This is how the Moroccan System works. I don't see any reason at all why Salz and Nike can't do more or less the same thing:
"Whereas the Kenyans owe their astonishing success to living at altitude and the desire to escape poverty, among other factors, the Moroccan secret is more scientific; they operate one of the most meticulous and scientifically advanced training programs in the world. Their athletic results are the product of a structure and a training system. This structure comes from an organization in their national athletics federation and new training concepts.
Technical organization of the Moroccan athletics federation.
It is organized in "Compartments" or "Directions" that are complementary to each other and are involved from the beginning until the end on the development of the athlete.
I. Direction of talent spotting (Detection).
"The success is due to a deliberate selection process" says Aziz Daouda, the technical director of the national federation. The talent-spotting system is done with young men and women between 12 and 16 years old. They use caravans that travel throughout Morocco with equipment for the tests applications and it has two phases, in the first phase the aspirants are put to 3 tests:
1) short run (they do not say the exact distance) with low start,
2) a middle distance race, and
3) standing long jump.
With these simple 3 tests they get a girl/boy's profile:
1) reaction speed,
2) endurance, and
3) explosive strength.
In the second phase when they have finished these 3 tests, they put them to another 3 medical tests like a treadmill and blood test. The more gifted athletes then are sent to what they call "Preparation Local Units" where they are attended by athletics coaches in their 1st phase of development (12-16 years) practicing a multilateral development. These sport centers are sponsored by a phosphate industry and the coaches are paid by the government and the national federation. In the 1995-1996 period, 60% of the Moroccan territory was covered and inspected.
II. Youngsters Technical Direction.
After this first development phase the best ones are sent to what they call "Perfecting Local Unit" or "Training Development Center" which hosts about 60 youngsters between the ages of 16 and 19. The selection of the athletes for this center is done under a more complex criterion: tests results, biometrical parameters, physiological, etc. The ones who display the most potential are sent to Ifrane to the National Institute of Athletics, where their training is worked out, their running style scientifically analyzed and their diet checked. They know that Morocco does not have the depth of talent that Kenya can call upon, nor the tradition. That is why so much time and money is invested in the system. "For us, it is the training methods and the atmosphere created around the athletes that is important" Daouda says.
III. National Technical Direction.
At this level they work with the national and world class athletes. These athletes, of course are professionals, they do not have any other activity than preparing for the major competitions and live at the National Institute of Athletics. The institute thrives thanks to financial backing from government and the King Hassan II. The athletes are provided with food, housing and a salary to meet their basic needs. The provisions, while affording valuable security and stability, are not luxurious by any means. But financial incentives and public interest alone do not win races: the athletes themselves display an extraordinary level of commitment. "