The Chance 2012 ‘Final 100’ Commences In Barcelona

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.