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Soccerex Asian Forum: Star studded panel to discuss player development

2015 Soccerex Asian Forum

2015 Soccerex Asian Forum

Soccerex announced that a panel of international legends will be discussing player development in Asia at the Soccerex Asian Forum 2015, 3-4 May, taking place at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre on the banks of the Dead Sea, Jordan.

The panel, featuring former Australian captain Lucas Neill, Argentine World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles, England legend Peter Reid and former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta will be using their vast and varied experience to offer their exclusive insight into talent development in the region on a panel titled, ‘Playing, Coaching & Scouting in Asia’.

Both Ardiles and Reid have experience of what it takes to nurture the continent’s talent after enjoying spells managing Japan and Thailand respectively with Reid also currently managing Indian Super League side Mumbai City FC. The pair will be providing valuable insight into the demands of international management in Asia whilst also discussing their own experiences of player development throughout their careers.

Having starred for Valencia CF and FC Barcelona, Gaizka Mendieta is one of the best Spanish midfielders of his generation, twice winning the coveted UEFA midfielder of the season award. Mendieta has experience of the very top level of world football and having recently worked closely with the Aspire Academy in Doha, a world class programme that aims to detect and select the best young players in Asia, is well placed to shed light on the demands placed on youngsters seeking to become global stars.

Moving to the UK to begin his football career at a young age, Neill earned himself a sterling reputation for his combative style of defending during fifteen year in the English top flight that included spells at Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United and Everton.  Neill left England to join Galatasaray before later enjoying stints at Abu Dhabi side Al Jazira, Dubai based Al Wasl, Japanese side Omiya Ardija and A-League side Sydney FC. Having won 96 caps for his country, many of which as captain, Neill will be reflecting on Australia’s first ever Asian Cup victory and shedding light on the Socceroos journey to glory.

Commenting on the announcement, Soccer CEO Duncan Revie said: “I am delighted with the panel we have assembled – to have four legends of the game from four different countries sharing their experiences will be a real treat for the delegates; a fantastic opportunity to get insight from players and coaches who have succeeded at the highest level. If you work in player development – or you’re simply a fan of the game – this is one not to be missed!!”

Discussing his attendance at the forum Neill added: “My playing career has taken me to a number of countries and allowed me to experience a variety of different coaching styles and set ups. I am looking forward to sharing what I’ve learnt with the audience at the Soccerex Asian Forum, discussing youth development in Asia – something I am very passionate about – and to learning myself from the other great players on the panel”.

The Asian Forum will be a hub of football business, bringing together the industry’s key decision makers with Football Associations from across Asia and the rest of the world. Senior figures from Europe’s elite clubs such as AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Malaga CF, Galatasaray, Manchester City, Olympiacos, Palermo and Villarreal will also be in attendance. They will be joined by leading representatives from major event committees including the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2016 as well as world football legend Diego Maradona.