Qasim Abbas has signed for his first ever club in Lancaster City following an impressive trial earlier this year.

The 20-year-old winger, who was scouted at our trial in August, had previously only ever played for his college side but can now call himself a semi-pro footballer.

A modest player, Qasim explains how he didn’t expect anything from the trial and got some strange looks when he found out the good news.

“When I finished the trial I wasn’t happy with how I played really,” he explained.

“But then on Tuesday the week after, I got an email from Lancaster City and started screaming my house down. Someone walked past the window and saw me, I think they thought I was a bit weird.”

Qasim added: “I was shocked and wasn’t expecting anything, but they gave me a number to call and when I spoke to them they invited me down to train with the reserves and I’m still there now.

“It’s a great level because there’s so many opportunities to play against higher clubs and scouts are at a lot of the games.”

Last week Qasim made his debut for Lancaster reserves, playing 30 minutes in a 4-0 win over Ramsbottom.

Initially coming on central-midfield, Qasim was soon moved out to his preferred wing position, which he now seems to have made his own.

For someone who has never played for a pro or semi-pro club before, or even had a trial, Qasim seems to be taking it all in his stride.

He said: “The training is really similar to UK Football Trials, it’s the highest standard I’ve ever played.

“Before this I was just playing for my college team and was about to start playing for my university but this summer I decided I wanted to test myself, so I found UK Football Trials on Google and saved up for the trial. Now here I am.”

Qasim continued: “I loved the UK Football Trial, it was so intense and it’s a great opportunity.

“On the day I played about four or five games filling in wherever they needed me. I’ll play any position to get in and show what I can do.”

UK Football Trials Director Harry Price said "It's fantastic news and we are all delighted for Qasim. He worked so hard at the trial and showed an excellent attitude and for him to secure a contract is fantastic news. We will keep in touch with the club and Qasim to see how this season goes. Many congratulations from myself and all our team."