Reading Scout Reveals Why Player Was Scouted From UK Football Trial
Louis Panmanee May, aged 14, is currently training with Reading Football Club as he seeks to earn himself a scholarship with the Championship side.
The central midfielder was scouted at our trial in Essex in February this year when the Head of Recruitment attended and requested his details. He was then invited back to our trial in South London in April at the request of Reading and Fulham so that they could get a second look before making a decision.
Brendan Flanagan, the Reading scout who invited Louis in for a trial, revealed what caught his eye: "His calmness on the ball was impressive," he said, "He did well under pressure to pass the ball out of defense. There was one moment where he had two or three players around him and he pinged a ball into the midfielder's feet and showed real compusure and confidence in his own passing ability."
Louis is training with the Development Squad on Wednesday nights indefintely in what his Dad, Tom, described as "a great opportunity."
"It's a big step up for him and he's really enjoying it and got to play a match in the first week - it's a high standard, the pace of the game is really fast and it's hard work but it's a great experience."
Tom added: "He was in with Fulham Development's squad last season as a Goalkeeper but stopped going when he got injured. The two UK Football Trials that we came to have been really well organised, the staff are very welcoming and it's really just an excellent organisation.
"I was sceptical at first as I'm sure many parents are if they haven't heard of a company like this but it's completely genuine and I'm very happy that I brought Louis along."
We will continue to bring you more updates on Louis as we get them and wish him good luck for the rest of the season.