Creative Soccer Culture

The Chance Journey - Final Trials

The Chance Journey - Final Trials




Yesterday SoccerBible were invited by Nike to day two of the Chance Final trials that were taking place in London! For months, Nike have been running the 'Chance' competition which has been a worldwide search for new young talent. Nike scouts have been travelling the world and giving young players the 'chance' to prove themselves at the highest level...





After thousands of trialists, Nike have cut the numbers down to the final 100. Every move they made yesterday were analysed as they had their final opportunity to win one of eight places at the Nike Academy! SoccerBible were on hand to bring you all the behind the scenes images...





It was a day packed with anticipation, nerves and adrenalin as the players were put through their paces by the Nike Academy coaches. The day saw the players tested with a series of technical close control drills followed by intense attack and defence sessions.





A dimension of extra pressure and expectation was added when the players received a surprise visit from two of the best coaches in the world, both renowned for developing youth talent, Arsene Wenger and Guus Hiddink! Each manager took the time to walk the fields, meet the players and offer candid words of advice to help prepare them for the challenges ahead.



When asked about the days events, Wenger commented; "The first day of training focused on close ball control work which is part of the foundation to elite level play. Every player was watched closely by the coaches looking for an excellent level of composure on the ball, athlete ability and consistency throughout the day. This was the first opportunity for every player to make a statement of their intent and the dedication was evident throughout training today."



The event was held close to the Arsenal training complex and towards the end of the day the trialists were given another surprise visit from some of the Arsenal players! Andrei Arshavin, Jack Wilshere, Alex Song, Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela and Kieren Gibbs (all Nike players of course!) were on hand to sign autographs for the trialists and speak to them about the day. SoccerBible didn't miss the opportunity to get interviews with Nicklas Bendtner and Kieren Gibbs. Stay tuned to SoccerBible see what the two had to say!





The trials will come to a close tomorrow where the final 8 will be decided. Be sure not to miss out on our exclusive SoccerBible interview with Nicklas Bendtner and Kieren Gibbs coming soon!

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