Kieran Boucher, 20, who plays as a goalkeeper impressed at both our Birmingham and West London events recently and was subsequently invited to attend a one-week trial by Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.

When talking to Kieran, he told us his football background, stating: “I played for Aston Villa from age 6 through to 18.”

“After I left Aston Villa, I went to a few trials, mainly abroad, I trialled in Italy with Chievo Verona, and then after that I’ve played non-league, currently for Redditch United.” He added.

Kieran continued: “It’s going well with Redditch, I’m playing every match in a decent league so it’s great experience for me and I feel though I’m getting better every game.”

Curious as to why Kieran attended our event, he clarified: “I saw on social media that a goalkeeper around a similar age to myself had signed for Burnley through your trials, so I thought if he can do it, why can’t I?”

After performing very well during his session with Bournemouth goalkeeping coach Steve Potts, Kieran explained what happened next: “I received a text from Steve asking for my football CV and that sort of stuff.”

“Then, after that, I received a call from Bournemouth inviting me down for a one week trial.”

Going into more detail on his time with Bournemouth, Kieran told us: “I trained with the 23’s when I was at Bournemouth.”

“It was completely different to what I have experienced before, everything was game realistic.”

“For example, when I got to training we went straight into shot stopping. So for me it has now changed how I train and play, it has opened my eyes completely.”

“Unfortunately Bournemouth opted to monitor me rather than have me sign. However, I’ve been invited to attend further training sessions on December 2^nd for a week.” He added.

After all of his experiences with both our trial and Bournemouth’s, Kieran shared advice for other players who believe they have the talent but lack the opportunity: “My advice to other players is to give UK Football Trials a go.”

“It gave me the chance to trial with a Premier League side; I have the opportunity to go back in for another week of training with them again in December and my game has improved massively since.”

Steve Potts who has previously worked at clubs such as Manchester City and is currently working with Bournemouth told us: “Kieran’s attitude was absolutely bang on, his work ethic was 110%, and he basically gave it all. For me, he is one of the best keepers to attend a UK Football Trials event.”

“After every session with Bournemouth Kieran would have top marks. All of the coaches from the first team down all liked him. It was just unfortunate that at that moment in time they couldn’t take it any further.”

“He is a fantastic young keeper, he just needs the right door to open, because he definitely has the potential to make it a lot higher than he is currently playing.”

Harry Price – Director of UK Football Trials said: “Congratulations to Kieran on his brilliant trial performance and for getting scouted by Bournemouth.”

“This is one of our biggest success stories in our 8 year history and it is credit to the hard work Kieran has put in and in particular – all the coaches and scouts mentioned his excellent attitude and personality which goes a long way as a senior elite goalkeeper. We wish Kieran all the best with his continued trial at the club and we look forward to hearing how he progresses.”