World Sevens Football Announces London Debut with Man United and Aston Villa Confirmed

After falling short in last summer's World Sevens final, Manchester United manager Marc Skinner made his feelings clear: "If we're not invited back, I'm going to be mad." His wish has been granted — and this time, the tournament is coming to England.

World Sevens Football has officially announced its inaugural London edition, scheduled for May 28-30 at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium. Manchester United and Aston Villa headline the first two confirmed participants among eight Women's Super League clubs competing for a substantial $1.5 million prize purse.

All-WSL Format Aims to Showcase England's Top Flight

This London tournament marks a strategic shift from previous editions that featured clubs from across Europe and the Americas. Instead, organizers are keeping it exclusively within the WSL — a conscious decision, according to co-founder Jen Mackesy, designed to deliver an experience "tailored to their clubs, their players, and their fans."

The three-day competition at the West London venue maintains the formula that made earlier tournaments successful: 30-minute matches on a natural-grass pitch with rolling substitutions and seven players per side. By limiting participation to WSL clubs, the tournament promises heightened competition fueled by existing league rivalries and tactical familiarity.

The scheduling is strategic as well. Wrapping up on May 30, the tournament concludes just one day before the Adobe Women's FA Cup final at Wembley, offering fans an exceptional back-to-back women's football experience.

What's at Stake for United and Villa

Manchester United enters this tournament after a season overshadowed by Manchester City's dominant run toward their first WSL championship in ten years. Without silverware in league play, the World Sevens Football competition represents what United's football operations director Ameesh Manek described as "an excellent format" and a chance to finish the season on a high note. Their runner-up finish from last year only adds motivation.

Aston Villa's participation carries different significance. As a club still establishing itself among England's elite, competing against seven top-flight opponents for legitimate prize money provides invaluable exposure and competitive experience.

The remaining six WSL clubs have yet to be revealed, but with $1.5 million on the line and a home crowd atmosphere, competition figures to be intense. Bayern Munich claimed the inaugural Portuguese edition, while San Diego FC won in Florida. Now the WSL has an opportunity to demonstrate its standing on the global stage.

  • Tournament dates: May 28-30, 2025
  • Location: Gtech Community Stadium, London, England
  • Playing format: Seven-a-side, 30-minute matches, rolling substitutions
  • Total prize money: $1.5 million USD
  • Teams confirmed: Manchester United, Aston Villa (six additional clubs to be announced)
  • Public ticket sales: April 14 at 10:00 AM through worldsevens.com

A member presale launches April 13 at 10:00 AM, one day ahead of general availability. Both single-day passes and three-day packages will be offered. Broadcasting arrangements will be announced at a later date.