compete at a high level and create lasting football memories.
• Trusted youth tournament held at Loughborough University — a top-class sports campus. • Wide age-range and inclusive competition. • Each team is assured a minimum number of games, ensuring meaningful match exposure. • The Cup attracts clubs from across the UK and internationally, offering opportunities to meet, compete, and learn from diverse football styles. • Offers full support around accommodation (3- or 4-star hotels nearby), meals, transport, opening ceremonies, and social activities.
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.
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.