7 Elite Academy has announced an exciting new partnership with National League North side Marine AFC, in a move set to strengthen the player pathway from grassroots to senior football.
The collaboration will see 7 Elite Academy take responsibility for managing Marine’s Under-18 and Under-23 teams, creating a seamless route for young talent to progress into senior-level football. Players will also have the chance to feature in Marine’s FA Youth Cup squad later this year.
This is more than just a team management agreement, it’s a strategic partnership that will connect 7 Elite Academy’s expansive player development network with the ambitions of a historic English club.
“We’re thrilled to be working with a senior club of Marine’s stature,” said Anthony Godfrey, Global Academy Director at 7 Elite Academy. “The National League North is a demanding level of football, and it gives our players a clear target as they move through our Player Pathway programme.
“Marine’s successful football college also adds a vital dimension to this partnership—offering a full-time education combined with elite football training, which is a huge benefit to players looking to build a career in the game.”
7 Elite Academy operates programs in both the UK and US, delivering player development from Pre-Academy through to Under-23 level. The academy’s annual youth soccer tournament in Utah is a global showcase, attracting over 400 teams and scouts from colleges and professional academies worldwide.
Former 7 Elite Academy player Josh Miles signed a professional contract with Blackpool in 2023, while many others have advanced into senior football or earned college scholarships in the US. This new collaboration with Marine is designed to build on that success by creating even more opportunities.
James Leary, CEO of Marine FC, sees the partnership as a major step forward:
“We’ve been incredibly impressed with 7 Elite Academy’s commitment to developing talent and providing education opportunities. This is a perfect alignment with our goals—not just for our college programme, but also for identifying and nurturing future first-team players.
“By joining forces, we’re opening up new routes for players locally and internationally, especially with 7 Elite Academy’s strong ties to the United States. It’s a chance to grow our presence globally and give more young people a shot at the senior game.”
Marine FC, founded in 1894 and based at Rossett Park in Crosby, made headlines in 2020 when they hosted Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup. Now an established National League North club, Marine is aiming even higher—with ambitious stadium plans and community-focused growth.
Wayne Scholes, Chairman of 7 Elite Academy and Really Epic Dog Group, added:
“This partnership is an important milestone in our journey. Marine is a club we’ve long admired, and their values, ambition, and leadership align closely with ours.
“We’re building something truly global, and working with Marine gives our players—both in the UK and US—real opportunities in football and education. We’re excited to support Marine’s future progress and be part of what comes next for this historic club.”
The partnership marks a bold new chapter for both organisations—uniting a world-class youth development programme with a proud English football institution, and laying the foundations for the next generation of players to thrive on and off the pitch.