Thirteen-year-old Ejden Mataj is a centre-back whose commitment and composure have earned him the attention of a professional club. Like many young players across the country, Ejden’s journey began at grassroots level. From his earliest years playing football, he’s worked his way up through local teams and competitive youth leagues, constantly looking for ways to improve and test himself. 

Before attending UK Football Trials, Ejden had already built a strong foundation, representing both his school and Uxbridge FC, where he played in the Junior Premier League (JPL). A commanding centre-back, Ejden has impressed coaches with his timing, positioning, and ability to read the game — skills that helped him stand out when he arrived at our event. 

“When I was told I was scouted, I received an email outlining the club that showed interest — Millwall FC,” Ejden explained. “Shortly after, I was contacted by a representative from the club to discuss further information about me. I’m still waiting to hear back again, but I’ve stayed in regular preparation for the trial.” 

At the moment, Ejden is awaiting his trial with Millwall and is focused on being fully ready when the opportunity comes. “I’ve been preparing through tailored fitness training and technical drills to make sure I’m sharp,” he said. “I’m excited and determined to make a strong impression.” 

Reflecting on his UK Football Trials experience, Ejden shared some valuable takeaways from the day. “The trial taught me the importance of preparation and staying composed under pressure,” he said. “It was a great experience to compete with other talented players and to receive feedback from professional coaches. I also learned how vital communication and decision-making are in high-paced match situations.” 

One moment that stood out for Ejden during the trial was when he made a decisive interception before launching a long through ball that led to a goal. “That was the highlight of the day for me. It felt great to contribute directly and get recognised for my vision and timing,” he said. 

So, why did Ejden come to UK Football Trials in the first place? “I came because I wanted to challenge myself and get seen by professional scouts. It’s a brilliant opportunity to showcase your skills in front of multiple clubs and get real feedback that can help you grow as a player.” 

When asked if he’d recommend UK Football Trials to others, Ejden didn’t hesitate: “Absolutely. It’s a well-organised platform that offers real chances to get scouted. Even if you’re not picked up straight away, the coaching and feedback you get are invaluable.” 

Now, with interest from Millwall and a trial on the horizon, Ejden is focused on continuing his development and taking the opportunity when it arrives. “A scout from Millwall has already expressed interest in seeing more of me. I’m just waiting for the final confirmation of the trial date. Until then, I’m staying ready.” 

Ejden’s story is another example of how dedication, preparation, and a single trial can open the door to something bigger. We look forward to seeing how he progresses from here.