If yesterday’s surprise visit to their training session by several members of FC Barcelona wasn’t enough, come the evening The Chance’s 100 finalists were further rewarded for their efforts with dinner at La Masia and a tour of Camp Nou.
A visit to the iconic cottage of La Masia, once home to so many future stars of the Barcelona first team (including yesterday’s guests Andrés Iniesta and Gerard Pique) was the ideal setting for these young players hoping that this week sees them begin their journey into professional football.
The players capped off the evening with a tour of Camp Nou and a chance for the young finalists who have travelled to Barcelona from all over the world to get an extraordinary close up look at one of the world's most iconic stadiums.
The finalists were shown around the dressing rooms where kits with their names across the back were hung up for their arrival. Then they were able to walk down the tunnel towards the hallowed turf before taking a look inside Barcelona's trophy cabinet.
Earlier in the day following a session of intense training, the finalists were surprised with a visit from several of Barcelona’s players. Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique were among a group who after their own training session had ended, walked over to meet the youngsters before joining in with some drills and offering their own tips and advice.”
Gerard Pique, who visited the finalists opening training session yesterday said; “In the end, what's most important no is being a complete plater. You need to be fast, strong and good in the air. You have to be a high-calibre player and value every aspect of play. You should have a bit of everything.”
During this week of the Global Final, the footballers will be assessed by elite coaching drills gathered from around the world. With Barcelona as a backdrop, players will also experience the unique atmosphere of the city with activities throughout the week.
The winning 16 players will live the life of an elite footballer and train at the best facilities around the world under the watchful eyes of club coaches and scouts, a golden chance to get noticed and potentially win a professional contract.
