Ethan Holland - Sunday League to Semi-Pro
Ethan Holland, 16, has gone from Sunday League to Semi-Pro in a matter of weeks after he was scouted at our trial in West London this summer.
Congratulations on signing for Farnborough! How did it all happen?
I came to UK Football Trials and the scout spoke to me there, he asked me what I was doing and where I’ve been playing. He then invited me down for a training session at the club, which was great - we worked on some technical stuff and then went into a game, the whole thing lasted a couple of hours.
And when did you sign?
They said they wanted to sign me after my first session and it was a good standard so I decided to go for it. Two weeks later the club got me to sign first-team forms as cover and I was called up for a cup game against Hartley Wintney.
How was that experience for you?
Incredible. The manager wanted to get a few of the young players involved and we warmed up with the first-team and got on the pitch at half time, so I went from playing for my weekend team to being watched by 150 people.
Was this the first time you’ve done anything like this?
I had trials with Brentford and Wimbledon about three years ago, but apart from that it’s just been with UK Football Trials really. I’ve been to five or six events over the last four years and have actually been scouted by Aldershot before, but this was the first time I’ve signed for anyone and been involved with the first-team.
What do you think has changed between now and then for you to get scouted?
I’ve improved massively in that time, I moved up in the standard that I was playing and that helped. And I’ve been going to the gym about three times a week to give me the edge as well.
What’s a normal week for you at Farnborough?
I’ve signed a two-year-deal that includes education so I’m in pretty much full-time. Four days a week we train and have classes or coaching sessions, and then every Wednesday is a match day.
How’s your season going with the youth team?
We’ve got a 32-man squad so it’s competitive to get a place, but I’ve started every game so far so I’m happy to be getting minutes.
What do you think are your best attributes?
My height, that’s obviously needed as a centre-back. I’m good with the ball and my tackling is strong.
And what areas do you need to improve on?
Communication definitely, it’s a big step up now compared to the level I’ve been playing and I didn’t really know how important it was to talk. I need to be that organiser in defence.
Would you have any advice for players coming to our trials?
Keep trying and believe in yourself. Up until recently I’d thought about giving up football completely, but then I went to UK Football Trials and BANG, I’m in the squad for a semi-pro first team.
Finally, what are your goals for the future?
This season I want to be on the bench for the first team three times and hopefully make an appearance. Long term, I’ve set myself a target of playing regular first team football in the next three years.