Nike India on Thursday launched its football web site exclusively for footballers and football fans in India. As part of its first initiative, Nike announced the 'WHERE'S THE NEXT' football event, to find one of the best young footballers in the country.
This Nike initiative is in pursuit of finding some of India's best football talent in the country. The chosen footballer will be part of an eleven-member team from Asia that will get an exclusive opportunity to train for a week at FC Barcelona, in the last week of August 2007, with their coaches and an opportunity to meet the FC Barcelona team.
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Nike India will run the initiative from July 15 to July 31 for teenagers in the age group of 15 to 17 years. A participant is required to post a one-minute video displaying his/her best football skills on www.nikefootball.in, along with his/her name and personal details.
The top 10 footballers from India, shortlisted on the basis of these videos will be taken to Delhi, courtesy Nike, to attend the grand final.
Indian football team captain Baichung Bhutia will select one aspiring footballer who will comprise the winning 11 from Asia. This team will also get to play against the FC Barcelona youth team, besides getting an opportunity to watch the FC Barcelona team in action.
"For the many football teens waiting for a break, this is an incredible opportunity. I am glad that Nike is fuelling the passion and enthusiasm for football in our country through such events, be it 'Where's the next' or the annual Manchester United Premier Cup tournament", said Bhutia.
"FC Barcelona is among the top three most popular football clubs in Asia. Nike sees this as an opportunity to feed the passion for football and to provide a premium experience for some of the most talented football obsessed teens in the country", said Sanjay Gangopadhyay, Marketing Director, Nike India.
"It is our belief that such forums will provide aspiring footballers with the much needed exposure to be recognized", he added.
