The Nike Football Academy: Developing the Next Generation
Background
The Nike Football Academy was an English football academy funded and administered by Nike. The academy had a revolving squad of unsigned under-20 players and was run with the intention of helping them find a professional club. The academy had long list of future professional players pass through it's doors, including Matty Cash, Tom Rogic, Pontus Almqvist, Abdul Majeed Waris and Anfernee Dijksteel to name a few.
The Academy sadly closed at the end of the 2016–17 season.
This is where we come in! For the 2021-22 season the Nike Academy has been revived and the decision has been taken to move the headquarters to Germany, the ideal breeding ground for young footballing talent.
An 8 club conglomerate spanning all continents has been launched, creating the Nike Academy Football ecosystem. Central to this system, and this career, is Nike Academy Deutschland, to which the best players from the 7 other clubs will go in the hopes of launching them into stardom.
Nations have been picked based on the nationalities of ‘most notable’ players, ensuring that there is a global coverage, including nations who are from the less notable footballing countries. The ultimate aim is to produce professional footballers from these countries who represent their national teams, and to pick up youths released by the big academies and give them a 2nd chance.
As part of the Nike takeover process, clubs have received the following changes to the facilities and structure:
50% boost to junior coaching and youth recruitment for all clubs
50% boost to bank balance
Underwriter Sugar Daddy (i.e Nike) - the aim of the German club is to become self-sufficient within 5 years
All 8 clubs are now affiliated, with the German club being top of the food chain
Nike Academy Nations
Germany Original Club: Halle Rebranded: Nike Academy Deutschland. Key info: 2nd youngest average squad age in 3. Liga
England Original Club: Dulwich Hamlet New Club: Nike Academy UK Key Info: London based team, ideal for picking up talented youngster from London clubs
Sweden Original Club: Taby FK - young average squad age New Club: Nike Academy Sverige Key info: Young average squad age. According to Wikipedia they are noted for having a young squad.
Australia Original Club: Bribane Roar - New Club: Nike Academy Australia Key Info: One of the clubs with the worst original facilities
Canada Original Club: FC Edmunton New Club: Nike Academy Canada Key Info: None - bang average club!
India
Original Club: Delhi Football Club New Club: Nike Academy India Key Info: Young starting squad based in a major city
Peru Original Club: Sport Boys New Club: Nike Academy Peru Key Info: Young Average age (plus it was a good name for a youth focus)
South Africa Original Club: South Africa - JDR All Stars New Club: Nike Academy South Africa Key Info: None
Rules
Only 3 players above age 23 allowed - these will be the 'mentors' for the younger players. These will either be players who have developed by the club or veteran elder statesman (age 30+) of the game looking for their last pay check.
No signings above 21 years of age - unless it fulfils the criteria above
Once a player hits 23 they must be sold or otherwise become one of our 3 designated ‘mentors’
If a player receives an offer from a club in a higher division, the bid must be accepted - this is how the success of the Nike Academy System will be determined (not by the trophy cabinet)
Transfers will primarily focus on players from the 7 affiliated clubs and players released by bigger academies and clubs throughout the world.
Throughout this save I will be tracking the successes of all the clubs, with a particular focus on Germany. All teams are in playable league so it should hopefully lead to some interesting stories in the future!
Club intro to follow...