Manchester United will be sending their under-16 team to next year's JSSL Singapore Professional Academies 7s tournament to be played on the Padang in the heart of the city.
Former United midfielder Nicky Butt, who is now Manchester United's Head of Academy, confirmed the participation of his side in the tournament that invites some of the biggest clubs in world football, as reported by ESPN.
The Old Trafford based club will be the first Premier League academy side to play in the tournament, and the first invitee for the 2018 tournament to be announced by JSSL organisers.
"We are always looking out for good, competitive football competitions," Butt told TODAY. We are looking forward to participating in the event in 2018 in Singapore."
Earlier this year, English Championships side Fulham FC took part in the 2017 edition along with Bangkok United, Sporting Lisbon, Penang FC and Perth Glory. Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon eventually emerged as champions.
This year, the JSSL 7s and Professional Academies 7s hosted 271 sides from 15 nations, featuring over 3000 players.
JSSL Singapore managing director Harvey Davis described Manchester United's participation in the JSSL Professional Academies 7s as a major coup.
"It was important for us to raise the bar, and to aim higher. It is important for us to keep improving on the competition and to make it more exciting," he said. We are thrilled to have Manchester United at the JSSL Professional Academies 7s for 2018."
An estimated 350 teams from across the region will be participating in the JSSL 7s 2018 edition.
