Nike Football+ coaching clinic

On 10^th December, Hall Seven Soccer was invited to an exclusive Nike Football+ coaching clinic at St. Patrick’s Secondary School. Over 80 boys were invited to this special event, in which they were given an exclusive insight into the training programme of the reigning UEFA Champions League winner, FC Barcelona. This event also allows the participants a chance to have a feel of the newly launched CTR360 Masestri boots.

Trying out the new CTR360 Maestri boots

The boys were given a digital preview of the training drills, which Andres Iniesta, Xavi (Barcelona) and Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) had undergone while they were promising youngsters at the world famous youth academy of Barcelona. The Master Control training drills, which include signature moves of Iniesta and Fabregas, are demonstrated by the players themselves. The drills placed high emphasis on the mastery of the ball, comprising of control, technique and passing. As Barcelona head coach, Pep Guardiola had said in the video, “Control the ball, control the game”.

Coach Abdullah Noor guiding the boys through some of the drills

After watching the video, the boys were given a chance to practice the drills under the watchful guidance of the coaches, led by former Singapore international striker, Abdullah Noor. The drills culminated in the “Cesc Challenge”, whereby the participants had to complete a series of skill challenges, and a special prize was given to the fastest player who completed the challenge.

The “Cesc Challenge”

Wanting to have a trial of the CTR360 Maestri boots, yours truly was given a chance to compete with the youngsters. It was a close fight with me losing out to the eventual winner by a few seconds. The dampening pods on the outside of the forefoot provided a softer first touch when receiving the ball. Meanwhile, the instep utilised a harder material to provide a lighter more controlled take but quicker delivery, minimising time on the ball. In order to maximize comfort, a sock liner with an additional comfort layer sits within the boot, reducing stress on the foot and minimising friction.