In the first in a series of news pieces, Nike travels to Mexico City to explore the impact the small-sided game has on community, lifestyle and the overall development of a continent that has football at the heart of its core.
Home to more than 20 million people, three top-flight football teams and is its own vivacious hotbed of football culture. Mexico City is a place where tens of thousands of teens take to the turf to refine their skills and enhance their hopes of becoming professionals, Every day.
Going by the name of 'fut' – the recent performances of Mexico at major tournaments including London 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup has given belief to a nation while fueling the hope of many, to make a life from the game.
There are stories to be told at every level, from top flight players, to after school conosurs of the game, in the city the game revolves around the small-sided pitch. A most powerful tool in bringing people together, football has the power to break down barriers like no other sport.
David Pillón Hermández is a visual artist born and raised in Mexico City. Having painted murals across the world he explains just how creative this culturally flourishing city is and what you need to succeed.
The inventive playing styles and varied surfaces of Mexico City helped provide the foundation for the newNikeFootballX collection, namely the MagistaX designed for creative, unstoppable playmakers. The shoe’s Lunarlon midsole cushions against hard surfaces and delivers enough give for the player to feel the ball through the sole of the boot.
Used in a previous punchy film for NikeFootballX, the brand explored how the Tepito Futsal Crew use the Nike Football App to get their game together. Another story to tell, coach Mauricio Villanueva describes how “Football is improvisation; it’s not coordinated. All you can do is look for the best option and go for it. On the pitch, you can do whatever makes you feel good, whatever gives you happiness: score goals, make good plays, defeat a rival.”
A story well told, this first piece in a remarkable exploration of football around the globe is a celebration of why the game is like no other, especially on the small-sided court. Take in the full story from Nike.
Pick up the new Nike FootballX collection from Nike stockists including Pro-Direct Soccer.
