Following an impressive trial with us in Manchester during August, multiple clubs scouted 15-year-old Miguel Rene Ferreira Valsau for a trial.

We caught up with Miguel to discuss his football history, why he chose to attend our event and what has happened since being scouted.

So Miguel, congratulations on a great trial performance with us, before getting into what has happened since being scouted, could you please give us some information regarding your football history?

“In 2016 we went to live in the Netherlands. I started playing at a club in the Vlaadinger neighbourhood where we lived in Rotterdam.”

“I played from October 2016 to May 2017, where I scored many goals and won some cups at local football tournaments.”

“In May 2017 after almost a year living in the Netherlands, we returned to Portugal and I wanted to remain active. Because of this, my father put me in the school of Futebol Clube do Porto to play where I stayed until the end of the season.”

“In 2018 I started playing at Valadares, where I stayed until December 2018.” He added.

Wow that’s an impressive background Miguel! With all of the opportunities you have had, what was your reasons for attending our event?

“It is the dream of any young player to play in an English club. I always loved watching English football games.”

“My father found UK Football Trials on the Internet and said that it was a magnificent opportunity for me to show myself and arouse interest in some English clubs.”
 

Obviously your father was correct, could you please talk us through your trial with UK Football Trials and what has happened since?

“I had a wonderful trial at your event; several clubs scouted me. Manchester City and Sheffield United asked questions on the day and Guiesley invited me to trial.”

“Unfortunately Manchester City backed out because I had arrived in the UK a short time ago and I had never played in a club in England.”

“However, Sheffield United decided to give me the opportunity and suggested doing an eight week trial with their academy.”

That’s fantastic Miguel! Where did it go from here with Sheffield United? Did you trial with them for eight weeks?

“Due to legislation in England and because I am a foreigner, I was only able to trial for two weeks.”

“After the two weeks of trialling at Sheffield United Academy, they decided to move me to their development team where they will continue to monitor with the possibility to someday join the academy core team.”

As well as joining Sheffield United’s development squad who trains with on Wednesday’s, Miguel has also signed for National League North side Guiesley A.F.C, training with them on Tuesdays and Fridays as well as playing for them in matches!
 

That is incredible Miguel! As someone who has recently moved to the UK with no experience of the British game, to then go on and join Guiesley and Sheffield United’s development squad, do you have any advice for players who may be in a similar position to yourself?

“My advice would be to never give up on your dreams. UK Football Trial is an excellent opportunity for players to try their luck at a professional or semi-professional club."