Theo Scouted by 4 Premier League Clubs from 5 Day Trials Camp
A 13-year-old midfielder who attended our 5 Day Training and Trials Camp has been scouted by four Premier League clubs.
Theo Nicolae, who was born in Romania, spent the first four days at our camp working to improve different areas of his game ahead of the trial on the final day.
Working with experts in sports psychology, speed and agility, conditioning, nutrition and of course coaching, Theo was able to progress his game to such a level that four Premier League clubs requested his details after watching him play in the trial game.
Stoke City, Crystal Palace, newly promoted Brighton and Hove Albion were all keen to take another look at Theo, who received the coaches player award at the camp, while Manchester City have invited him to train at the club’s academy in June.
Theo’s Mum, Claudia, said: “He will be going in to Man City in June for three sessions and they’re talking about trying to get him involved in a match as well.
“We also have been contacted by Stoke, Palace and Brighton too, but there’s an issue because we live in Romania so it makes things difficult, so all three are going to monitor him for the time being.”
It is possible that Theo may be moving to the UK in the next year to continue his training with a Private Football Academy, and Brighton have indicated that they would like to follow up their interest if he was based in England.
Many players would be forgiven for getting a little over-excited at the prospect of playing for a Premier League side, but the pro environment is something that Theo has experienced before.
In December last year he had trials for German sides FC 08 Homburg and Wuppertaler SV, and currently plays for Juventus Bucharest’s academy in Romania, who play in the country’s top division – he has also recently made it to the second phase of the National Team Selection for his age group.
Theo was one of only three players at the camp to be scouted by four clubs or more, and Claudia revealed what her son thought of the whole experience.
“He was very excited about it all,” she said, “He wants to come back and book another one already!
“It’s very professional and a big opportunity for him, the biggest he’s ever had.”
Claudia added: “We wanted some professional feedback and to make sure he’s on the right track- it’s important for us to get that feedback.”
A Lead Academy Coach at Manchester City, who scouted Theo from our camp, revealed what he liked about the young player.
"Theo did really well on the 5 Day Camp," he said, "He is technically very good and has the physical and mental attributes that we as a club are looking for."