The Chance - SoccerBible Meets The Finalists
One hundred talented young footballers will gather at Barcelona for Nike s The Chance Global Final at the end of August. From these one hundred players, a squad of sixteen will be selected to travel the globe for the ultimate footballing experience. SoccerBible caught up with the three UK finalists for player profile's on the UK's representatives.
Ashleigh, Liam and Jose have been selected by Nike from more than 5,000 UK players. Before flying out to Barcelona the three players received the best preparation possible from Manchester United, but how are the players feeling themselves are they confident of performing well...
Midfielder Jose Figura, 19, is known as 'Big Man' to his team-mates, he may be short but he's got an imposing frame. With his hold-up play he can influence games and dictate the pace of the match like smaller players such as Wesley Sneijder or Paul Scholes.
And like his hero Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose is from Portugal. As a youngster he moved to Newham, East London. His passion for football means when he's not playing 11- a-side, you can find him taking on all-comers in a cage kickabout or playing FIFA online.
Nike's coaches spotted Jose playing for his college team and his exceptional physical attributes grabbed their attention.
Jose told SoccerBible: When I entered The Chance, I wasn't too confident. But I knew I had it in me and I wanted to make it.
As a Man Utd fan, the experience so far has been amazing. My favourite moment has been the training session with Chris Smalling. He is a great player and has experienced turning pro from a non-league background.
I'm looking forward to getting out to Barcelona for the Final and doing my thing. I want to make it into the top-16 so I can keep this going. My family and friends have faith in me and that pushes me to make them proud.
Liam Baker, 17, is a pacey striker from Harrow, North West London. He has played county level football for Middlesex and Hertfordshire.
He lists Lionel Messi as his football icon and strives to model his game on the Argentinian genius.
Liam's college football team coach recommended him to Nike for The Chance and his ability to play on the shoulders of opposing defenders, as well as drop off to collect the ball from his team-mates, has seen him reach the final three players in the UK.
Liam told SoccerBible: I wanted to be a part of The Chance for the experience. I thought it would be something new for me and a good opportunity.
As the days went on, I was looking around thinking there are some top players here. But as we did more ball-work I thought I was just as good, if not better, and I realised I had a chance of progressing.
It s unreal to think I'm in the 100 best unsigned footballers in the world. I've got nothing to lose and I will give the Global Final my best shot.
Ashleigh Artwell, 17, is a centre-midfielder who has played for England Under-18s. For five years he was a member of the academy at his hometown club Reading FC before leaving a year ago.
He models his game on Barcelona playmaker Andres Iniesta. Ashleigh moves the ball quickly to retain possession and helps his team pressurise the opposition to win it back. Athletic ability including explosive pace help him to venture forward on domineering dribbles.
Ashleigh said: I started believing in myself as The Chance progressed. I kept surviving the cuts and every time I reached the next round filled me with confidence. 
I have had an amazing time. One highlight is that Rio Ferdinand recognised me as a midfielder from an earlier trial he had attended. That encouraged me.
I can't wait to get to Barcelona to show my ability. I promised I would bring something new and I hope I can do that at the Global Final. Expect the unexpected. 
After three days of training and relaxation at Manchester United's training complex. Fitness and conditioning, yoga, first team advice from Chris Smalling and Rio Ferdinand, and tactical development from first team coach Rene Muelensteen and assistant manager Mike Phelan. The UK finalists could not be better prepared, so it's all eyes on Barcelona to see which of the global finalists make the 16 man squad for an elite footballing experience.
SoccerBible will be in attendance to keep you updated with news of the Global Final and how the UK contestants fair up against the World s brightest football talents. It's the chance of a lifetime, let us know what you think and join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
