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ACES Nationals Tournament 2027

Team Info Pack

Everything 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. 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 entry details are sent directly to accepted teams.

Dates & venue

The tournament runs over three weekends in June 2027. Confirmed match days:

  • Weekend 1Boys

    U10 · U12 · U15

  • Weekend 1Boys

    U11 · U13 · U16

  • Weekend 2Girls

    GU12 · GU15

  • Weekend 2Girls

    GU13 · GU16

  • Weekend 3Girls

    GU14 · GU18

  • Weekend 3Boys

    U14 · U18

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

For example, a team playing as U12s in the 2026/27 season enters ACES as U13s. Teams must compete in their correct FA age group for season 2027/28.

  • Boys (8): U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U18 (U10–U16 & U18)
  • Girls (6): GU12, GU13, GU14, GU15, GU16, GU18 (GU12–GU16 & GU18)

Age groups are allocated to specific match days as listed under Dates & venue above. Accepted teams will be confirmed for their date when places are confirmed.

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 accepted 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

Only league-affiliated teams are eligible; representative squads are not permitted. Typical routes to entry 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.

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 by the ACES team

Contact

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

Contact