Duo Train with Cheltenham Town First Team
Two UK Football Trials players spent two days on trial with League 2 side Cheltenham Town FC, in which time they got to train with the First Team.
Goalkeeper Anton Matthai and centre-back Filip Chabrecek, from Germany and Slovakia respectively, came to the same event in West London during our October trials and were picked out by the Cheltenham Town Head of Recruitment after some impressive performances.
The 16-year-old's, picture above with the Head of Recruitment and First Team Manager, were invited to the club's training ground for a two-day trial, during which time they were given the opportunity to train and play with several different squads.
Ashleigh Hopkins, Cheltenham Town Professional Phase Lead Development Coach (who also works with the u18's) took Anton and Filip for some of their sessions at the club and revealed how they faired in the pro environment.
"Both of them did well, Anton did brilliantly in goal on the first day we had him," said Ashleigh.
"They played a game against the Reserves, who had six first team players in the squad as well, and we feel that they held their own."
He added: "I think Filip struggled a little bit on the first day, it took a bit of getting used to the new surroundings and the British weather! But the next day with us he was exceptional at the back and performed well in the session with the first team."
Anton and Filip also both took part in a strength and conditioning session with the rest of the squad and were said to impress the first team manager, Gary Johnson.
Unfortunately, despite being set to feature for the u18's this weekend in a game against Bristol Rovers, they were unable to secure international clearance in time and will now be invited back to the club on December 10th to play in a trial game.
Speaking about his experience, Filip said: "Firstly I want to say thanks to UK Football Trials for the opportunity to be scouted.
"I really liked my trial with Cheltenham and the coaches and other players that I met. It's a shame I wasn't able to play this weekend but I will be back on December 10th for the trial game."
Meanwhile Anton will continue his training and education with Buckswood School where he is to play out the rest of the season under the careful development and watch of UK Football Trials London Head Coach Daryl Willard, who is also Director of Football at the school.
The pair are the third and fourth players to go into Cheltenham through UK Football Trials this season, following Ben Kalamaby's trial with the Reserves and 14-year-old Edward Hewitson who signed a contract with the academy.
Harry Price, UK Football Trials Director, said: "It's incredible that these two young players have gone from booking one of our trials and turning up as aspiring footballers, to being scouted from our football trial by the Head of Recruitment from a pro club and then training with the First Team Manager.
"We wish them both every success with their trial in December and we will continue to work closely with Cheltenham, who have a fantastic setup."
Picture Left to Right: Pete Johnson (Head of Recruitment), Filip Chabrecek, Gary Johnson (First Team Manager), Anton Matthai, Ashleigh Hopkins (Professional Phase Lead Development Coach)