Today
Nike announced the Final 100
players participating
in "The Chance" 2012, a unique global talent search that gives
amateur footballers the chance to prove themselves on an elite stage and take
their game to the next level.
This
year, the final event will be held at FC Barcelona’s iconic training ground.
First launched in 2010, The Chance has seen
thousands of talented footballers participate in high-level coaching and
training. This year's programme promises to be the most global and competitive
yet and will see the Final 100 train and play at the training facilities of one
of football’s most legendary teams.
The Final 100 players, from 55 countries,
were selected from over 100,000 global entrants under the scrutiny of elite
coaches and scouts from all over the world, a process which started in March of
this year.
The
top 16 from the Final 100 players will go through an intense training and
competition schedule in Barcelona with the opportunity to experience the
ultimate training tour as their reward; facing some of the most renowned
academy teams in the world including Manchester United and Juventus during a
once in a lifetime four week period. From the 16, a select group of players
will be invited to train with the Nike Academy, based in the UK, and supported
by the English Premier League.
The Final 100 will gather in Barcelona from
August 19 and will live and train like professionals. “We are in for such an
exciting week," says Jimmy Gilligan, the head coach at the Nike Academy.
“In Barcelona we will host 100 very talented young footballers, give them the
best coaching at the best facilities around, allowing them the best opportunity
to shine and to impress. Importantly, all the coaching and training during the
week will make every player better.”
During the week the footballers will train at
FC Barcelona’s training ground and will be assessed by elite coaching drills
gathered from around the world. With Barcelona as a backdrop, players will also
experience the unique atmosphere of the city with activities throughout the week.
"The Chance has been a great success in
2012," says Carlos Homedes, global Marketing Director for football at
Nike. "It is a unique programme that gives talented young players from all
over the world the opportunity to excel and take their game to the next level,
and these Final 100 players will have an experience they will never
forget."
The winning 16 players will live the life of
an elite footballer and train at the best facilities around the world under the
watchful eyes of club coaches and scouts, a golden chance to get noticed and
potentially win a professional contract.
Visit The Chance homepage on NikeInc.com to
follow the daily action at the finals.
