News
04-02-2012
Mike joins another Barcelona star!
Recently Mike worked with second time world player of the year Lionel Messi for a big advertising campaign and this month Mike will be choreographing Messi's Barcelona team mate Xavi on a new commercial. As with any upcoming campaigns, the details of the ad are fully confidential but the 'playmaker' and 'choreographer' will be sure to work together to make yet another top class football ad!
"I've not yet worked with Xavi but I've heard he is a really decent guy so will look forward to working with this current world football legend. I've actually heard that he's so hard to get the ball off in training that when one of his team mates achieves it, the other players all clap the player! So, I won't even bother trying to get the ball off him! I'm sure he won't mind passing it to me though." - Mike Delaney
Mike has just joined twitter so follow him @MDelaneySoccerClick here for photos of Mike and Messi on previous shoots
21-01-2012
Mike and Lionel team up again for the next big commercial this year!
The World player of the year for the second successive year, Lionel Messi has just been working with Mike once again on an upcoming blockbuster football commercial to be released in time for the Euros. Mike has just returned from Barcelona and choreographed Messi through the moves for the new ad. The brand and the contents of the ad are top secret so keep an eye out for the finished commercial this June!
"I've been fortunate to work with little Leo as he's known a number of times now on a number of campaigns and he is without doubt one of the finest footballers there has been. It is quite surreal coming back from a job remembering that only a couple of days before I've been playing one touch kick ups and doing skills with the world's best rated player." - Mike Delaney
Click here for photos of Mike and Messi on previous shoots
06-01-2012
Happy 2012!
This year, Mike already has three major commercials lined up to choreograph which will be out later in the year. The family football film 'Theatre of Dreams' is also due for release later in the year!
"I enjoyed working on some brilliant projects last year and this year I have some really interesting ads to prep for and get choreographing. One of my favourite jobs of 2011 was the football film and I'm hopeful that it will receive great reviews and the brilliant cast and team will get the credit they deserve." - Mike Delaney
Click here for a behind the scenes pic.
07-12-2011
Mike re-joins the Pepsi team!
Mike is filming in Europe with Pepsi this month for their next big campaign with some of the stars of world football! Mike is choreographing the football action and helped design the football sequence for the commercial. Details of the ad are confidential so you will have to wait for the ad to be aired to see what it's all about!
"The last Pepsi job I worked on was in South Africa with Kaka, Messi and Henry. It was the Moving pitch commercial and it was great fun working with the African people. This one will be a very different feel and a really unique ad. If we can pull it off, it should be an amazing football commercial!" - Mike Delaney
24-11-2011
Adidas - The Hunt for Fast
Mike fronts the team for the new adidas campaign with revolutionary latest technology data recording boots. Mike was joined at the shoot by fellow Skills Academy coaches Kieron McCann and Ben Greenhalgh- also winner of Football's next star. The boots will be worn by Messi and other star players to record the speed at which they travel and the area they cover during matches.
"Posing for the camera wearing the latest adidas boots isn't the toughest job I've ever done but someone has to do it I suppose. I was so fast in these boots that I managed to move around with the camera capturing my image more than once!" - Mike Delaney
01-11-2011
Filming complete for the 'Theatre of Dreams'!
Mike has completed his last week of filming in Manchester last week on the fictional family film 'Theatre of Dreams' about football legend Sir Matt Busby. Mike spent a number of days working on the film as football choreographer along with the children stars of the film and Hollywood actor Brian Cox playing Sir Matt.
"This was a great project to be involved with! I was very sad to say goodbye to the children that I worked with as they were such great fun and brilliant with both their football and the acting. Brian Cox was also very kind in his compliments and it was very interesting to see him in character. The kids have told me they will be coming down to Kent for a Skills Academy course so I'm hoping to see them sooner than the Premiere screening next year!" - Mike Delaney
For Behind the scenes photos click this link. For the Theatre of Dreams website please click here.
05-09-2011
Mike enters the 'Theatre of Dreams'!
Mike has been hired as choreographer for the new blockbuster football film 'Theatre of Dreams' about the great Sir Matt Busby in a fictional tale about his mission to help a young aspiring footballer follow his dreams in the face of adversity.
"I read this script and already feel very proud to be a part of this project. I've completed one week of training with the young cast helping them with their football skills and I will start filming with them this month. They are a brilliant bunch of kids and very talented. Sir Matt Busby is a legend and it is a pleasure being involved in a story about the great man." - Mike Delaney
Please click this link for the film website
02-07-2011
Celebrating with the star players!
You may know that the new adidas club kits have just been released but what you wouldn't know is that Mike Delaney was hired by adidas to get the players ready for the photo action. The shot list included goal celebration pics and some football action of the players with the ball. Mike was on hand to help the players with the list including stars of Real Madrid, AC Milan, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
"This one was an example of how varied the jobs can be for me. Adidas like to have me on board to make the players feel at ease and run them through the drills for the day. On this occasion, I was even asked to join in the goal celebrations with the players so they felt less self conscious doing it on their own! The Milan guys were a funny bunch and Robinho was like a little kid desperate to have a kickabout!" - Mike Delaney
Please click this link for Adidas Photos
24-05-2011
Messi, Kaka, Nani, Van Persie and co join Mike for more adidas promotions!
On the Monday Mike filmed in Barcelona with Messi on the latest adidas shoot. Mike arrived at Gatwick on Tuesday morning and was escorted straight to the new adidas Predator launch to perform his freestyling skills for the live crowd and test the target practise for football stars Kaka, Nani and Van Persie.
"It was good to see Messi again in Barcelona. He's on top form and has had an incredible season. The launch on Tuesday was great fun! I caught up with Kaka who is a really good guy and I've worked with him many times before. I was able to invite some of my School of excellence lads along to enjoy the experience and I pointed them out to Kaka in the crowd. Will be interesting to see Nani and Messi going against each other in the Champions league final at Wembley!" - Mike Delaney
Please click this link for Adidas Predator pics
09-04-2011
Messi and Mike meet again for adidas!
Mike has been contracted for a series of photo shoots with adidas in their latest print campaign. Shoots are taking place at Liverpool, Chelsea, Madrid, Munich and Milan with a number of star players. Mike worked with Lionel Messi again last week just after Barcelona's 5-0 win over Almeria in the cup in which the Argentinian striker netted two goals.
"It's great working with the adidas team again as they are very professional and it's interesting to see many of the players so receptive to the photo shoots. It's always enjoyable having a kick about with some of the great players on the shoots and I'm sure the photos will look amazing once they're finished." - Mike Delaney
Click here for photos of Mike and Messi
04-01-2011
Blue Peter presenting with Olly Murrs and co!
Mike's coaching skills were put to good use on this Blue Peter 'Star Striker' series. Mike had to coach a team of childrens presenters including the Blue Peter guys as well as singers Farryl Smith and Olly Murrs and put them through their paces ahead of a series of football tests. Together with the production team, Mike designed the skills tests which would result in one of the celebrities being crowned 'Star Striker 2010!'
"The summer seems a distant memory at this time of year but I do remember this project being a lot of fun and I earned my second Blue Peter badge too! My participants were all pretty good players. I was especially impressed with Farryl Smith who did a great job in proving that girls can play football! Have a great New Year!" - Mike Delaney
Click here to view the full clip
01-11-2010
London Freestyle Kickabout!
Mike and another freestyler have a skills duel in the streets of London and on the London rooftops.
"A photographer from adidas asked me and Dan if we'd join him for a short freestyle project so we filmed on a sunny afternoon in London. I thought I'd test myself a little by swapping my football kit for my suit. On the scene where I kick the ball across the street I just thought I'd let the Bentley pass first!" - Mike Delaney
Click here to view the youtube clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMczxCamoWw&feature=player_embedded#!
05-09-2010
Cristiano Ronaldo and Mike Delaney Freestyle!
Have you seen the new youtube clip with Mike Delaney and Cristiano Ronaldo having a freestyle kickabout? Mike shows Ronaldo some of his latest moves and Ronaldo has a practise during a break in filming.
"It's always good fun working with Cristiano as he enjoys practising freestyle and football moves all the time! He asked if I had a Freestyle DVD I could give him this day and I must remember to give this to him next time we work together! He is a good guy and obviously a great player. I'm hoping that he has a good season ahead of him." - Mike Delaney
Click here for the link to the video
15-07-2010
Speed versus Speed!
Mike's latest adidas commercial is being aired featuring stars of the World cup. Argentina's Lionel Messi and Spain's World cup winner David Villa go head to head in this battle of speed and skill. Mike worked closely with the players to ensure that the moves looked convincing in the ad.
"We filmed this one in Barcelona with Messi, Villa and a team of football doubles in spring time this year. We also filmed other adidas ads at the same time featuring Kaka, Nakamura, Gourcuff and Guardado. I worked 15 hour days on this job so it was very tiring but interesting to work with the great players as ever. Kaka was really friendly as always and I'm pleased for David Villa that his team went on to win the tournament and he played so well." - Mike Delaney
Check out the photos and the commercial
29-06-2010
World Cup commercials!
Mike has worked on a large number of commercials released for this World cup, two of which were filmed in Africa. Mike choreographed two well received commercials- one for Guinness in Kenya and the other for Pepsi in South Africa with Drogba, Kaka, Lampard and Messi!
"I had a fantastic time working on both of these commercials! I loved every minute of my time in Africa..the people were incredibly welcoming and I witnessed an abundance of football talent there. I'm really pleased with the way the ads have turned out." - Mike DelaneyCheck out the Guinness and Pepsi ads link
12-06-2010
World Cup Kick's off!
Did you see Mike on Blue Peter's Star Striker series? In the build up to the World cup, Blue Peter hired Mike to coach a team of celebrities through skills challenges and be tested to find the eventual winner. Olly Murrs, Farryl Smith and a team of children's presenters all went searching for first place!
"It was good fun working with the guys and coaching them for each challenge. They were a really good bunch and some of them could really play! It was great to see Farryl Smith doing so well for the girls and getting all the way to the final!" - Mike DelaneyIf you missed the shows simply click on BBC i-player to have a look ... http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/search/?q=Blue%20Peter
21-05-2010
We Buy Any Car.com...We Buy Any Car.com!
Have you seen Mike's latest ad where he features as a football freestyler alongside his team and the leading lady newsreader?
Mike was hired to provide his own skills and choreograph a team of freestylers through the moves for the latest Webuyanycar ads. Norway's Charlotte Lade is the newsreader who expertly joins in the football freestyle routine alongside Mike and fellow freestylers Billy Fincham, Marc Cumberbatch, Pat Delaney, Danny and Gary Gorman.
"Yes, I would be the first person to turn over irritating adverts when they come on TV but even I have to admit this one is quite catchy. My team did a great job and they were real fun to work with. I think the ad captures a good balance between football skill and fun with Billy's dancing!" - Mike Delaney
Click this link to see the ad and keep checking for behind the scenes videos!
02-05-2010
Mike stars in new ad with Ronaldo!
A new commercial with Ronaldo by his sponsors BES Portuguese bank has just been completed in Madrid. Ronaldo asked for Mike personally to choreograph and appear with him in this ad where Ronaldo, Mike, and fifteen other freestylers perform the same move simultaneously throughout! The cast, made up of a mix of UK based, Spanish and Portuguese performers were trained by Mike in preparation for this unique ad for Portuguese TV.
"This was one of my most challenging projects so far in all the years I've been choreographing. My task was to decide upon certain moves which could be performed by every freestyler as well as Cristiano with limited time to practise together. I went to Cristiano's house to prepare him for the moves one week before and I'm really pleased with the final edit. He brought his Mum along to the set and I thought it was quite funny that he said she was nervous that he would drop the ball!" - Mike Delaney
Click here for photos and the 'Making of' video / Commercial
03-03-2010
Football's Next Star!
Winner of Sky One's 'Football's Next Star' Ben Greenhalgh was one of Mike's team of Skills Academy coaches! Ben has joined Inter Milan after winning the competition and is quick to highlight the impact the Skills Academy had on him.
"...in the two years I spent with Mike at the Skills Academy, I enjoyed every moment!"
Choreographing one of the ads, Mike took Ben to meet his idol Ronaldo and took a snap of the two of them together.
"Ben's a pretty good double for Ronaldo! It was clear that Ben had great skill and I'm absolutely delighted for him that he has this opportunity in football! I've been personally requested by Ronaldo to join him on an ad in Madrid this month and I'm looking to include Ben in it as well." - Mike Delaney
"...I'm now being coached by the top man Jose Mourinho. Maybe the Special one could learn a thing or two from Mike!" - Ben Greenhalgh
For pics of Ben, Mike and Ronaldo, click this link
14-02-2010
Who's the World's number one?
Within the space of a week on two different commercials, Mike has worked with arguably the three best players in the world! Brazil's Kaka, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo practised their skills alongside Mike for top secret advertising campaigns to be released in time for the World cup.
"These guys really are the World's best and it's hard to pick out one as the top player. I had to do some research on Messi prior to the ad and what he is capable of on the pitch is breathtaking! Kaka and Cristiano are outstanding and definitely my favourite players to work with. Cristiano is good fun and Kaka is such a nice guy. I've got some great photos which I'll update on here once the ads are out. Cristiano has asked me to join him on another ad with him next month so I'll be ready for some skills sparring with him then!" - Mike Delaney
For pics of Mike and Kaka and Ronaldo from previous ads, check out the photos page at this link
21-01-2010
Happy New 'World Cup' Year!
The 2010 FIFA World cup in South Africa will soon be upon us. Check out one of Mike's ads which was aired there, starring African legend Kanu.
"Kanu is a really nice guy and I'm delighted with the way the director captured his warmth with his son in this ad. I coached his son at the family home and Kanu also brought him along to our Skills Academy camps which he really enjoyed! Some of the boys from the Skills Academy clubs also had small roles in this commercial so it was nice to get them involved too." - Mike Delaney
21-12-2009
The Xmas Factor!
In the last two weeks Mike has been working on a number of projects. Just last week he choreographed a new ad in Manchester with Wayne Rooney. Before that he was a guest judge alongside Lukas Podolski for the Red Bull freestyle finals in Germany. He attended and performed at the launch of the new Guinness ad filmed in Kenya and earlier this month Mike performed on the same billing as Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity! Look out for pics and videos coming soon! To view pics of Guinness ad in Kenya, click on this link Kenya photos
"It has been a busy time in the build up to Christmas but the jobs have been good fun! The standard of the freestylers in Germany was incredible..The Guinness ad had turned out great as I expected...Wayne Rooney was very easy to get along with and this will be another really good ad. It was amazing to perform at the Haven House Hospice charity event with Diversity! Their show was amazing and they asked me to show them some skills after which was cool. I've had some fantastic experiences along the way this year and I'd like to wish everyone I met and everyone who checks this site a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year!" - Mike Delaney
04-11-2009
Choreographing in Kenya!
Mike has recently returned from his second commercial in Africa, this time in Kenya. His choreographing skills have been utilised by yet another leading brand to bring the football scenes to life in an amazing ad ahead of next year's World cup. Details are confidential but updates will reveal all in spring of next year along with other campaigns Mike has worked on. While in Kenya, Mike also took a trip to one of the orphanages there to perform for the kids and talk with them about his experiences in football. See links below for photos.
"This commercial will be one of the finest I have ever worked on! The people of Kenya were wonderful and the country is so colourful (especially on the coast). The people have an amazing spirit and aside from the ad which I'm sure will be very special, I especially enjoyed meeting people and children along the way at the different locations where we would have a kick about! It was a humbling experience to visit Huruma orphanage and to see the amazing work they are doing. For anyone who would like to support the fantastic work Mama Zipporah is doing at the orphanage please visit http://www.hchngong.org " - Mike Delaney
02-09-2009
Heading back to Africa!
Mike has already been asked back to Africa for another global ad campaign. As with all upcoming commercials Mike must keep the details confidential but updates will be available nearer the release date. The ad is yet another campaign in the build up to next year's World cup!
"I'm delighted to be asked to work again in Africa so soon..it's such a beautiful continent and I'm excited to see the new country I will be visiting this time. The story for this commercial is a great one! It is my first time being hired as choreographer for this brand so I am looking forward to bringing the story to life with the football skills and sequences!" - Mike Delaney
Check out Mike's latest clip on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMczxCamoWw
27-07-2009
Mike makes ad in Africa!
Mike has recently returned from South Africa where he has worked with a number of top football stars on a commercial for a global brand. The ad will be aired in spring 2010 in time for next year's World cup. Look out for updates about who Mike worked with nearer the time!
"I'd worked with most of the players before and it was great to see them again. Though my lasting memory of this job will be working with the friendly African people and seeing some amazing animals strolling around the African countryside!" - Mike Delaney
Check out Mike's latest clip on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMczxCamoWw
17-06-2009
England 2018 - Back the bid!
England are aiming to host the England 2018 World cup and Mike Delaney joined David Beckham in fronting the event with a trademark freestyle performance introduced by Gary Lineker.
"I'd worked with Beckham on a number of commercials before so it was good to see him again at this important step towards bringing the World cup to England. The weather conditions on the day were not the best but thankfully the show went well and the kids seemed to really enjoy it. Hopefully I'll still be making adverts, coaching and freestyling in 2018!" - Mike Delaney
19-05-2009
Office Kickabout!
Have you seen Mike's Nivea ads which are currently being shown on ITV2 during UEFA Cup matches?
In the series of clips Mike can be seen performing football skills with a range of items whilst wearing his best office suit!
Look out for the clips where Mike juggles: a sandwich packet, a roll of selotape, a parcel, a packet of crisps and even a bin!!
"We filmed this a few years ago - as it was for Nivea I had to be clean shaven which made me look about 12! At the end of a long days filming I remember the director having a moan when I dropped the bin after a few juggles. I said 'have you seen what I'm juggling?'" - Mike Delaney
03-03-2009
African Football Legend meets Mike!
Premiership star Kanu recently filmed a commercial for South Africa choreographed by Mike Delaney. Mike travelled to Kanu's home to train his son who was also due to appear in the ad. (Commercial will soon be available to view). Even children from Mike's prestigious Skills Academy were chosen for the commercial alongside the current Portsmouth and ex Arsenal star!
"Mr Kanu is a friendly guy and his son was a joy to coach. I was impressed with how good Kanu was with not only his own son but the other boys as well. He has asked me which Skills Academy club I can recommend for his son to attend on a regular basis to develop his skills." - Mike Delaney
Click the link for Mike's latest adidas ad:
http://www.adidas.com/campaigns/footballss09/content/?adidas_cc=uk#/f50/timeline_f50
26-01-2009
New Year - New Ads!
The latest adidas 'adipure' website video choreographed and performed in by Mike Delaney is now available to view. See the other two links for the F50 and Predator ads.
http://www.adidas.com/campaigns/footballss09/content/?adidas_cc=uk#/adipure/timeline_adipure
http://www.adidas.com/campaigns/footballss09/content/?adidas_cc=uk#/f50/timeline_f50
http://www.adidas.com/campaigns/footballss09/content/?adidas_cc=uk#/predator/timeline_predator
02-12-2008
The Adidas Man
The new Adidas internet clips feature Mike Delaney as the expert player. View the series of clips and skills at the following links
http://www.adidas.com/campaigns/footballss09/content/?adidas_cc=uk#/f50/timeline_f50
http://www.adidas.com/campaigns/footballss09/content/?adidas_cc=uk#/predator/timeline_predator
"The ads were all filmed in one day with fellow Skills Academy coaches. We spent a lot of time working out the moves and it was quite demanding appearing in and choreographing the scenes. I'm pleased with the end results as each ad looks pretty cool." - Mike Delaney
31-07-2008
Blue Peter presenters try their skills!
Mike's appearance on Blue Peter is now available to view on the site! Watch as presenters Gethin and Andy have a go at perfecting Mike's moves from the TV ads.Click the following link to view the footage and feel free to add your comments on the guestbook.
http://www.mikedelaneysoccer.com/video/videos-commercials/
"I was very impressed that both presenters were so comfortable practising their football skills although they were a bit reckless at times! I wasn't as impressed that they sent the dog in to tackle me! The Blue Peter team made me feel very welcome and it is easy to see why the show is still a success after all those years." Mike Delaney
01-06-2008
Adidas ad has arrived!
The series of Adidas commercials worked on by Mike Delaney have now been released. The campaign focussed on the impact of big football stars such as Gerrard, Ballack, Kaka, Beckham and Messi travelling to remote places to coach youngsters and help them on their journey to become the best player they can be.
This job was one which required less of Mike's individual skills creativity and much more of his expertise and imagination with the fun football drills for the children participating in the ads.
"When Adidas gave me the brief for this job I knew it was going to be a bit different but it was very natural for me to design coaching games and work with the children as this is something I enjoy doing every day with my coaching school- The Skills Academy. The players did a really good job and the kids were great fun at all of the different locations.
To see the various Adidas ads click on this link and feel free to add your comments on the guestbook.
21-03-2008
Mike plays as an International
Mike was picked to play his first match for the England Futsal (5 a-side football) team in their recent match away versus Georgia. Although the team were disappointed to be defeated, they bounced back with a win in their next match versus Greece and Mike has his very own England shirt from his first International appearance!
"The experience in Georgia was great despite the result. I was pleased with my performance generally and learned a lot from the match. I felt we were good enough to win the match technically but the other teams have the edge on experience. It will never be easy playing teams who have played and trained as Futsal players for years but hopefully we can encourage youngsters in England to get in to the game as I'm sure it will also have a positive effect on their 11 a-side play as well as improve the standard of International football and Futsal for future teams."
16-01-2008
Mike Choreographs New Adidas Commercial!
Mike has recently finished filming with Adidas for their new commercial campaign in the build up to Euro 2008. The ad was filmed in 4 different locations throughout
22-11-2007
Mike's new showreel
Mike's new showreel is now available to view! Just click on the photo screen to play the clip and feel free to leave a message in the guestbook with your thoughts.
20-11-2007
Featured on Blue Peter
Mike has recently appeared live on Children's BBC favourite Blue Peter displaying his football skills and teaching them to presenters Andy and Gethin. If you missed the show you'll have another chance to view it soon on this site. Keep checking for updates.
28-09-2007
Who's playing for England?
Mike Delaney has recently been selected for the England 5-a-side football (Futsal) team. Trials were held throughout the year to find the nation's best technical footballers in preparation for next year's World cup qualifiers!
22-09-2007
Stars of the 80's
Mike performed at last month's re-created Italy v Germany '82' World cup final match in Stuttgart, Germany in front of 45,000 fans! The match was a tribute to the man who introduced Mike to professional football, German legend Hansi Mueller who celebrated his 50th birthday on the day scoring a trademark free-kick in a 4-4 draw.
31-01-2007
Blockbuster Football Movie
Mike will soon be working as a featured player in an up-coming blockbuster football movie. Filming will commence in February 2007, stay tuned for updates!
09-12-2006
Urban Freestyler DVD
Mike is on the front cover of the popular 'Urban Freestyler' DVD, which is in stores now!
You can purchase the DVD from amazon.co.uk >>
14-06-2006
Pele gives Mike a secret package
As well as The Adidas and Carlsberg commercials Mike has choreographed, he has also appeared in the new ad for Puma in which Brazilian legend Pele meets him in Prague to hand him a special package with new boots. In the long version of the ad, Mike can be seen performing his skills on the snow! Pele has the last words.."Welcome to football"
09-06-2006
Mike is at the World cup!
Mike is performing his live skills shows in Germany throughout the tournament. Major marketing companies have been fighting it out to get Mike promoting for them with his entertaining skills performances. Mike says " In a way I'm sorry I won't be in England to see all the kids and parents so excited about the football but it is a fantastic opportunity for me to express my skills in the country where I learned to be a professional player.
Football and the World cup are a great way of getting different nationalities and cultures celebrating together. I really hope for the kids who come to my Skills Academy courses that England can do well."