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In 2010, representatives of the A.C. "Milan" club, who organized the first camp in Trakai, promised that within five years a branch of the legendary club's academy would be established in Lithuania. After three years, it became clear that the promise was fulfilled earlier - the branch of this Italian super club's academy will open its doors this September.
"We pursued this goal purposefully. I would evaluate the agreement reached as a benefit for both sides - for the "Milan" club, it is an untapped market, and we simply wanted to offer something new to Lithuania. I want to emphasize that this academy will not just be a token. Coaches from Italy will regularly visit Lithuania with their methodology," - said the idea creator Jan Nevoina about the "Milan" club's invasion into Lithuania.
When asked to assess the possibilities of Lithuanian children to reach the main "Milan" team, club representatives acknowledged that it would not be easy, but everyone will be given the opportunity to achieve a high level.
"When we first saw your children, we couldn't understand why so few of them play in prestigious European teams. Your children have great potential and excellent physical qualities. Italian children only surpass Lithuanians in technical skills, but their biggest flaw is overconfidence in their abilities from an early age.
They are not interested in anything, while teaching lectures to Lithuanians is a pleasure. Your country's six-year-olds are no worse than Italians. There is a difference among ten-year-olds, and among fourteen-year-olds - it is huge. Of course, there are exceptions everywhere, but the fact is that children are being prepared incorrectly," - said Stefano Chiussi, the representative of A.C. "Milan" club camps for the Baltic countries.
The "Milan" club has academy branches in 42 countries around the world.
