After attending UK Football Trials events for the past two years, 15-year-old, centre midfielder Luke Murrall was scouted by three clubs at our Birmingham event in April and has started his first of three trials with League One side Walsall F.C.

When talking to Luke’s father Richard, he went into a bit of detail about Luke’s footballing background, explaining: “Luke currently plays for Burton Albion advanced development squad, but he’s never really had trials or anything like that with other clubs.”

“He’s been going to UK Football Trials events now for two years, I think he’s been to six all together. The first was in February 2017. He got an idea of what it was about and what he needed to do to improve his game from the marking system provided by the coach.” He added.

When asked why Luke has chosen to come back to our events, Richard explained: “With each event Luke has attended, he has progressed. With the last three trials, coaches have approached and spoke to Luke telling him what he needs to improve on; which he has taken on board and applied to his game.”

After years of trying, Luke’s hard work and determination paid off, with three clubs scouting him in April. His dad told us: “When we attended the Birmingham trials, Luke was scouted by West Brom, Wolves and Sheffield United.”

Although Luke was not actually scouted by Walsall, Richard explained: “The Wolves scout called me and said that Wolverhampton have just signed three players from other academy’s that play in Luke’s position so there isn’t space for him at the moment. But, he said that he believes Luke has the talent to make it so he made arrangements for Luke to have a trial at Walsall.”

Richard explained what the trial with Walsall consisted of telling us: “The trial was an hour and a half and it was the first of three. It consisted of initially 30 minutes of football drills, one on ones, two on twos, normal ball control, speed, fitness and agility tests. Then in the final 30 minutes they played a match.”

“The trial with Walsall was very professional, Luke loved it. The coaching was first class and there was a really high calibre of players in the academy there. A really high standard.” He added.

Luke’s father explained why he opted to bring Luke to UK Football Trials in the first place, explaining: “Whenever Luke played, referees and opposition managers would tell us that we need to get him scouted but I didn’t know where to go, so that’s how I came across UK Football Trials, by looking online. We’ve recommended it to numerous friends.”

Everyone at UK Football Trials would like to congratulate Luke and wish him the best of luck in the future with Walsall. Luke’s attitude and determination is exactly what’s needed, we hope he continues to learn and grow as a player.