To see the boys training in Melbourne...

 

Nike’s The Chance is a global search for unsigned, young talent with 100 trial winners from 47 countries – including Australia and New Zealand - gathering for four days of training in London next month.

They’ll be assessed for eight professional contracts at the Nike Academy in London where they’ll learn from top-level coaches, train like pros and play a full season of football in the UK under the eyes of EPL scouts.

Blumgart along with Kiwi defender Tom Doyle, ACT’s Tom Rogic and NSW-based Mariners youth team keeper Niko Matic will represent this region after winning their way through local trials. Final tests held last September at the AIS were run under the watchful eye of former FFA technical director Ron Smith.

To prepare for this unique opportunity, Blumgart along with Doyle have been training for over a month with  A-League club Melbourne Heart.

It’s been a revelation for players like Blumgart who’ve only played amateur lower division football.

Just walking in to the changing rooms on their first day was a nerve-wracking experience, as Blumgart told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“We’d met Simon Colosimo in Canberra during the final trials but still I was really nervous," he said. "It was pretty nerve-wracking seeing all these players you’ve seen on the TV sitting around in the change room. Then you have to get in and get changed.”

And even the Heart coaching staff have impressed the 18-year-old. "John van’t Schip is unbelievably good with the players," he said after a training session on Thursday.

"He’s also just a really friendly guy. Guys like that could be arrogant if they want because of their status.But John and also Jesper Olsen [Heart assistant coach, Danish legend and former Manchester United winger] are just the nicest people who are always willing to help.

“There’s a lot of pressure on them but it’s a really good environment.”

There’s little doubt the local lads will have a tough task against the unsigned talent from Africa, Europe and South America. It’s why training with Heart is so crucial, says Blumgart, in preparing him for his biggest test in January.  

“It’s been really vital," he said. "I don’t think some of the other players have been getting the preparation me and Tom have been getting, to train with a professional team.

“And the A-League is starting to get a lot of credibility around the world. Heart could hold their own in certain leagues across Europe.

“The level I’ve come from, the pace of the game is a lot slower. This is a lot quicker but I’ve adapted with my decision-making and  my thinking on the ball has definitely improved.”

Like Doyle, if Blumgart doesn’t make the final cut for Nike’s Academy the central midfielder has trials arranged. Denmark has been penciled in while Doyle will have UK trials lined up.

However, if Blumgart was ever was offered an A-League contract, he’d hope it was with Heart. “Even if nothing comes of it, the time I’ve spent with Heart, seeing what the professionals do has been amazing.

“For sure it’s made me want it more now,” the Caulfield-based midfielder said of his dreams of becoming a professional footballer one day.

“I am getting more nervous ahead of The Chance – but it’s a nervous excitement.”

He added: “For all these boys around the world, not just me, it really is the chance.”

For more information, head to http://www.nike.com/nikefootball/write-the-future/home

To see the boys training in Melbourne...