Winger From Truro on Trial with Plymouth Argyle
Truro City winger Leo Shipton is training with Plymouth Argyle after being scouted from our 5 Day Camp in August.
The 12-year-old spent four days training and preparing with our team before playing on the final day in front of scouts from all over the country, and it was the one closest to home who decided he liked what he’d seen.
Dan Templeton, who was present at the camp throughout the week, was able to place Leo into the Plymouth Argyle Development Centre for an initial two-week trial.
“Leo is a positive, passionate and enthusiastic footballer who was always smiling during camp,” Dan revealed.
“His maturity at such a young age, as well as his clear, natural ability to beat a man, deliver a quality cross at the right moment and finish an opportunity made him stand out during the camp.”
Dan added: “Over the course of the week, Leo continued to improve and it became more and more obvious that not only was he naturally talented, he was extremely coachable, humble and ambitious.”
Leo has now been training with Argyle for three months and when we caught up with him last week, he gave us an insight into how he’s been settling down.
“I was a bit nervous at the start because I didn’t know anyone but I’m enjoying it now and the sessions are great,” said Leo.
“We usually start with a few drills, rondos and things like that, working on passing and beating a man before finishing with technical games most weeks.”
He continued: “I train a year up with the u14’s so it’s a good standard and we’ve got a game coming up against the Centre of Excellence in December so I’m working towards that for now.”
Up until now, Leo’s fledgling football career has been centred around his home in Cornwall and he currently plays for National League South side Truro City in the youth teams.
The camp represented a unique opportunity for Leo and it’s one that the winger would advise other players, who may be looking for the chance to get scouted, to take up.
“The camp was so good, we still talk about it now, Leo said.
“There are a lot of scouts watching you and it’s a big opportunity.”
UK Football Trials would like to wish Leo the best of luck as he continues to train with Plymouth Argyle over the coming months.
If you’d like to follow Leo and attend a 5 Day Football Camp in April or August next year, click HERE for more info.