Sky One follows Premiership Champions Chelsea FC in national search for a FOOTBALL ICON
Thousands of young hopefuls will be tested to find one winner of the ultimate prize — a professional contract with Chelsea FC
Sky One, the UK's leading non-terrestrial channel, has commissioned North One to produce FOOTBALL ICON, an 8x'60 observational documentary series following Premiership Champions and League Cup winners Chelsea FC as they engage in the greatest football talent search ever undertaken in Britain. In an initiative supported by Chelsea’s top management, thousands of trialists are expected to take part with the prize of a professional contract at Chelsea FC for the talented winner.
FOOTBALL ICON aims to discover new talent and unearth those who may have slipped through the net. Promising drama both on and off the pitch, FOOTBALL ICON will examine the gruelling challenges that face today's youth as they vie for a place in the Chelsea academy.
In June 2005, the nationwide search for a FOOTBALL ICON commences with three regional heats in Manchester (13-18 June), West Midlands (20-26 June) and London (28 June - 10 July). From these trials, a shortlist of just 12 will be invited to Chelsea's football academy. At Chelsea's training HQ in Cobham, Surrey, the dream dozen will undergo a summer of exhaustive tests and trials. Full details of the terms and conditions can be found at
www.skyone.co.uk/footballicon.
Each week, trainees will be eliminated from the trials until only three remain. In the ultimate footballing showdown, Chelsea Manager, Jose Mourinho and his academy staff will decide the winner of FOOTBALL ICON. The prize - possibly one of the greatest prizes ever offered on TV - is a professional contract with Chelsea FC.
Chelsea FC's academy has produced John Terry, this year's PFA Player of the Year, and Robert Huth, while other players at Chelsea such as Football Writers’ Player of the Year Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Glen Johnson and Scott Parker have graduated through the academy system at other English clubs. The winner will be given every opportunity to prove he has the talent to follow in these illustrious footsteps.
Chelsea set an English top flight record for points and a Premiership record for most wins in a season in the 2004/5 Season. Now the team, under the guidance of manager, Jose Mourinho, are looking to build on their achievements as the club looks to the future. The preparations begin now...
Jose Mourinho, manager and first team coach of Chelsea FC, commented: "Not every young player is spotted through the normal process. Here is an opportunity for someone who may have been missed to come to Chelsea. This also shows that Chelsea is not just about the top players signed for big money. We are open to anyone who is good enough. We want our academy to be a breeding ground for first team talent and if we can find someone through Football Icon, either in England, or around the world, then that will be fantastic."
FOOTBALL ICON will also offer a unique look inside Chelsea. The series follows the fortunes of the hopefuls aspiring to a first-team place; the planning for the club's Centenary and an insight into the day to day activities of the club.
James Baker, Controller of Sky One, commented: "This is a very exciting initiative and we are delighted to be working closely with Chelsea FC on this project. This is an aspirational series - for every young footballer that has written to clubs around the country asking for a trial - this is their big chance. The show is absolutely authentic and the prize is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
FOOTBALL ICON is a North One Television production for Sky One. The series was commissioned by Jo Wallace, Director of Original Programming, Sky One. Series Producer is Nick Evans. Executive Producers are Steve Regan for Sky One and Neil Duncanson and John Quinn for North One.
© 2005 Chelsea FC / Skysports.com
