Gatorade, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo Inc., launched “Unreal Around the World,” a contest that encourages entrants to demonstrate how their training and hard work translates to “unreal” performances on the pitch. Winners will receive a unique soccer experience at iconic “football” clubs including FC Barcelona, AC Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal, Boca Juniors and the Brazilian Football Confederation.
Contestants are invited to post a video to www.gatoradefootball.com that demonstrates their soccer handling skills, creativity and originality as well as also draft a short essay highlighting the real work they've put in to improve their game. The deadline for submissions is June 12 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, and all entries will be judged under the supervision of an independent judging organization.
The five winners of “Unreal Around the World” will embark on their more than two week trip July 27. Gatorade will follow the winners and create exclusive content highlighting the journey and share the stories on www.gatoradefootball.com.
“This prize is what so many footballers around the world dream about and something only Gatorade can offer: the opportunity to experience and train at some of the fields and stadiums of their heroes, past and present,” said Molly Carter, Gatorade senior director of consumer engagement, in a statement. “Several of our team partners have opened their doors to us to make this possible. We collectively enjoy being able to provide an experience like this, as it gives us the opportunity to drive the performance of elite footballers and underscores our growing commitment to the sport."
The experience will begin at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute lab at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. There, contest winners will undergo the same body composition, sweat testing and fuel analyses as other top footballers. Results will be used to create their own customized Gatorade formula and a comprehensive sports fueling plan that will equip them with sports fueling knowledge they'll need for the remainder of their journey.
From there, the athletes will receive pro-caliber access at elite football clubs, starting with Liverpool FC; moving to Arsenal, FC Barcelona, AC Milan and Boca Juniors; and culminating in Brazil for a unique experience with the Brazilian Football Confederation.
Gatorade will promote the “Unreal Around the World” contest in eligible markets through multiple communications channels as well as through Stadium Series events in London, Brazil and the United States. The contest will run simultaneously on five continents and in 21 countries throughout the world, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.
For more information about the "Unreal Around the World" contest, including the official rules, visit www.gatoradefootball.com.
