Nike Academy: Arsenal - Video Update
The country's very best non-professional players recently travelled to London Colney to test their nerve against one of Europe s most impressive development sides - Arsenal. Six months after entering the Nike Academy, the lads got the chance to test their skills against some of the country's highest level youth talent.
SoccerBible was given inside access into Arsenal's world-class training facilities as we took a pitch-side seat in time for kick-off. With Arsenal assistant manager Pat Rice watching on, it was a chance for both Arsenal and Nike Academy players to impress. With a number of Arsenal players with first team experience lining up, this was to be a true test of how far the Nike Academy team have come.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain was pitch-side to watch the action unfold and have a quick chat with SoccerBible. The former Saints sensation is no stranger to the Nike Academy, having played against the Nike youth side during his Southampton days last year. After signing for Arsenal in 2011, the eighteen year old has already forced his way into the Arsenal first team, proving that if you're good enough, you're old enough.
Despite conceding two early goals, the Nike Academy continued to battle against one of the world's best young teams. After a strong second half performance, head coach of the Nike Academy Jimmy Gilligan, masterminded a brilliant comeback with the score at 2-2 after the final whistle. ''Despite being 2-0 down at half time, the lads kept working hard and earned their way back into the game. I'm really proud of them.''
After being given a first-half run out against the Nike Academy, Arsenal youngster Ryo Miyaichi was also on hand to speak to SoccerBible. Known for his explosive pace and dribbling, the Japanese teenager has already established a strong reputation across Europe. We spoke to Arsenal's baby-faced speedster to talk football boots, Arsenal and everything else.
With Arsenal first team training taking place just a stones throw away, there were some impressed onlookers nearby, including Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere. For the Nike Academy, it was a sure sign of how far they've come. Recovering a 2-0 half time deficit to earn a draw against Arsenal's youth side takes some doing!
