The Chance - Sun Jihai's First Find
This time Nike's global search takes us to China where former Chinese international, Sun Jihai sends the first player through to the Chinese national finals. With the former Manchester City player watching on from the sidelines, young players from either side of the inner city game were keen to impress.
We've already seen Mano Menezes, Pep Guardiola, Rio Ferdinand and Laurent Blanc with their First Finds. As Nike's extensive global scouting network continues to unearth the planet's best unsigned footballing talent, Sun Jihai is next in line to select his first entrant into the national finals.
As one of the most important players in the history of Chinese football, Sun Jihai knows Chinese talent when he sees it. ''These kids really cherish this opportunity. The Chance gives these young footballers the opportunity to ignite their dreams. With this passion for football I believe that the future of Chinese football will be brighter.''
Of the 100 players who are chosen for each national final, 3 will progress to the global finals in Barcelona where 16 unsigned athletes will be selected to form an elite squad that will travel the globe, training with the world's best professional teams and playing against the most prestigious academy sides.
The Chance has an impressive track record - two of last year s winners, Tobi Amokeodo and Titi Accam are playing full-time in the Premier League-affiliated Nike Academy, whilst a third, Tom Rogic, has recently signed a contract with Central Coast Mariners, an Australian A-League club.
The players joining Sun Jihai's 'First Find' in the Chinese finals will be chosen by a nationwide network of scouts with the help of The Chance Facebook app. This will allow teams to enrol themselves on a shortlist and those that generate the most Facebook activity will be given a chance to progress further.
Do you have the hunger and the talent to succeed? Sun Jihai has made his first selection. Who's next? Think you have what it takes? Sign up http://go.nike.com/The_Chance
