Sixty candidates chosen at LaLiga Global Network grand final

The LaLiga Global Network selection drive – launched by LaLiga in conjunction with Santander bank and Universia – is now over, with 60 candidates having got the nod. This initiative, which aims to promote LaLiga's image outside Spain by dispatching a series of gifted youngsters to represent the organisation in strategic locations around the world, was kicked off on 7 November and attracted more than 12,500 applicants.

The recruitment process's grand final was staged at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday and saw the 150 finalists whittled down to the chosen 60. "As well as your strong CVs, we've been impressed by the eagerness and resolve with which you have all approached this project," Javier Gomez, LaLiga's corporate managing director, said during his welcome speech at the Atletico Madrid stadium. "I congratulate you because you've come through a rigorous process to get here. Only 150 of you are here out of the 12,500 people who applied and you've all got really good CVs," he went on. "What will be asked of you [the successful candidates] subsequently by LaLiga is the same thing that we're going to ask of you today: to show your skills, be relaxed, be yourself and give your all. You're here because you're the best," said Vicente Casado, LaLiga's director of international development, by way of encouragement.

The 150 finalists were split into 10 groups, each of whom carried out two role-playing exercises. In the first, the candidates were tasked with showcasing their negotiation and persuasion prowess, while in the second, they had to demonstrate their teamwork abilities. These activities, coupled with the interviews and tests that had taken place previously, were the basis on which Universia staff selected who would make the cut.

The 60 chosen candidates will now embark on a 10-week training programme delivered by professionals from LaLiga's various departments. Those who successfully emerge from this 'boot camp' will then go on to serve as international representatives who will be stationed in locations of strategic importance to the institution, with 34 countries having been earmarked so far.