"Confidence is a preference..."

There seem to be a growing number of TV programmes on advertising at the moment (eg Mad Men). To follow this trend, we thought 'why not post our favourite adverts?'

So, this is it. My favourite ad:

This is a cult ad which is meant to celebrate the football culture of Hackney Marshes and it does so with soul, grit and tension. Rough tackles, face-to-face blowouts, 87 football pitches full of real people battling it out.

Amongst them are a handful of 90's football greats such as ‘King Eric’, Ian ‘Wright Wright Wright’, and Robbie ‘God’ Fowler. Wearing average Joe style football shirts, they struggle alongside the other players. The great play with the small, the playing field is levelled.

And then there’s the iconic 'Parklife' song, the perfect fit. The voiceover is like a Harry Redknapp, Terry Venables and Barry Fry hybrid jollying you through the footballing scenes, and oozes an East London feel.

“Who's that gut lord marching. You should cut down on your pork-life, mate.
Get some exercise!”

It feels accessible and aspirational at the same time, it’s for Gods, Kings and us mere mortals. It makes you want to strap on your boots, don that number 7 shirt and get down to the park.

Nike's mission statement is:

"To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. If you have a body, you are an athlete."

Or as I've heard it quoted. "everyone's an athlete - but only some of us train"

Simon