HOW TO GET TRIALS FOR FOOTBALL CLUBS
You've probably dreamt of winning the
Premiership, scoring the winning goal in
the Cup final or leading your country at
the World Cup.
Got What it Takes?
But have you really got what it takes to follow in the
footsteps of your favourite star?
Find out what it takes to become a professional footballer.
From getting spotted, to joining an academy, to
coping with rejection
Getting Trials at Football Clubs
Football clubs still hold trials, or talent days, but
places are limited.
Instead, most clubs now have a vast network in
place that helps them pinpoint the best young
talent in their area.
Many run community schemes which allow them
to keep in touch with the people who run the
sport at grassroots level.
They liaise with local schools and with the managers
of county or district teams.
They also have scouts who will be out and about
watching matches all over the country and reporting
back to them.
If you're good enough, generally they'll find you.
What Clubs look for in potential Players
Roger Skyrme, a scout with Fulham FC,
reveals exactly what he looks for in a young player
It doesn't take a scout to pick out the best player
on a pitch. Anyone can spot raw talent, but I'm
looking for more than that.
You'll rarely see me with my eyes on the ball during
a match - I need to find out about a player's character.
So I'll be busy looking at things like their position
on the pitch, and whether they're prepared to
get stuck in and help their team-mates out.
A player must have the right attitude.
It's ultra competitive out there, and very few players
make it at the top level.
To succeed, you've got to have something special in
your make-up that will help you rise above the rest.
I'll often arrange to meet a young player's family and
find out a bit more about his background before
deciding if I'm going to recommend him to a club.
You should make sure you have every chance of
being spotted by playing at the highest possible standard.
You'll probably start off playing for your school
team or local club side.
If you're any good you should progress to your district
or county team and maybe even represent your country
at school or youth level.
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HOW TO GET TRIALS FOR FOOTBALL CLUBS
