Nike Chance trials begin in Australia on May 8, giving young, unsigned players the opportunity to hit the big time – just like last year’s winner, the silky-skilled Tom Rogic.

Players who want to sign up to trial can head to https://www.facebook.com/nikefootballau

Now, Nike are looking for new stars for the second version of The Chance.

And if you’re wondering what the coaches are looking for, the Barca coaching great offered his advice.

“The first thing we look at is the talent these players have, their technique. That’s what matters at a young age," he said. "They are young and they’re still growing so their physical build is not important. It’s all about technique. That’s the first thing you should be looking at.

“My piece of advice for young players is just to play. Play as much as you can. All the time. Everywhere. Just play football at every opportunity, the rest will come.”

Last year, four locals from Australia and New Zealand were picked after trials across the country.

FourFourTwo Australia followed their journey in Australia then London as part of 100 of the best unsigned talent from over 40 countries around the world competing for the winning eight spots at the Nike Academy.

With special guests including Guus Hiddink, Arsenal and Spurs players plus Arsene Wenger, it was an unforgettable training experience training like a professional in the English capital.

Rogic made it to the final eight and was awarded a one-year contract at the Nike Academy.

There he played against some of the best youth teams across the Continent before catching the eye of newly promoted EPL club Reading.

Visa issues dashed that move so he returned home and wowed fans in the A-League with the Mariners.Aussie head scout Ron Smith added his advice ahead of this the second Nike Chance .

“After the last edition, with all the publicity and success of the project in finding Tommy Rogic, that will motivate a lot more young players to put their hand up and have a bash,” Smith told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“They need to have a good appetite for the game, look like they want to play and when they get on the ball they need a decent touch.”

Smith added that you can have all the talent under the sun, but if you do not get the opportunity, it counts for nothing.

“The need to be challenged and mature in a physical sense is important too. What you actually notice is players who can do things on the ball. People who dribble and score goals catch the eye quicker, but equally you are looking for those defenders who are difficult to beat in a one-versus-one situation.

“Now, more than ever, you want those players to be able to play when they get the ball. Again, you are looking at the overall package. The way the game is going internationally, everybody has to do the job in a defensive and attacking sense. Look how hard Lionel Messi works when his team do not have the ball.”

And Smith said it was okay to be selfish at the trials.

“You need to get the attention drawn to you, even if it is only two or three times over that particular trial. That is why we do not play 11 versus 11 in these
trials, it is too easy for the game not to give a player an opportunity to get on the ball and get noticed.

“We play eight versus eight, where it is a lot more compact and if you don’t get on the ball inside 30 minutes then you are probably not that good anyway.”

Smith added Rogic’s unearthing proved the identification system needed contests like The Chance.

“We can’t afford to let talent fall through the gaps – our playing base is small enough already.”

Players who want to sign up to trial can head to https://www.facebook.com/nikefootballau