NEW Scotland Trials
For the first time ever, Scottish footballers will be given the chance to join “The Search” and be a part of UK Football Trials’ hunt for undiscovered talent. Players from the ages of 10 to 28 will be given the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and step out on to the pitch at Falkirk Stadium, which holds close to 9,000 spectators. The stadium is home to last year’s Scottish Cup finalists Falkirk FC, who play in the Scottish Championship. An academy level coaching session followed by a match on the Falkirk Pitch will give trialists the chance to impress scouts from Scotland and Northern England, ranging from the Scottish Premiership and English Championship, through to the semi-professional tiers. Taking a successful model from England which has seen pro and semi club scouts taking details of 110 players at trials so far in 2015, scouts will be able to contact players who impress, giving them the dream chance of a trial at a pro club. Harry Price, founder of UK Football Trials, explained: “We have found in England that there is plenty of talent which either doesn’t get a chance at a Pro club or is written off prematurely. Players may live in a remote location and not get seen or could be considered too small, too slow or be released based on one coach’s opinion. Often this leads to players becoming disillusioned and potentially amazing footballers get lost to the game.” He added: “We are excited to be taking our proven model to Scotland and giving players the chance to experience what it’s like to play at the Falkirk stadium. I have no doubt that we will be able to give many players the chance they need at Pro clubs.”
There are not just opportunities available domestically – the Mallorca Football Academy will be an official partner of the trial and will be actively scouting for players to join the Academy setup in Spain. Suiting the smaller, more technical Spanish style player, founder Ross Anderson is also looking forward to the event: “Scotland will provide us scouts with an excellent opportunity to uncover some talent. The exposer in Scotland isn’t fantastic and there are lots of players who don’t often get the chance to be seen by scouts. With UK Football Trials’ “The Search” players will be able to play on a stage with lots of scouts watching them directly – there’s no better platform.”
Ross, who is also chairman of a football club in Scotland, added: “From our perspective, we’re hoping to find a few players that will suit our style of play and who would be good enough to come and play in Spain, against the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid sides.” The trial is open to all and prices start at £95. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book in visit www.ukfootballtrials.com.