El Col·lectiu

Nike Football Academy

The Nike Football Academy began in 2009 to give the opportunity to 23 unsigned U20 players to help them find a professional club.

These are young men who come from a diverse footballing background, some of who have been involved in professional football academies and played in youth internationals and others who have had no involvement with pro clubs and who have just played local or semi-professionally.

From what I've seen and understand, the academy gives a real insight into the workings of how club academies work and what's required from a player to become a professional footballer.

The commitment to the program that these 'boys' give is quite amazing. The passions and effort for which they strive to be the best is highly commendable.

There is one thought though that sticks in my head... What if they don't make it as a pro footballer? What then?

Does the Nike Academy deal with those players who don't make it. Do they provide help on alternative career options or is it just thanks but no thanks? These players are giving their all to be the best but not everyone can make it. Who then deals with those who's only way of life is football?

Remember when we coach, we're not just dealing with young footballers but young people...

If you're interested to find out more about the Nike Football Academy, the new 2011/12 campaign is just getting started and more information can be found on the official website below.

http://www.nike.com/nikefootball/academy/about?locale=en_GB