Iceland's football factory
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Article summary
There can be few more remarkable success stories than that of ÍA Akranes, the team from a tiny Icelandic fishing port which has produced over 40 top-level players. Training Ground investigates.
Article top media content
Article body
There can be few more remarkable success stories than that of ÍA Akranes, the team from a tiny Icelandic fishing port of just 6,000 people which has produced more than 40 players who have gone on to play top-level football abroad.
Icelandic talents
Akranes have won 18 domestic titles since their formation in 1946 and down the years have produced players who have made their names at top teams including Feyenoord, Arsenal FC and Real Betis Balompié. The Training Ground visited Iceland to find out more about this conveyor belt of talent. Click here for more, and why not check out our story of another small club who have produced a long list of future stars as we visit England's Crewe Alexandra FC.
Big names
The Training Ground hosts over 270 videos and features exclusive masterclass sessions from big-name players such Kaká, Andrea Pirlo, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Xavi Hernández – among arguably the greatest array of football talent assembled for a learning-based website. Coaches Roy Hodgson and Lars Lagerbäck have also been recruited to help inform and educate players and coaches of all ages and abilities, while Europe's top referees offer guides to rules, regulations and much more, all as part of the most comprehensive guide to skills and tactics on the internet.