Soccer: Rogic grabbed his chance with Nike academy

Tom Rogic has already played for Australia. Photo / Getty Images

Tom Rogic is the Downunder poster boy for Nike's The Chance programme.

The Central Coast Mariners star was an unknown 17-year-old when selected as one of the three Australasian finalists in 2010.

At the global finals, featuring 100 players from across the globe, Rogic was one of eight to win scholarships to train and play with the Nike Academy.

During his time in the UK a deal with Reading fell through due to work visa issues. Rogic returned to Australia to sign with the Mariners and scored several spectacular goals in his debut A-League season.

"You could say this programme changed my life," Rogic told the Herald on Sunday. "I didn't really get noticed all that much growing up - it happens in football. I like to think I still would have made it but you never know. Being at the academy taught me how to be a professional on and off the field."

Clubs around the world are signing up players at ever-younger ages but many slip through the net. Some are discovered, others not. Of Rogic's eight fellow graduates, six are signed with professional clubs. The Australian is the only one to have represented his country.

The 19-year-old, seen as one of the most attacking football talents in Australia, is bullish about the upcoming A-League season and has been particularly impressed with fellow young gun, All White Michael McGlinchey.

"He was brilliant for us," says Rogic. "I think he started every match and his game, especially on attack, seemed to go to another level."

McGlinchey is preparing for the London Olympics but Rogic won't be there - the Olyroos missed the cut after a disappointing qualifying campaign.

New Zealander Tom Doyle was another Pacific representative in 2010 to failed to make the final eight. He has recently joined the new Phoenix youth academy.