16-year-old Ted Cutts attended our Essex event held at Aveley Football Club back in October and was scouted by four clubs Colchester, Woking, Luton and Aveley!

Talking to Ted’s mother we asked about Ted’s football history. She explained: “Ted played for Romford until he joined East Thurrock United.”

“This year he has now moved to Hornchurch, which is EJA level whilst also playing school football and EFC on a Monday and Friday, which is a West Ham foundation soccer school.”

She continued: “Every season Ted wins an achievement for his club such as Manager’s Player of the Year or Player’s Player.”

“He’s so dedicated to the game. When he’s not playing football he’s down the gym or out for a run. He’s almost 16 and he doesn’t go to parties or anything like that, he’s just interested in football.” She added.

When pressed why Ted chose to attend our event, his mother told us: “We didn’t really know much about UK Football Trials, it was Ted’s dad that found it. We thought he might as well have a shot at it so he attended and it was a really nice day.”

Ted also added: “I thought your event would be a great way to get noticed by a team as this year is a big year for football, I’m under 16’s and I just wanted to move forward with my football.”

Ted’s first opportunity with a club came with Colchester where he featured in a game. He explained what happened: “I feel like I played well with Colchester. I was nervous to begin with but once I started playing my game I feel like I did well.”

“We won 8-0 against Crystal Palace’s development squad. The standard of both teams was really high despite the score line, it was definitely better than what I’ve experienced previously.”

After his chance with Colchester, Ted was also invited to trial with Woking. His mum detailed what it entailed: “His trial with Woking started off with an educational talk where they explained the benefits if they signed as a scholar.”

“Then they had a two-hour trial session where they went through drills, did a lot of fitness training and then went into matches. I feel like Ted did very well and he was asked to attend a further session the following week.”

UK Football Trials are delighted to announce that after attending his second session with Woking, the club offered Ted the chance to sign full time as a scholar!

We would like to congratulate Ted on his signing with Woking and wish him the best of luck with the club.