HUNT EXPRESSES PRIDE AT DUDE PERFECT INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CUP’S SUCCESS

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Tournament continues to grow year on year

2025-06-02T15:51:00.885Z

HUNT EXPRESSES PRIDE AT DUDE PERFECT INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CUP’S SUCCESS

Tournament continues to grow year on year

2025-06-02T15:51:00.885Z

DUDE PERFECT INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CUP RETURNS FOR 2026 - Image 2

Burnley FC's President of Business Operations Stuart Hunt believes that the continued success of the Dude Perfect International Youth Cup is another positive at an exciting time for the Club’s Academy.

Around 1,200 people attended the showcase event at Burnley Training Centre and the 48 matches garnered just short of 50,000 views around the world on YouTube.

With plenty more exposure across Instagram, TikTok and the press too, Burnley’s young players, staff and facilities were highlighted as they prepare to become a category one Academy in 2025/26.

“This tournament is huge for Burnley Football Club in showcasing our Academy, which is now category one again,” Hunt said.

“We’re happy that it (the tournament) gets bigger and bigger every year, if not solely by reputation.

“You see a lot of top clubs from around Europe returning and we hope to attract more, so it’s a perfect event to showcase our Academy.

“It’s truly aspirational for the players. I was watching some of their reactions when they came in, and the jaws just drop in pure excitement.

“The families are very pleased with what we provide too, and the aim is for this to become the destination spot for all European and global clubs.

“We want this to be the Champions League of all youth tournaments. Eventually we want to grow from 16 teams to 32 teams and add more age groups.”

HUNT EXPRESSES PRIDE AT DUDE PERFECT INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CUP’S SUCCESS - Image 1

In May, the Academy’s upgrade from category two to category one was confirmed by the Professional Game Board.

That means the Club’s Professional Development Phase teams (U21s and U18s) will compete against the country’s top talent in PL2 and U18 Premier League come August.

Hunt continued: “Being category one again is a key element to our Academy.

“We need to be able to attract quality young players to build and fill in our ranks, so to speak, and it's one of our goals to become a developmental club.

“Whether that talent comes locally, we’d prefer them to come locally, or from abroad, we want to bring them in, make them better and if they choose to leave, then they'll leave a better person, a better talent, a better player.

“If they choose to stay, fantastic, they'll be a great part of our club.”