The Chance UK Final - Day 4
The first three days of work at Salford City Stadium was complete. For the remaining 28, the last day would require a grander stage. The day began with the boys travelling to Manchester United's Carrington training complex where each of the final players would face Nike's elite UK judging panel for the last time.
Months of hard work and a relentless final three day trial had led to this day. The remaining hopefuls would have to pick themselves up once more and showcase their skills in an 11-a-side match.
Only three players would be selected to represent the UK at the Global Final in Barcelona. After kitting up and discussing tactics, the finalists were given a surprise visit from The Chance UK ambassador Rio Ferdinand.
The Manchester Untied defender gave some final words of advice before kick-off. Rio's First Find - striker Joe Bunny - had made the cut to the final day and lined up in the white team. For the judging panel, the votes were split. The final 3 places would rest on the performances in this game.
Players were rotated throughout the match that consisted of three 30-minute intervals. With a string of impressive performances across the pitch on both sides, it was difficult to see which way the judges were going to call this. Watching from the sidelines were Nike's coaching panel and Rio Ferdinand who would also be consulted on the final decision.
After a gruelling 3 day training period prior to this match, there were some tired minds and bodies on the pitch. It would come down to the determination and character of those willing to push themselves to the limit.
After the 90 minutes, the Nike Coaches were given until the evening to make their decision. Jimmy Gilligan, head coach of the Nike Academy, would consult with his team before agreeing on the final three players who would go on to represent the UK in The Chance Global Final in Barcelona.
After cooling down and giving their bodies a short time to recover, the finalists were taken to the Nike Players Lounge in Manchester city center where they would watch the European Championship final before the big on-stage announcement. Knowing their future was in the hands of the Nike coaches, there was a nervous atmosphere in the air.
Jimmy Gilligan took to the stage following the conclusion of the European Championship final. Before breaking the news, he ensured that each of the finalists had the ability to become a professional footballer. For all but three though, this was to be the end of their Chance journey.
One by one, each of the final three were announced and called to the stage. Jose Figura, Liam Baker and Ashleigh Artwell were the three young players chosen as the winners of The Chance UK. For them, it's next stop Barcelona.
Stay tuned to SoccerBible as we'll be following the UK finalists all the way to Barcelona. Join us soon for exclusive interviews with the final three.
