Marc Skinner's parting words after last summer's World Sevens final said it all: "If we're not invited back, I'm going to be mad." Manchester United finished runners-up to Bayern Munich in Estoril, and now they're back — this time on home soil.
World Sevens Football has confirmed its first London edition, running from 28th to 30th May at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium. Aston Villa join United as the first two clubs confirmed for what will be an all-WSL affair — eight clubs from England's top flight competing for a $1.5 million prize pot.
Why London, and why now?
The previous two editions pulled from across Europe and the Americas. Portugal's inaugural tournament in May 2024 drew eight of Europe's top clubs. Fort Lauderdale followed with a North and South American field won by San Diego FC. London flips the model entirely — this one is built specifically around the WSL, its clubs, and its fanbase.
Co-founder Jen Mackesy framed it as evolution, not repetition. "Tailored to their clubs, their players, and their fans" is the pitch, and staging it the weekend before the Adobe Women's FA Cup final at Wembley on 31st May is smart programming. That's a big window for women's football to own the calendar.
The format stays the same: 7-a-side, 30-minute games, rolling substitutions, natural grass. Fast, high-tempo, and built for entertainment beyond the touchline — live music and wider football culture are part of the package. It's designed to feel like a festival as much as a competition.
What this means for United and Villa specifically
For Manchester United, the W7F tournament is shaping up to be the highlight of a difficult end to the season. They're out of title contention — Manchester City are on course to win their first league title in a decade — so this is where the season ends with something to play for. A $1.5 million prize and a score to settle with Bayern Munich is not nothing.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, continue to grow their profile in women's football and this is another step in that direction. Their presence confirms the tournament is attracting clubs beyond the usual elite names.
- Dates: 28–30 May 2025
- Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford
- Format: 7-a-side, 30-minute matches, rolling subs
- Prize pot: $1.5 million
- Confirmed teams: Manchester United, Aston Villa (six WSL clubs still to be announced)
Tickets go on general sale 14th April at 10am via worldsevens.com, with W7F and Brentford members getting early access from 13th April. Day passes and three-day packages are both available. Broadcast details and the remaining six clubs are yet to be confirmed.
