ELITE CUP OF NATIONS

extra game play for elite players

Competition + social engagement = Elite development culture
What is the Elite Cup of Nations

The Elite Cup of Nations is a small-sided games platform exclusively available to Elite players and is intended to promote extra game play, social engagement and extra game play and all participants must be part of one of our academy programs.

Why Playing Small-Sided Games
is important for Players

The games are a 3v3 format played in a 20×40 space that encourages individualism and allows players to express themselves with the ball at all times, most importantly, this will all take place within a very inclusive and fun environment that celebrates two of Elite’s main values…. Creativity and continuous learning.

1 Improves technical proficiency
2 Continuous movement on/off the ball
3 Emphasizes individual (1v1) attacking/defending principles
4 Fitness

GROUP 1

  • PORTUGAL
  • ITALY
  • FRANCE
  • ENGLAND

GROUP 2

  • CROATIA
  • GERMANY
  • NETHERLANDS
  • SPAIN
  • BELGIUM
JANUARY
MATCHDAY 1 – JAN 4, 2025

10:30 AM -Portugal vs Italy
10:50 AM – France vs England
11:10 AM – England vs Portugal
11:30 AM – Italy vs France
11:50 AM – Netherlands vs Croatia
12:10 PM – Belgium vs Germany
12:30 PM – Netherlands vs Germany
12:50 PM – Croatia vs Belgium
1:10 PM – Spain vs Netherlands
1:30 PM – Spain vs Croatia

FEBRUARY
FINALS

RULES

  • TEAM SELECTION AND PLACEMENT

Teams will consist of Elite academy members only brought together by way of a draft.
Once teams are selected, 2 qualification rounds will take place to align each team. The league will consist of 2 divisions (1 & 2)

  • COMPETITION FORMAT AND SCHEDULE

All games will be 15 minutes in length, running time
Game format is 3v3 and rosters may be up to 4 players
Regular season will be played bi-weekly, and teams on gameday will play 2-3 games per day to a total of 10 games

  • PLAYOFFS AND FINALS

First 2 teams from each division will compete in a division final
Winners of each division will compete in a final game – The Elite Nations Super Cup

  • Awards

Players will receive a participation gift, standings will be created to encourage objectives and goal oriented mindset within a friendly approach. Positional or functional awards are also intended to encourage a goal oriented mindset.

  • FREE SPIRITED AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT

There are no coaches nor referees, and academy staff will serve as game facilitators
There are no goalkeepers and Goals must be scored within the opposing half and outside of the designated box area

  • OTHER

All games will be played with small 4v5 nets and a size 3 regular ball
When ball goes out, teams will have 3 seconds to resume play from designated area
IIf team in possession does not get the ball in play within 3 seconds, the opposing team will get the ball
ALL stoppage plays are indirect
Ball must remain low and below the gray line

  • STANDINGS CRITERIA (UNOFFICIAL)

WIN = 3 Points
TIE = 1 Points
LOSS = 0 Points
Regular Season Winner
Playoffs Winner
Leading Goal Scorer
Best Attacking Team (Most goals for)
Best Defending Team (Least goals against)
Sportsmanship Award (Selected by players)