Maximizing Your Football Trial: How Preparation, Attitude, and Attention to Detail Can Set You Apart
Here at UK Football Trials, we have one scout who often comes to our trials, and if a player arrives late, he immediately is wary of selecting him. We asked him why. He told us that if a player arrived late to this trial, he might arrive late to a club trial as well, and then the club would never sign the player, and it would be embarrassing for him personally.
When you arrive, make sure you look like a footballer. That says a lot about your attitude. Make sure your boots are clean, your socks are pulled up and shin pads in place. It looks smarter if your shirt is tucked in, (and some academies insist on this,) so best to arrive looking smart. We had one player, aged 15, who was scouted at our trials who performed extremely well and was invited into a Premier League club academy. The player met the academy manager with his headphones on, his phone in one hand and a kebab in the other! First impressions count. He wasn’t invited back and they told us it was an example of precisely what not to do when you have a trial.
A UK Football Trial begins with an academy style training session. When you go out for this, be high energy and enthusiastic. Don’t be lethargic and behave as though you are not that fussed because you are too good for this stuff. If you are that good, then this is an ideal place to showcase your skills! Listen carefully to what the coach is saying. Make sure you understand what exercises are required for the warm up. Do them properly and not half-heartedly. Make sure you are focussed, take on board what is required to complete of all the drills and do your very best. Watch carefully what others are doing. Use your football intelligence. Who does them well, who looks clumsy, and why? It may help when it is your turn to execute them.
All this together mounts up. It’s part of what Sir David Brailsford calls “Minimal Gains.” Pay attention. Look the part. Concentrate. Use your football intelligence. Your football trial is a fantastic opportunity. Make the most of it!