Exclusive: Stuart Pearce On "The Chance" At St. Georges Park
We recently visited St. Georges Park, where England U21 Coach Stuart Pearce offered his coaching services to the 16 remaining finalists of The Chance. Some of the world's best young footballers were able to experience England's national football centre first hand. We payed a visit and chatted to Pearce pitch side.
Speaking on The Chance initiative, Pearce commented, "It's a chance in a lifetime to actually get this opportunity to trawl around Europe and the world like they have done. That's a lifetime experience for young players." The Chance finalists have been taken on a five-week selection process to some of the best training centres around the world.
Under the watchful eye of Stuart Pearce and Head Coach of the Nike Academy Jimmy Gilligan, the aspiring players were put through two days of intense training usually reserved for the England youth teams.
Speaking on the facilities that are now on hand to all levels of England international players, Pearce commented, "For years we've been saying that we've had no training centre, but now all of a sudden we have our analysis department here, we've got our fitness department here, we've got everything here.
Pearce has managed some of England's best young players and witnessed their rise through England's international ranks. "There have been countless players who have come through over the years. Wilshere, Welbeck and various other players who are all in the senior team at the moment. There is a lot of talent and we have to make sure we use those talents in the right and proper manner."
To see more on the players trip to St. Georges Park and hear from England manager Roy Hodgson, click here. Let us know what you think. Join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
