Sunday League Team Heads to $1M Global Tournament with Plans to Reinvest Back Into Local Community Club
A Greater Manchester Sunday league side that captured global attention is heading to a $1 million tournament this summer, with plans to turn that exposure into real investment back into its local community club.
Wythenshawe FC’s Veterans side will compete in The Soccer Tournament, a 7-a-side, winner-takes-all tournament featuring former professionals and teams from across the world May 27- June 1, 2026 in Cary, North Carolina.
The side first gained widespread attention online late last year, when a squad brought together by former Premier League midfielder Stephen Ireland featuring names including Danny Drinkwater, Marc Albrighton, Emile Heskey, Papiss Cissé and most recently Antonio Valencia drew significant interest.
The story has since been covered across media outlets in Europe, China, Australia and the United States with interest continuing to grow ahead of the tournament.
Ireland, who recently suffered a serious leg injury ruling him out of playing, remains a huge part of the project and the journey the team has been on since first coming together.
While the tournament offers a global platform, the focus for the club remains local.
Wythenshawe FC supports more than 70 teams across men’s, women’s and junior football. The veterans side itself reflects that community, made up of players who continue to pay subs and support the club week in, week out, while also taking part in local charity and community events.
Any commercial income, sponsorship or exposure generated through the tournament will go directly back into supporting facilities, teams and opportunities for players in the local area.
A media day held in November captured behind-the-scenes footage and player interviews during the early stages of the squad coming together. Video from the day is available for media use alongside additional interviews and content ahead of the tournament. Link Below.
Media Opportunities
• Player interviews, including former professional footballers
• Access to media day footage and behind-the-scenes content
• Features on the journey from viral attention to global competition
• Local and national angles around community impact
Follow the Journey:
Instagram: @wythenshawe.fc.vets
Full Squad : https://tst7v7.com/soccer-teams/wythenshawe-vets-fc/
