15-year-old Leon McDonald impressed at our Manchester event back in August and was subsequently scouted by Buxton!

We caught up with Leon to get a better understanding of his footballing background and to understand why he chose to attend our event and how his trial with Buxton went.

First of all Leon, congratulations on your brilliant trial with UK Football Trials and being scouted by Buxton! You are obviously a talented player, could you please tell us your football history?

“My football history is played for loads of local clubs at grassroots level, I’ve never had trials for clubs previously.”

Wow that’s great, you had never attended trials previously and were scouted first time! What was the reason you decided to come to our trial? 

 “I think that the chances in Bolton to be scouted is very low so it’s really hard so I thought would be really good to come and give it a go at use.”

Well it clearly paid off for you. Could you please tell us a little more about the trial and whom it was with?

“The team I got scouted for my trial etc. was Buxton FC and it was really good, I enjoyed it! We did couple drills to warm up, a bit of running and shooting passing drills etc. and then played little 5 a side at the end, and then last we did minute sprints.”

That’s fantastic Leon! You sound like you are making the most of this brilliant opportunity! How has it been left with Buxton? Have you received any feedback or has any decisions been made?

“Buxton have said to me that they want keep me for 6 week trial then after that potentially keep me and put me in the Academy.”

Well-done Leon, that is amazing news! As someone who has gone from grassroots to trialling with a club in such a short timeframe, what advice would you give to other players who think they have the talent but need an opportunity to get scouted?

“My advice is to anyone that thinks they are good enough but not had chance yet just give it ago and give it all you have and be confident etc.”