Last week St. George’s Park played host to the Nike Academy Most Wanted Global Showcase, an annual event bringing together some of the world’s top amateur footballers to compete for a place on the Nike Academy.
The showcase concludes Nike’s global search for unsigned talent in 2016 with a three-day assessment of the finalists in front of expert coaches and Nike Academy Manager, Jon Goodman.This year 33 selected players from 17 countries competed for a place on the elite development squad going into 2017.
In addition to the footballing schedule, players and the event’s guests were able to enjoy the range of world-class facilities on offer at the St. George’s Park complex, which is also the permanent base of the Nike Academy squad. The £105million site boasts a strength and conditioning gym, hydrotherapy suite, 13 outdoor pitches and a suite of rehabilitation and sports science areas, as well as a 4* Hilton Hotel for players to relax in between training.
Holly Murdoch, General Manager at St. George’s Park, said:
"The Nike Academy Most Wanted Global Showcase is an incredible event, one that not only inspires the next generation of talent but one that unlocks real opportunities. We had a great three days hosting the showcase and as the chosen home of the Nike Academy itself, were able to provide players with a glimpse of everything they would have the opportunity to experience on and off the pitch if they made it on to the squad.
"Our reputation as the UK’s ultimate training venue is unrivalled, and Nike using us for the Global Showcase and as the home of its Academy is testament to the quality and range of facilities of our offer. We look forward to seeing the new recruits in action next year."
Jon Goodman, Nike Academy Manager, said:
"There was an incredible level of talent on display at this years’ Global Showcase and we’re pleased to have added five new players to the Academy squad. It’s a packed three days for everybody involved and the St. George’s Park team helped to make everything run seamlessly. Seeing and experiencing such high calibre facilities and knowing that it’s the Academy’s base is a big motivator for the players throughout the Global Showcase. We’re excited to start putting the site and its services to good use with the players in the new year.”
