The 16 year-old from Newcastle was a stand-out striker, with his stature, technique, goal-scoring ability and movement on and off the ball earning him a place alongside seven other players from England, Spain, Brazil, Germany and Poland in The Nike Academy squad.

The head scout for Australia, John Aloisi, selected Edgar back in October.

“Adam’s game is where it needs to be to compete in the Global Showcase," he said.

"He will be a fantastic representative for Australia. I look forward to seeing him take the next step under some of the world’s best youth coaches and learn what it takes to compete on the international stage."

Edgar will be following in the footsteps of Socceroos midfielder Tom Rogic, who was at the academy before signing for Central Coast Mariners in 2012.

Based in England's national football centre at St. George’s Park, The Nike Academy plays against some of the world’s top youth sides and is regularly scouted by professional clubs.

A total of 38 players from 23 nations gathered at St George’s Park for the Global Showcase – an intensive three days of fitness testing, technique-based work and trial matches.

English Premier League star Eden Hazard met with the finalists and shared his insights on his career path and life as a professional footballer.

With thousands of young athletes entering the competition via the Nike Football App and trials held in 25 different countries, head coach Jon Goodman is confident that Nike’s Most Wanted has succeeded in unearthing genuine footballing talent.

“To be able to assess such an enormous number of players so thoroughly is what makes this process so effective," Goodman said.

"The talent and, perhaps even more importantly, character, that these winners have displayed has convinced me and my team that they can thrive at The Nike Academy.”