The Nike Football Academy is an Englishfootball academy funded and administered by Nike, Inc.. The academy has a revolving squad of unsigned under-20 players and is run with the intention of helping them find a professional club. The academy is currently based at St George's Park National Football Centre.[2] The squad is made up of players scouted worldwide and drafted to the squad through Nike Most Wanted trials. Over 50 players have gone on to play professional football over the years. The programme is led by Manager Jon Goodman, with former Wolverhampton Wanderers player Matt Murray working as Assistant Manager.
After Jorge Grant signed for Nottingham Forest F.C., Jose Figuera, Kirill Laptev and Saife Alami Bazza were given a trial to replace him.[8]
Wallace Camilo, David Fernandes and Melusi Zulu ended up not going with the team on the Nike "The Chance" tour. To replace them the following three contestants were brought in:[7]
Karlton Watson signed a professional contract for the premier league side, Leicester City FC on the 22nd of November 2012.[11]
Cameron Edwards also signed professional terms with the Australian team Melbourne Heart on the 21st of December 2012.[12]