Lucas Rudge, 10, was invited to trial with League Two outfit Crewe Alexandra on a six to eight week basis after being scouted at our Manchester event back in October!

Talking to Lucas’ father Paul, we asked him for an insight into his son’s football history. Here’s what he told us: “Lucas has never had any previous trials."

“He currently plays for Prestwich F.C and just loves football. He has always talked about being scouted but I think where he currently plays, it is difficult to get the opportunity.”

Feeling his son lacked opportunities; Paul opted to bring Lucas to our event. He explained: “The best option that I saw when I started researching was to take Lucas to the scouts rather than hoping the scouts would come across his particular game, and you guys were the answer.”

After attending our event, Lucas went on to trial for Crewe. Paul talked us through the process to far: “Lucas was invited to trial with the club for six to eight weeks and has currently attended three sessions.”

“During his first session Lucas was doing things that he had never had to do before. For example, he was asked to play out of his usual position which was quite unusual for him.”

He continued to comment on the standard of the other players: “I think there was a moment of realisation for Lucas of how high the standard really is at Crewe’s academy.”

“The level of the players was noticeably better than what Lucas has come across week to week playing for his local side, which is to be expected of players in academies.”

“When playing in training matches in his usual position, Lucas plays with confidence and doesn’t look out of place at all.”

“We can notice an improvement in the way Lucas plays already even after only three sessions. Working with and learning from the coaches and the other players has definitely helped and he just seems a lot sharper on the pitch.” He added.

As a player who had little to no opportunities, to being offered a trial with a pro club, we asked Paul if he had any advice for players in a similar position. He told us what he thinks Lucas would say: “Lucas would be to always listen, concentrate, focus, enjoy it and always play with confidence, because this is what he has always done.”

“Scouts noticed, and commented on how pleasant Lucas was, how confident he was and how well mannered he was.”

Paul also continued to say: “UK Football Trials provided an opportunity to Lucas which he would never have gotten had he not attended. Where else can you go and play in front of 13 scouts? The answer is not many places.”

Unfortunately after eight two and a half hour sessions with Crewe the club decided to not take on Lucas on a permanent basis.

UK Football Trials would like to congratulate Lucas on a great trial with us and going on to trial with Crewe. We hope he can continue to grow as a player and we’re sure he will get another chance.