From the MCFC training ground to the Etihad Stadium, we followed the Nike Academy to Manchester to get a taste of football at the highest youth and senior levels while capturing a collection of exclusive shots.
Following our recent day in the life experience of the Nike Academy at St. Georges Park, we hooked up with the Academy lads to see what their weekend life is like away from the immaculate training fields and ice baths of England’s national football centre. After meeting the team at their St.George’s Park Staffordshire base - each of who were kitted out in the latest Nike F.C. gear - we headed north to watch a Manchester City U18 game at Platt Lane Complex; MCFC's training ground. After the action we made our way across the city in time to see the Premier League champions face Stoke City at the Etihad Stadium. Pitch-side access before kick-off and a surprise result which didn’t exactly follow the script capped off another day with the Nike Academy boys, who on the face of it haven’t got a bad gig. Sign us up.
"It's great for us to come out as a team and watch some of the highest level performers in the league. We know it's what we're working towards and what we're striving for. To play week in and week out in packed stadiums in front of thousands of fans is the dream and it's our job to put the work in and make it a reality." Bilal Sayoud, Nike Academy player.
"The ultimate goal of being part of The Nike Academy team is to get a pro contract. We have a laugh and a joke like any other team, but it's days like today that remind you why we work so hard during training and in games. Football is ruthless and just like we saw out there, it's about taking the chances that you have." Kamal Guthmy, Nike Academy player.
The Nike Academy wear the NIKE F.C. collection, available at nike.com & Pro-Direct Select.
