The Nexen Manchester City Cup Canceled for 2020
How do you host a world-class youth soccer tournament featuring international youth soccer teams during a global pandemic? It is impossible with the restrictions and safety protocols.
The 2020 Nexen Manchester City Cup has grown over the last five years to be one of the largest and most competitive youth soccer tournaments in the United States. 2019 was the tournament’s 5th year and games were played at two pristine venues with over 540 teams competing.
The Man City Cup represents the best international youth soccer tournament in the US – with top academies from Europe, Mexico, Australia, and the US all competing on live TV via Univision and ESPN.
Last year the hashtag #ManCityCup reached over 4.1 million impressions and was watched by more than 441K total viewers including 91K viewers for the Semifinal youth soccer match.
It has become clear, due to COVID 19 and current international travel restrictions, that generating an international event of this caliber is not safe or practical this summer.
Therefore, Surf Cup Sports and Manchester City Football Club have together decided to cancel the 2020 tournament and turn their attention to planning the 2021 event.
Read: MAN CITY’S ACADEMY DIRECTOR JASON WILCOX ON WHAT SUCCESS MEANS
“The International Super Group is the star of the show at our Nexen Manchester City Cup tournament, and without this featured bracket, it’s hard to host an event that is worthy of the Manchester City brand,” said Brian Enge CEO of Surf Cup Sports.
“If the current environment doesn’t allow for this elite caliber of talent, then we will wait until 2021 and continue to build this top international event.”
Brian Enge CEO of Surf Cup Sports
Read: AMERICAN YOUTH SOCCER: CLAUDIO REYNA ON DEVELOPING GREAT PLAYERS
Cristina Mora, VP Americas for City Football Group, said, “The Nexen Manchester Cup is one of the highlights of our youth soccer calendar and it is with great regret that we have to cancel this year’s event.”
“Sadly it isn’t possible to proceed with the tournament without complete certainty around the safety of attendees, who travel from across the world for this event.”
Cristina Mora, VP Americas for City Football Group
“However, we are focused on planning a fantastic event for next year when we look forward to welcoming the players back onto the pitch,” said Mora.
A unique component of the elite youth soccer tournament is the Man City Cup Super Group featuring high-level teams from around the world.
Last year, the clubs competing in the Boys 2005 Super Group included teams from Manchester City FC, Melbourne City FC, New York City, FC Xolos, Chivas, Club America, CF Monterrey Rayados, Atlanta United, Sporting Kansas City, Seattle Sounders, Real Salt Lake – AZ, San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, LAFC, San Diego Surf, Strikers FC, Crossfire Premier, De Anza Force, FC Golden State, and Real So Cal.
Atlanta United earned the title of Man City Cup Champion, defeating C.F Monterrey 3-2 for the win.
The Man City Cup will return over Memorial Day in 2021 in San Diego.
All accepted teams will be notified immediately and refunded.
“We expect the turnout and the excitement to be high as international teams will be ready to prove themselves once again,” said Enge.
Last year, Manchester City won four trophies, and earned an unprecedented sweep of all domestic trophies in England, becoming the first EPL club to win the domestic treble. After Manchester City won the Premier League, the EPL trophy flew across the Atlanta to begin its tour and the first stop was the Man City Cup in San Diego.
Read: JASON WILCOX ON MAN CITY’S ACADEMY AND DEVELOPING PLAYERS
