Youtube Star Receives Offer from Semi-Pro Club
Online sensation Ethan Anders is set to make the switch from playing in front of the camera to playing on the pitch, after being scouted at our event in October.
The 15-year-old forward has racked up more than 21,000 subscribers on Youtube with videos of his skills and performances – and even a review on one of his UK Football Trials last year.
And when he came to our trials for the fourth time in October 2016, it wasn’t just the other players that were impressed with his talents, but one of the scouts too.
A representative of Farnborough Town FC, a semi-pro side who play in the Evostick Southern League, took down Ethan’s details on the day and proceeded to invite him in on trial for a closer look.
“I went down to the training ground for a two-day trial in December, a couple of months after the UK Football Trial,” said Ethan.
“Within about half an hour of being there on the first day the coach was talking to me about signing, which is a great feeling because you know he thinks you’re doing well.”
He added: “The training we did was really good, all game based and a lot better than what I’m used to – I enjoyed it.”
Farnborough’s offer to Ethan would see him study a college course with the football club, alongside training and playing regularly with the academy, whilst also offering a potential route to the first team should his performances warrant it.
"The college education with the football is something that I’m interested in, that’s what I want to do,” Ethan continued, “It allows me to continue my education while still being able to take my football seriously so it’s really the best of both worlds.”
This was the fourth UK Football Trial event that the Youtube star had attended in the last two years, and despite interest from Premier League and Championship sides previously, Farnborough were the first to offer anything concrete.
Ethan said: “I’ve always enjoyed the UK Football Trials, the feedback that you get from the coaches is always great and because I’ve done a few, I’ve been able to see different coaches opinions of me and how I’ve improved.
“They assess you on lots of different things, even from the warm up they’re looking at how you run, how’s your touch, so it’s really in-depth.”
He added: “Even if you’re not scouted it’s still a great experience and I think I’ll probably come again in the future, regardless of what happens and where I sign.”
Ethan and his family will decide this weekend whether he will be signing with Farnbrough or not as they weigh up options and offers from other clubs closer to their home in Southampton.