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Exciting news—NexxtGen Football is officially partnering with adidas Football, Lovell Soccer, and Sports Direct! As part of this collaboration, I’m getting hands-on with the F50 Elite, one of the most technologically advanced football boots on the market. With adidas bringing back the iconic F50 silo, this is more than just a new boot—it’s the return of a legacy of speed, precision, and explosive performance.


The F50 Elite: Built for Speed, Engineered for Excellence


The F50 Elite isn’t just another football boot—it’s a lightweight weapon designed for players who thrive on speed and agility. Taking inspiration from its legendary predecessors, adidas has incorporated cutting-edge technology to make this boot a true game-changer.


What Makes the F50 Elite Special?


🔹 SprintFrame 360 Soleplate: Designed for maximum acceleration, allowing quick bursts of speed and rapid directional changes.


🔹 Aerocage+ Upper: A structured, minimal-weight adaptive fit system that enhances lockdown and ball control.


🔹 Aeroplate Innovation: A lightweight plate insert providing explosive responsiveness while keeping the boot ultra-light.


🔹 Textured Strike Zones: Specially engineered grip patterns on the upper optimise touch and precision when shooting or dribbling.


🔹 Laceless & Laced Options: Customisation for players who prefer locked-in control or unrestricted movement.



The F50 Elite is a dream for wingers, strikers, and attack-minded players—anyone who thrives on explosive pace, sharp footwork, and clinical finishing.


🔗 Explore adidas gear at Adidas Football: bit.ly/adidasf50elite

🔗 Find top boots at Lovell Soccer: bit.ly/adidasf50eliteatlovellsoccer

🔗 Check out Sports Direct for football essentials: bit.ly/adidasf50eliteatsportsdirect


Why I’m Excited to Try the F50 Elite


For years, adidas’ F50 boots were iconic—worn by legends like Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, and Arjen Robben. Now, with adidas rebooting the F50 series, I can't wait to test the technology firsthand and see how it enhances performance.


I've opted for the classic colourway as I am "old school".


Speed, touch, and responsiveness are crucial at any level of football, and the F50 Elite looks primed to deliver exactly that. With adidas’ innovation and NexxtGen Football’s dedication to player development, this partnership is all about exploring the finest equipment to help players optimise their game.



Final Thoughts


As I lace up the F50 Elite, I’ll be putting these boots to the test in real match scenarios—analysing their feel, performance, and durability. The collaboration between NexxtGen Football and adidas Football is all about connecting players with world-class gear, ensuring that every touch, sprint, and strike is backed by the best technology available.


Stay tuned for detailed insights on the F50 Elite, and let’s see how adidas Football’s latest innovation elevates the modern game!


Steve Halls is an FA-qualified football coach specialising in player development, consultancy, and talent identification. With a passion for exploring football equipment that enhances performance, Steve provides expert guidance on selecting boots, grip socks, and accessories that make a difference on the pitch.


📢 Disclosure: NexxtGen Football partners with adidas Football, Lovell Soccer, and Sports Direct and may receive a small commission on purchases made via our website. This helps us continue providing expert insights and football development support.


🔗 Explore adidas gear at Adidas Football: bit.ly/adidasf50elite

🔗 Find top boots at Lovell Soccer: bit.ly/adidasf50eliteatlovellsoccer

🔗 Check out Sports Direct for football essentials: bit.ly/adidasf50eliteatsportsdirect














Becoming a professional footballer is the dream of millions worldwide, but the reality is brutally competitive. The journey to the top is filled with obstacles, requiring exceptional talent, relentless dedication, and a touch of luck. So, what are the actual odds of making it? Let’s break it down.


The Harsh Reality: The Numbers Behind the Dream


Statistically, the odds of making it as a professional footballer are incredibly slim. Studies suggest that less than 1% of youth players who enter academies will go on to play professionally.


  • In England, only 180 out of 1.5 million schoolboys become Premier League professionals—a success rate of just 0.012%.

  • In the United States, only 1.9% of NCAA players get drafted into Major League Soccer (MLS).

  • In Europe, fewer than 0.5% of boys who enter academies at age nine will eventually play professionally.


These numbers highlight the cutthroat nature of professional football. Even players who receive scholarships at 16 years old often fail to make it to the top tiers of the game.


Pathways to Professional Football


While the odds are daunting, there are multiple pathways to becoming a professional footballer:


  1. Academy System – The most traditional route, where young players are scouted and developed within elite academies. Clubs like Barcelona’s La Masia and Manchester United’s youth academy are renowned for producing top talent.

  2. College Soccer (USA) – In the U.S., college soccer serves as a stepping stone to the MLS Draft, offering another route to professional football.

  3. International Scouting – Players from less traditional football nations are increasingly being discovered through global scouting networks.

  4. Lower-League Progression – Many professionals start in semi-professional or lower-tier leagues, gradually working their way up.


What Separates Those Who Make It?


Talent alone is never enough. The players who succeed often possess:


  • Elite Technical Ability – Ball control, passing, shooting, and tactical awareness must be exceptional.

  • Physical Attributes – Speed, endurance, agility, and strength play a crucial role.

  • Mental Toughness – Resilience, confidence, and the ability to handle pressure are game-changers.

  • Relentless Work Ethic – The best players train beyond required hours, constantly refining their skills.

  • Strong Support System – Family, coaches, and mentors provide guidance and opportunities.


Quotes from Legendary Coaches on Making It Pro


Pep Guardiola – "Tactics are important, but determination is everything."
José Mourinho – "If you don’t believe you can win, you have already lost."
Bill Shankly – "A lot of football success is in the mind. You must believe you are the best and then make sure that you are."

These quotes emphasise that dedication, development, and intelligence are just as crucial as raw talent.


Final Thoughts


The odds of making it as a professional footballer are extremely low, but not impossible. Those who succeed are relentless in their pursuit, combining talent with hard work, resilience, and the right opportunities.


Steve Halls is an FA-qualified football coach specialising in talent identification, player development, and mentorship. With a deep understanding of the challenges young players face,


Steve provides expert guidance to help aspiring footballers maximise their potential and navigate the competitive world of professional football. Whether in Cheshunt or across the globe, Steve supports individuals and teams in achieving their footballing dreams.











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