Burnley FC has set an ambitious goal for the Dude Perfect International Youth Cup: to qualify for the Champions League.

The annual Dude Perfect International Youth Cup is what Burnley FC hopes will become the “Champions League” of all academy competitions.
Stuart Hunt, the club’s president and director, made the statement Friday morning as the tournament began for the sixth consecutive year.It matches 16 teams from across the world against one another and includes well-known teams like Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and AC Milan. In contrast, FC Dallas has made the most travel to play at Burnley’s Gawthorpe training facility.
Under-12 teams compete in 50-minute, eight-a-side matches over the three-day tournament, which ends on Sunday.
Although Hunt is thrilled with the competition’s success, he has some big ambitions for it going forward.

“This tournament is really important for Burnley Football Club because it showcases our fantastic academy, and we’re happy that it grows every year, if not just because of its reputation,” he added.

Nowadays, its reputation comes before it, and many return teams travel from all across Europe. elite clubs, and we want to draw more. This event is ideal for showcasing our academy.

Burnley walk out for the opening ceremony of the Dude Perfect International Youth Cup 2025. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard

“Building a reputation as the destination spot for all European clubs and all global clubs is the key element for us here with this tournament,” Hunt continued.

We plan to eventually expand from 16 teams to 32 teams and even add other age categories in the future since we want this to be the Champions League of all youth events.

“This must be the top spot for all European clubs, in our opinion.”

From a coaching standpoint, the competition gives Burnley’s Under-12 team an invaluable chance to compete against some of the top young players in the world.

Director Stuart Hunt at the Dude Perfect International Youth Cup 2025. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard

“It will be competitive first and foremost,” squad coach Ronan McCarthy clarified.

Fortunately, we have a nice gaming program here every week. However, there will be fierce competition.

“We often play against local teams in events, although we occasionally play against teams from that nation.

But how often do we get to play against a team from a different continent in America, like Chelsea, one of the finest teams in this country, or a German club in a legitimate international tournament? The children have an incredible time.

Burnley celebrate the equalising goal against Chelsea at the Dude Perfect International Youth Cup 2025. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard

Additionally, a large number of people will be observing them during this event. There are many coaches of many ages, so the athletes have a great opportunity to make an impression.

They don’t typically get high-pressure situations like this one. However, I believe they will flourish on it.

Given that the Clarets recently learned that its institution has regained its Category One classification, the tournament comes at the ideal moment.

As a result, next season’s PL2 and Under-18 Premier League matches will pit the club’s professional development phase teams against the top young academies in the nation.

Hunt continued, “That is a crucial component for our academy.” To grow and, in a sense, fill up our ranks, we must be able to draw in talented young players.

In order to identify and retain homegrown talent and eventually see them play for their first team, we want those players to be local and inside our catchment region.

“Becoming a developing club or team is one of our aims and objectives.

“Whether that talent is from outside or locally, we would prefer that they come. We want to bring them in, develop them, and if they decide to go, they will depart a better player, a better person, and a greater talent. They will be an excellent addition to our club if they decide to remain.

The following two days are free for supporters, although they must purchase a ticket online through the club’s official website.

As an alternative, the club’s YouTube channel streams every game live.

Read more at;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk

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