Wrexham's popularity in the USA since the arrival of co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has grown exponentially.
That is down to the success of the club both on and off the pitch. FX's Welcome to Wrexham documentary gained the Red Dragons a new following in the States and their thrilling promotion back to the EFL this season has given them global mainstream attention.
Ahead of their first season in League Two in 15 years, the Hollywood owned club will travel to America for a pre-season tour. While stateside, the North Wales club will face Manchester United and Chelsea as well as LA Galaxy's II team.
ALSO READ: Wrexham's US tour fixture schedule
Before those fixtures in July, the National League champions will travel to Cary, North Carolina for a 7v7 The Soccer Tournament with $1m on the line for the winner. MEN Sport has taken a look at what the competition is and how it all works.
What is The Soccer Tournament?
The Soccer Tournament has been launched by the founders of The Basketball Tournament after its success in the US. It works in the same manor as the FIFA World Cup. Thirty two teams will compete in an eight-group round robin which will then be followed by a knockout stage. Eventually, whoever wins the tournament will win the entire prize money of $1m.
What are the rules?
Each team will field six outfield players and a goalkeeper. Matches will take place on a much smaller 65x45 yard pitch. Games will be played over two, 20 minute halves. A winner is determined by what the organisers call 'target score time'. This period is untimed and will see both teams having to reach a certain number of goals to win the match. The target score will be one goal more than what the winning team has after 40 minutes. For instance, if after 40 minutes the score is 3-1, then the winner will be the first to reach four goals. There are no draws or offsides and throw-ins are replaced with kick-ins.
Who is competing?
Notable names competing alongside the Wrexham Red Dragons team are Borussia Dortmund, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Hapoel Tel Aviv, West Ham United and Cesc Fabregas' Como 1907. English YouTube side Hashtag United will also be fielding a team at the tournament. Wrexham are in Group E alongside Fabregas' Italian team, Say Word FC, who represent black colleges and universities in America and US Women who is made up of USWNT legends including; Cat Whitehill, Lori Chalupny and Lori Lindsey. A full list of groups and fixtures can be found below:
Group A
Borussia Dortmund, Hoosiers Army (Indiana Alumni), Kingdom FC, Newtown Pride FC
Group B
Wolves, Blade & Grass FC, Villita FC, DMV Diplomats
Group C
Club Necaxa, Hapoel Tel Aviv, SLC FC, Virginia Dream
Group D
West Ham, Dallas United, Culture by Mo ALi FC, Far East United
Group E
Wrexham Red Dragons, Como 1907, US Women, Say Word FC
Group F
Hashtag United, Conrad & Beasley United, Nati SC, Gracie FC
Group G
Team Dempsey, Sneaky Fox FC, Zala FFF, Jackson TN Boom
Group H
Charlotte FC, Duke Sevens (Duke Alumni), NCFC, Raleigh Rebels FC
How can I watch the tournament?
The tournament will take place between Wednesday May 31, and Sunday June 4, 2023. All matches will be available to watch live but viewing information has yet to be published. Tickets for the tournament have sold out.
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