Burnley Football Club offered Gabriano Jabez Shelton, 10, a contract at the academy after he was scouted at our event in Manchester.

The Cypriot midfielder flew over to England especially to attend our trials in Birmingham and Manchester, after finding out about UK Football Trials online.

On Friday 28th October - just two days after Burnley saw him in Manchester - Gabriano was training with their u10's in the academy. 

Last week, we received news that he had been offered a place at Burnley’s Elite Academy.

Tom Reeves, former Burnley Head of Academy Recruitment, spoke to us at the time of Gabriano’s trial and revealed what he liked about the youngster.

"He came in and did well even though he was ill," said Tom, "At the trial he caught my eye with his technical ability and good decisions despite being the youngest in the group." 

He added: "Some of his skills were frightening for a boy his age.”

Despite the offer from Burnley, Gabriano and his brother El Nino opted to sign for another English club who play in the Champions League, when a contact at UK Football Trials made the connect.

Gabriano’s Dad, Enrico, said: “UK Football Trials definitely gave Gabriano the confidence and everything finally came together.

“We have to say the boys have been fortunate, Burnley in particular deserve a mention for the way they treated us as a family and totally accepted our decision.

"He was very excited to hear that he would be going in to train with the club, the chance to go into a Premier League club was amazing for him."

Everyone at UK Football Trials would like to offer their congratulations to Gabriano and El Nino and wish them luck with their football going forward.