the big one 2026
A two day tournament
4-5 July 2026
🏆 The UK’s Premier Two-Day Youth Football Tournament
Two days. World-class facilities. International competition, suitable for all levels of teams due to smart scheduling. On the 2nd day Cup, Plate and Shield can be crowned Champions.
📍 Where
⚽ Lilleshall National Sports Centre, near Telford, Shropshire
World-class training grounds. “Rolling-carpet” grass pitches. A historic venue players never forget, graced by Charlton, Moore, Gascoigne, Gerrard and Shearer, now your teams chance to play on the same pitches.
🗓️ When?
⚽ Tournament dates
4–5 July 2026
Boys | U11 – U16
Girls | U11, U12, U14, and U15
⚽ Who can enter?
Grassroots clubs or schools with FA affiliation (or international equivalent) – based on 2025/2026 age groups
✅ Boys U11–U16
✅ Girls U11, U12, U14, and U15
⚠️ Boy players registered with Premier League/EFL academies (2025/26 season) are not eligible.
⚠️ Any girl player can play however, they must be registered on the WGS (Whole Game System) with that club.
Local teams not staying overnight may apply via the Local Team Ballot here before booking below (subject to availability). Please fill in the form, and we can give you approval if you are based within 80 miles of the venue. All other teams can book below, but will then need to book an accommodation package with us for 1 or 2 nights.
🌟 Why Teams Choose The Big One
✅ Elite venue — world-class natural grass pitches
✅ National opposition + visiting international teams
✅ Guaranteed 75–100 minutes of football per team per day
✅ Ability-matched Day-2 knockouts (Cup / Shield / Plate)
✅ Professional officiating with 3+ officials per match
✅ AI-powered match filming, highlights & MVP leaderboards
This is a tournament where every team feels competitive — right to the end.
🎥 The Big One Experience
✅ Pitch filmed with AI cameras
✅ Match highlights to share with families and clubs
✅ Social media coverage of standout moments
✅ Player and coach interviews with multi media team
✅ Spectator and player challenges during the day
A brilliant platform for teams — and memories players keep forever.
🏟 Tournament Format
Formats:
U11–U12 → 9v9
U13–U16 → 11v11
Kick-offs:
Saturday: 10.30am – U11, U13, U15 (remember this is 25/26 age groups)
2.30pm start waves – U12, U14, U16
✅ Group Stage: 18-20-minute matches
✅ Day 2: Cup, Shield & Plate knockout competitions
Sunday: 9am and 12 noon start waves– each wave 4/5 hours in length
✅ Awards: Trophies, medals & MVP recognition
⚠️ Boy players registered with Premier League/EFL academies (2025/26 season) are not eligible.
⚠️ Any girl player can play however, they must be registered on the WGS (Whole Game System) with that club.
🏨 Accommodation (Required for Attending Teams*)
Turn the weekend into a full team tour. Stay on quality local hotel packages — all arranged for you — with time to explore nearby attractions.
💡 Bonus: Lilleshall is only 30 minutes from Alton Towers or Local AquaParks great for a cool down— perfect for team bonding before or after the tournament!
Packages include:
✔ 3★–4★ hotels (no dorms or floors — proper rooms)
✔ Breakfast included
✔ Optional lunch & evening meals
✔ Coach place FREE on bookings of 24+
✔ Under-16s roomed with an adult
Guide prices (per person, based on 2+ sharing):
1 night B&B — £99.99
2 nights B&B — £159
3 nights B&B — £289
Single rooms: £20–£30 extra per night. For 3+ nights or special rooming needs, email info@onetournament.org
If happy with the above book your team in below to hold your teams space the team will then be in touch to book your accommodation package
*Local ballot teams are exempt from the accommodation rule if there club is based with 80 miles.
** Please note if you do not book your accommodation via One Tour we reserve the right to cancel your team space with no refund.
💷 Tournament Entry
£350 per team (two-day tournament)
Example a squad of 16 £21.87 (£10.93 per day) we can only offer this so cheap ( To play at National Sports Centre, if you book accommodation with us). If accepted via the local team ballot its £15 per player per day. Once accepted onto the ballot, we will ask you for your squad size prior to paying.
🔒 Important Information
➡️ Teams must book accommodation through One Tournament (unless accepted via Local Team Ballot).
➡️ Accommodation booked elsewhere is non-refundable .
We keep this policy so the entire event runs smoothly — and teams enjoy a genuine weekend experience together.
🚀 Ready to Enter?
👇🏽 Book here to reserve your team with a deposit today 👇🏽
Have a question first? Message us on WhatsApp, we’ll respond quickly.
Don’t miss the chance to play at one of football’s most historic venues…
Register now for The Big One 2026.