Nestle Milo creates pathway to FC Barcelona

Football icons like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar, Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Gerard Pique and many others have thrilled millions across the world at the Camp Nou, bringing multiple trophies and memorable nights to the Catalan giants.

Nestle Milo has now created a unique pathway for football enthusiasts to excel and enjoy the unique experience of playing at the world-class facilities at FC Barcelona.

Currently, FC Barcelona boasts one of the greatest strike forces in history with the presence of the phenomenal MSN combination of Messi, Suarez and Neymar.

Recently, the club signed a lucrative four-year deal with Nestle Milo which will facilitate the testing and selection of the world’s best young footballers and to afford them the opportunity to visit FC Barcelona’s headquarters and training facilities and to be coached by FC Barcelona coaches.

Trinidadians between the ages of seven and 12 will get the chance to join with the best from other countries to parade their skills at Camp Nou during the La Liga and UEFA Champions League competitions annually. At the media conference held at the Marriott Hotel yesterday, Denise D’Abadie, Nestle (Milo) Trinidad and Tobago Limited corporate communications manager, and Elisa Doldron, Nestle T&T Ltd.’s, Head of Consumer Marketing, explained the concept of the new partnership. She said young footballers from all parts of the world will benefit immensely from this project geared to stimulate positive growth and development among younger players and also to promote healthier lifestyles through physical activity among children.

D’Abadie said: “Nestle Milo and FC Barcelona recently signed a four-year agreement – the first of its kind for the Good Food, Good Life company. The agreement is based on a shared vision to promote healthier lifestyles through physical activity among children, especially during their foundation years, seven to 12 years old.

“Through the partnership, these two well-known brands will conduct a series of initiatives across Asia, Oceania, Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, impacting over 22 million youngsters.” She continued, “In TT , Nestle Trinidad and Tobago will host the Milo FC Barcelona Football Skills Tournament as its chosen initiative, which will see three youths travel to Spain. While there, they will participate in FC Barcelona’s football camp at Camp Nou in a two-day training session with Barça coaches.” D’Abadie said 1,500 children will benefit from the programme, with the local tournament running throughout July. One parent will accompany their son or daughter on the journey to Spain.

The children must take part and excel at the “Football Skills Tournament” which kicks off on July 8 at Nestle’s Head Office Grounds, in Valsayn. There will be five centres in North, East, West and South Trinidad as well as one in Tobago.

Three hundred players will be accommodated at each centre during the programme which will be conducted by former England defender Terry Fenwick and his company, Football Factory Foundation.

Doldron explained that registration is on a first come, first serve basis. As part of the registration process, a 400 gramme Milo pack must be purchased and these will be donated to charitable homes within communities across TT .

Further registration details will be released in the near future.

She revealed that the first major activity in the the Milo FC Barcelona Football Skills Tournament will take place at Nestle’s Trinidad and Tobago Limited’s Head Office in Valsayn on July 8 before action switches to Tobago on July 15 and then back to Trinidad for other sessions on July 22 and 29.

Fenwick revealed that the young footballers will be assessed according to short passing, dribbling and control and a mental test.