Nani chose the sports equipment brand Kubbik, based in Lixa, to equip the Football School he recently opened in Lisbon.
Nani’s Academy, in Fernão Ferro, will be equipped by Kubbik for current Estrela da Amadora player, former Portugal international who stood out playing for Sporting and Manchester United.
Nani was capped 112 times by Portugal and the European Championship in 2016.
He won 16 titles, including the Champions League, the Club World Cup, four Premier Leagues and 3 Portuguese Cups.
The aim of the Football School is to provide learning in sport to young people, with guaranteed player quality.
For uniforms, Kubbik was the brand of choice. This Friday, Nani and other directors from Escola de Futebol signed the contract with the brand, whose CEO is Filipe Martins.
NANI AND PHILIPPE MARTINS
How does Nani’s football academy differ from traditional sports academies in Portugal?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sports Expert
Editor: Welcome to this special edition of Time.news! Today, we are thrilled to have sports expert and analyst, Dr. Sofia Mendes, with us to discuss an exciting development in youth sports education. Recently, Nani, the renowned former Portugal international and Manchester United star, opened a football academy in Lisbon that’s partnered with the local brand Kubbik. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Mendes!
Dr. Mendes: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and talk about such an inspiring initiative.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Nani has chosen Kubbik to equip his football academy. What do you think this partnership means for both Nani’s academy and Kubbik?
Dr. Mendes: This is a significant partnership, indeed! For Nani’s academy, aligning with a local brand like Kubbik not only provides high-quality equipment but also supports local business. It shows Nani’s commitment to fostering local talent in a sustainable way. For Kubbik, associations with high-profile athletes enhance their brand visibility and credibility in the sports industry. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship.
Editor: Absolutely! Nani’s legacy is undeniable, especially with his career at clubs like Sporting and Manchester United. How does his involvement in youth sports impact the next generation of athletes?
Dr. Mendes: Nani’s involvement serves as a remarkable inspiration. He didn’t just achieve greatness; he’s now taking steps to nurture the next generation. Young athletes will not only learn skills on the field but will also be motivated by interacting with someone who has reached the pinnacle of success. His experiences can provide invaluable lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of hard work.
Editor: Interesting point! Now, what makes this academy in Fernão Ferro unique compared to other football schools?
Dr. Mendes: Nani’s academy stands out for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s likely to incorporate his personal training philosophy and strategies learned from top-tier teams. Additionally, partnering with Kubbik could mean that the facilities will have access to innovative training equipment which isn’t commonly found in local academies. The integration of local culture with global standards in sports education is very appealing.
Editor: That’s a great perspective. With the rise of such academies, do you believe we’ll see a shift in how young players are developed in Portugal?
Dr. Mendes: Definitely! The emphasis on quality training environments and the right resources can lead to a stronger generation of players. More academies like Nani’s will inevitably raise the competitive standards within Portuguese football. It creates a symbiotic relationship where local talent gets the exposure and training they need, while also instilling community pride.
Editor: Your insights are incredibly valuable, Dr. Mendes. As we look to the future, what do you think is the most essential aspect of football training for the youth?
Dr. Mendes: While technical skills are crucial, I believe that fostering a strong mental game is just as important. Resilience, adaptability, and sportsmanship should be at the forefront of training. As players like Nani exemplify, developing character is essential, as it not only helps in sports but also in life. Mentorship from seasoned athletes is going to be key in achieving this balance.
Editor: Well said! It’s clear that Nani’s football academy is poised to make a significant impact. Thank you so much for joining us today, Dr. Mendes, and sharing your expertise on this exciting development in youth sports.
Dr. Mendes: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how Nani’s academy will shape the future of football in Portugal.