15-year-old striker George Arnell was scouted from our Birmingham event by Leicester City, West Bromwich Albion, Stoke, Sheffield United, Birmingham City and Derby County and offered trials with three of the clubs.

Talking with George’s father Brian, he explained George’s football history: “George starting playing football around 10-years-old which is actually quite late.”

“He didn’t really have an interest in football until around age seven when he realised he had an uncle who played for Liverpool back in the 50’s.”

“Growing up, he wasn’t involved with any academies, he’s always played locally in West Sussex for grassroots clubs.”

“He is currently the second top goal scorer in the league playing for his current side with 19 goals. With his previous team he scored 16 goals from four starts.”

When asked why they chose to attend our Birmingham trial, Brian told us: “We are looking to move to the Midlands in the near future so we opted to come to your event to see what level George is at, and to see what kind of opportunities were on offer in the area.”

From our event, Leicester City were quick to contact the young forward, offering him a trial with their under 15’s academy. Brian explained what this consisted of saying: “George went through drills in the dome at Leicester with the under 15 academy players.”

“From my perspective he looked as good as the other players technically. It was just the fitness and intensity side that he looked different, as he isn’t used to the level. He also had the opportunity to play for the under 15’s academy against Walsall where they won 4-2.”

Brian continued: “He thoroughly enjoyed the day, as it was a great experience. He got to see the first team and sit near them for his lunch. He absolutely loved it.”

“We haven’t had any feedback just yet but he performed very well.”

As well as Leicester, West Brom also offered George a trial. Brian explained: “With West Brom, George did a day with the under 15’s and a day with the under 16’s. I wasn’t present on either of the days but they went through drills as well as doing gym sessions.”

“The feedback we had from West Brom was really positive. He was told that he performed brilliantly, they were impressed with his physicality and technical ability, but they are unable to take it any further due to his current location.”

“They believe that he definitely belongs at this level and have urged us to continue trialling with any clubs that are interested.”

Everyone at UK Football Trials would like to congratulate George on both his brilliant trial with us, and his time spent with Leicester and West Brom.

George will also be trialling with Stoke City in the near future so we will continue to post updates as they come in.