Everton College Enjoy Dallas Cup Delight

Everton Football College is celebrating another successful trip to the Dallas Cup.

The College took four squads Stateside to the international youth soccer tournament, which is held annually each Easter and widely regarded one of the most prestigious in the world.

And following on from previous years’ success stories, the Under-19 boys brought home silverware after being crowned Dallas Cup champions, beating the Dallas Texans Academy in the final at Toyota Stadium – home of FC Dallas.

Everton Football College’s other squads were also close to honours, with the Under-18 boys losing on penalties to Solar SC U18 ECNL in the semi-final at the neighbouring Toyota Soccer Center, while the Under-19 girls also cruelly lost out in a semi-final to eventual winner Montverde Soccer Club MIFC 2007 Girls at the Dallas Soccer Park.

 

Everton Football College’s other squads were also close to honours, with the Under-18 boys losing on penalties to Solar SC U18 ECNL in the semi-final at the neighbouring Toyota Soccer Center, while the Under-19 girls also cruelly lost out in a semi-final to eventual winner Montverde Soccer Club MIFC 2007 Girls at the Dallas Soccer Park.

Under-19s Head Coach, Phil Oliver, said: “I’m incredibly proud of this group of players, to perform to such a high level with six games in eight days is a testament to their mentality and commitment to winning. 

“After falling just short last year with losing the final, the objective was always to go to Dallas and try to go one step further, and that was evident in our planning and physical preparation the lads went through.

“To be only the fourth team from England to win the trophy in the past 40 years demonstrates just how difficult the tournament is to win, the level of competition seems to raise every year, but the boys found a way and all credit goes to them. 

“It’s a special feeling to see the boys lift a trophy representing Everton, a lot of our lads including myself are big Blues. I hope this is a platform to bring more international trophies back to Goodison Park for the Football College.”

Each year, more than 100,000 spectators watch teams from across the globe play in the invitation-only Dallas Cup, held in Texas.

More than 900 international players – consisting of age groups from Under-10s to Under-19s, in both boys and girls categories – take part each year, with teams from 48 U.S. states and morethan 100 countries, across six continents, participating throughout the tournament’s history.

The tournament, which dates back to 1980, is potentially life-changing for some of the students, with scouts from US universities and football clubs watching the games.

Following huge investment by the Club, and as a result of playing in previous tournaments, a number of former Everton Football College and Everton Academy students have earned football scholarships to study for degrees at US universities in subjects, including Business and Management and Engineering.

Others have gone on to play for US clubs, or secure coaching roles stateside.

The two-campus Everton Football College is now in its eighth year of offering traditional education pathways and enrichment opportunities to all secondary school leavers wishing to continue their studies, helping them prepare for future work, UK or USA university scholarships. 

And having grown from an initial cohort of 40 students to more than 250 students, the Everton Football College continues to grow in stature.

A girls’ programme now forms an integral part of the schedule, with the huge explosion in women’s football offering new opportunities in a positive learning environment that marries sport and further education. 

Everton Football College’s Head of Football, John Keegan, said: “Once again we are extremely proud that our teams’ hard work and dedication earned them rewards at the Dallas Cup. 

“Success equals a great achievement for the Football College, and it was another incredibly proud moment to have four or our teams present in Texas again this Easter.”

John added: “All of the successes are down to the students, their positive attitudes, and the way they conduct themselves, but also down to the amazing staff here at the Football College.

“Aside from High Schools, which have Sixth Forms, we are probably the biggest college in the city and, from a football point of view, the most successful in the country over the past six years. 

“These amazing people go above and beyond for all of our students, and our aim is always to get the boys and girls the best opportunities we can, and give them the tools to succeed in life, in whatever path they choose.

"Since we began as a Football College in 2018, winning the Dallas Cup has always been a dream for us as a College, too have now achieved this honour has been amazing for everyone involved with the college.” 

If you are interested in finding out more about Everton Football College, visit evertonfc.ac.uk.

The Football College also holds regular open evenings for prospective students throughout the year, and you can also get the latest information by following them on X (@EvertonCollege) and Instagram (@EvertonFootballCollege). 

The college also now has international student/players who study degree course while playing for the College. Members of the international programme were a part of the successful squads at this year's tournament.