Right-winger Ben Ashwin, 14, impressed at our event and was scouted by League One side MK Dons.

We caught up with Ben to get a better understanding of his footballing background, why he chose to attend our event and how his trial with MK Dons went.

First of all Ben, congratulations on your brilliant trial with UK Football Trials and being scouted by MK Dons! You are obviously a talented player, could you please tell us a little bit about your football history?

“I played for MK Dons elite from under 8's until under 13's but I still hadn't progressed up to the academy. Because of this I decided to leave and join Ignite in the junior Premier League.”

“During my first season with Ignite I played a cup final at St. George's Park!”

“From there I decided to attend your trials where I got scouted for MK Dons.”  He added.

Wow that’s brilliant, so what was the reason you decided to come along to one of our trials? 

“I just felt like I was struggling to stand out in games with scouts watching normally so I tried to go to your trial as it gave me the chance to impress the scouts through my training as well.”

Brilliant, since being scouted, could you please talk us through the training with Woking?

“At the clubs training it was juts like a normal academy session with a constant high tempo and skill level. The drills that were done were fairly simple, testing the basics of short passing and dribbling.”

Amazing! Has there been any feedback from MK Dons or has any decision been made?

“Unfortunately I got the news that I did not get into the academy although I was offered a place in the elite once again. They said this was because I was lacking in confidence on the ball. I turned this down and I am working harder then ever everyday to be ready for the next trial.”

Sorry to hear that Ben but well done for not giving up and displaying a brilliant attitude! As someone who attended our event and has now gone on to trial for a club, do you have advice for others who are in a similar position?

“I would say to just work hard and put yourself in as many opportunity's to get scouted as possible.”

UK Football Trials would like to congratulate Ben on both his trial with us and for going on to trial with MK Dons.