To see the lads put through their paces...

 

Smith has been traveling across the country and New Zealand for the past couple of weeks, scouting the best young talent to be selected for a place at the Nike Academy in London.

"I've been surprised by the quality of talent," said Smith, who has bought through some 29 Socceroos in his illustrious coaching career. "Considering they have to be amateur youngsters, we've got such a range of very, very good players."

Smith said the search started in Queensland, where more rural areas of the state such as Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton, seemed to produce more potential stars than Brisbane itself did.

"In rural Queensland, it wasn't like there was a couple of lads that stood out, the whole group was of a high standard. I don't know exactly why they performed better than Brisbane, perhaps it is to do with the systems in place for the identification of talent."

Smith said the players are put through two examinations, first - the "Ronaldo test" - where players have to run and dribble with the ball to test their speed, control and ability to change direction, then there is the passing test where players have to hit targets to gain as many points as possible.

The lads then move onto an open eight-a-side game, watched by Smith and his assistant Vitale Ferrante, to assess their ability in a match situation.

"During that slightly smaller sided game you get a good look at each players' technique, so it gives us a good measure of their general playing ability, decision-making, pass selection, dribbling and their ability to strike the ball," said Smith.

Despite Australia often being chastised for producing players with a lack of technical ability, Smith has been surprised at how many youngsters possess such an ability.

"I've been excited by the ability of these lads to manipulate and control the ball with a great touch, all while having their head up looking for options. That all takes real technical ability," added Smith.

The top 24 local players from the regional trials will descend on Canberra at the end of September to see who will win a place at the Nike Academy in London. Go here for more information on Nike's 'The Chance'.

To see the lads put through their paces...