How do I prepare for a football trial?
You should arrive at the trial strong and at peak physical fitness. Here at UK Football Trials junior trials last at least 2 hours, and senior trials 3 hours. There will be a full on academy style training session followed by a match, and to shine you will need to be at your very best both physically and mentally. So work hard at your fitness, and don’t waste too much time on FIFA or social media when you could be improving your weaker foot!
Each the right food. Stay off very highly processed foods if you can and eat lots of the stuff that you know is good for you. It’s a sacrifice, but if you are serious about a career in pro football, it’s one you should be prepared to make. Stay off alcohol. Get into a regular sleep pattern that suits you. Don’t arrive at your precious trial tired.
On the morning of the trial eat some breakfast. Don’t arrive at the trial with an empty stomach. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids before and during the trial. Set off early from home. Don’t waste precious mental energy worrying you are going to be late.
When you arrive at the trial, try and be 30 minutes early. Arrive in your kit and look the part. Clean kit, shin pads on, boots clean. Make sure your body language is positive from the word go. Scouts and coaches will be watching from the moment you arrive.
Listen carefully to everything you are told. Make sure your attitude is right at all times. The scouts are watching for a dismissive shrug of the shoulders or an angry gesture at a team mate.
Finally, don’t be too cool to sweat. Don’t stroll around as though this is all a bit beneath you. Other players may be impressed by how cool you are, but trust us, the scouts will definitely not be. The wrong attitude can cost you your big chance.
We hope this brief summary will give you some ideas about how to prepare yourself physically and mentally for your UK Football Trial. Good luck!