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ACES Nationals Tournament

Team Info Pack

Everything invited teams need for the ACES Nationals 2027 — save this page as a PDF or print it for your managers.

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Overview

The 19th annual ACES Nationals 2027 football tournament will be held over three weekends in June. An invitation only tournament open to elite junior boys and girls football teams, all in with a chance to represent their towns or cities for a shot at the prestigious ACES National title.

Each year the ACES Nationals is fully sanctioned by the Football Association prior to the tournament commencing. Scouts from professional clubs across the Premier League, WSL and Football League regularly attend.

This pack covers dates, venue, age groups, format, entry, what to bring, and how to contact the ACES team. Full invitation details are sent directly to accepted teams.

Dates & venue

The tournament runs over three weekends in June 2027:

  • Weekend 1
  • Weekend 2
  • Weekend 3

Venue. University of Nottingham's Riverside Sports Complex, Lenton Lane NG7 2SA

Riverside Sports Complex, Trent Side, Nottingham, NG7 2SA

Parking is available on site. Arrive in good time on busy tournament mornings. Families and supporters are welcome across all three weekends.

Age groups

Age groups relate to the 2027/28 season. Teams must compete in their correct age group as defined by the FA.

  • Boys: U10 – U18
  • Girls: GU12 – GU18

Which age groups play on which weekend is TBC and will be published once confirmed. Invited teams will be told their weekend in their invitation.

Format & rules

  • General tournament rules. All matches are played in accordance with FA rules and regulations. The ACES Nationals is fully sanctioned by the Football Association prior to the tournament commencing each year.
  • Match format. Group stages followed by knockout rounds. Format varies by age group (7v7, 9v9, or 11-a-side). Full details are provided to invited teams prior to the tournament.
  • Check-in and timings. 08:45 am is the latest check-in. Managers and captains must arrive promptly. A managers meeting is held at the start of each day, prior to the opening ceremony. Groups are drawn at the opening ceremony.
  • Safeguarding. The ACES Nationals operates under strict safeguarding policies. All teams must comply with FA safeguarding requirements. Full safeguarding policy available on request.

See the full tournament rules page for the same summary online.

Entry & fees

The ACES Nationals is invitation only. Only league-affiliated teams are eligible; representative squads are not permitted. Typical routes to invitation include:

  • Defending National Champions
  • Winning the League (highest ranked division within any respective league e.g. Premier, Div1, Div A)
  • Any league that covers more than 5 affiliated FA Regions, Aces will allow more qualification places subject to individual circumstances.
  • County Cup
  • Local Cup Competitions

Full criteria and notes are on the entry criteria page. Register interest via the contact form if your team is likely to qualify.

Entry fees: TBC — confirmed fees will be included with invitations. Do not rely on unofficial quotes.

What to bring

  • Full kit including shin pads
  • Suitable footwear for grass pitches
  • Match balls for warm-up
  • Plenty of water and weather-appropriate clothing
  • Team and player documents as requested in your invitation

Contact

Questions ahead of the tournament? Reach the ACES team via:

Contact