How is the trial going, Nico?

I’ve bee training with the u14’s and it’s been great, really awesome. I’m three weeks in now and I’ve never been in anything like this, so it’s brilliant to get the chance to play in an academy. 

What’s it been like training in the pro academy environment?

It’s different to what I expected. Everyone is on it, the standard is really high and the coaches are great; it’s ten times better than what I’m used to at Sunday League. Physically it’s tougher than what I’ve done before as well.

And have you been involved in any matches yet?

Yeah, we had a friendly against our u15’s and I came on as a sub. And I started on the right wing against Bristol City u15’s. We lost both of the games as they’re a year up but it was still a good experience for me.

So how did this trial with Newport come about?

I’ve actually come to a few of UK Football Trials events – a one trial day in Cardiff and two camps. So I wasn’t scouted directly form the events, but one of the UK Football Trials coaches, Ash Hopkins, thought I showed something and wasn’t that far away. I kept training with Ash for a bit after the camp in August and I definitely improved, to the point where he thought I was ready and he put me forward to Newport for a trial. So I’ve got to say a massive thank you to UK Football Trials and to Ash for making this happen.

What’s a normal week of training for you?

On a Monday I do training with Newport, Tuesdays is grassroots training with Seaside AFC and Wednesdays I’m back at Newport again. On Thursday nights I train for my Sunday team and Friday is my day off from training so I normally go to the gym and for a swim. Then it’s the weekend and I have a game for Newport on Saturday and then my Sunday side.

What do you think are your best attributes?

My crossing, skills, dribbling and shooting.

And what areas do you need to improve on?

I’ve actually asked the scouts this before and the feedback they gave me was that I lacked pace. So I worked on that and I am faster now, but I could still improve in that area.

Would you have any advice for players coming to our trials?

If you make a mistake just carry on, and be the loudest one there so that you stand out to the scouts. I’d say as well it helps if you get along with everyone and don’t hog the ball. Everyone is trying to impress and do too much, but if you pass it easy and keep the ball you’ll be noticed for that. Attitude is equally important as ability too, things like picking up your drinks bottle are noticed – it’s the small things.

And what are your goals for the future?

I’ve got three weeks left at Newport so I’m focussing on doing well there as my immediate aim. But I want to ‘make it’. I want to earn a scholarship, impress and make my way to the first team and eventually I’d like to sign for a Prem team, the same as every young footballer. 

Quote from UKFT Coach Ash Hopkins: "I've seen Nico on several UKFT Camps over the past year, and he has a real passion to succeed in the game.

"He's been working extremely hard over the last two months since the last residential camp and I am really pleased that he has gone to Newport County FC Academy.

"His attitude to learn and develop as a young footballer is great to see, and I wish him the very best."