Winger is One of Three UKFT Players Involved in Leyton Orient Match
14-year-old Waheed Haruna was one of three UK Football Trials players to feature for Leyton Orient in their match against Peterborough this month.
Waheed, who plays predominantly on the left wing, was scouted from our trial in West London in October.
His mum, Thadia, gave us an update on Waheed’s trial with The O’s.
What did Waheed make of his trial with Leyton Orient?
He loved it; it was a good experience and he got some good feedback from the coaches. In the game against Peterborough he played left wing and did well, they lost 6-5 but he’s an attacker so he contributed going forward.
Was that his first time in this environment?
Yes, that was the first time he’d been scouted so it was a big step up in level for him.
What was the feedback from the club?
They said they were impressed with him and for now they said they wanted him to go back to his club, Footscray Lions, and keep training, but they’ve got him on their books and will continue to monitor him.
What are Waheed’s best attributes?
He is a team player, so he’s always passing and looking for assists. Passing and decision-making are some of his other best strengths.
And what areas does he need to improve?
Speed would probably be the biggest one. He’s at the age where he’s just moved to full-size pitches so he’s got a lot more space now and pace is one to the most important things as a winger.
How was the UK Football Trials event he came to?
He actually came to three, one in August and two in October, which was when he got scouted. He loved them and is already asking to come back to another one! The graded feedback he received was really helpful and he listened to all the advice from the coaches.
What changed between the trials that meant he was scouted in October?
I think in August he didn’t know anyone, but in October he knew what to expect and what to do. Having that experience a trial made a difference I think.
And what’s his next step from here?
Just keep working hard and training hard. He’s going to Barcelona next year for a trip with his football team so he’s working towards that at the moment, and is working on the feedback he got from UK Football Trials and Leyton Orient.