Encomium
LifeStyle Sports has announced the winner of The Dream Football, a 19 year old Nigerian, Abdeen Abdul from Navan, Co. Meath. He was chosen as the winner from a group of 50 hopefuls from all around Ireland, after an intense, day long trial at the elite Carton House training facilities.
Abdeen started playing football at 10 for local club, Johnstown FC. After playing schoolboy football, he joined Park Villa FC in Navan and now plays as an established midfielder, who regularly starts for this local team.
The Dream was a nationwide search for undiscovered young Irish football talent to compete in local trials to win a once in a lifetime chance to trial for the Nike Academy in London. This unique opportunity was exclusive to Life Style Sports in Ireland and was the first of its kind to be offered to any retailer worldwide. During a month long search for the best undiscovered football talent in Ireland, over 150 top quality football CVs were considered.
“I’m feeling great”, said Abdeen. “I never expected to win this as there were so many top players here today. I really wanted to come here and make my parents proud, so I can’t wait to tell them I’ve won! My friend told me about this opportunity as he saw it in Life Style Sports, and I felt that I had what it takes to go for it. I am a striker and my favourite player is Thierry Henry! It was an absolutely amazing day and I can’t wait to get over to England for my trial with the Nike Academy!”.
Abdeen was a stand out from the beginning for the Nike coaching team which included former Ireland International, Kenny Cunningham, Wolverhampton Wanderers lead coach, Mick Halsall, St. Patrick’s Athletic goalkeepers, Rene Gilmartin, UEFA Coach, Des Davis and ex Wolves coach, Steve Weaver.
Former Ireland international and Nike coach, Kenny Cunningham said at the trials, “As a coach, today was really enjoyable for me. The attitude of these young players was absolutely fantastic. They have shown their commitment by travelling from all over Ireland, mingled well, and played as teams throughout the day, which was great to see. There can only be one winner, and it wasn’t an easy decision. Abdeen stood out from the start as a diverse footballer with great skill, playing in all of the forward positions, as well as being established within midfield.”
Speaking about the standard of the young players participating in The Dream trials, Kenny remarked “There were a lot of players who came extremely close to Abdeen and they can all be proud of their efforts today. I believe there will be other opportunities in the future for some of the others that tried out today, and I will definitely be following up to see what paths they take.”
