16-year-old Abdoul Diallo, who plays as a winger was scouted from our Manchester event back in 2019 by Fleetwood, Grimsby and Rotherham and subsequently went on trial with both.

Talking with Abdoul, we asked for an insight into his footballing history as to which he told us: “I was born in West Africa but moved to Spain when I was three.”

“Around 2011 Barcelona academy took an interest in me and invited me to trial for them. I then eventually signed and played for them for three years.”

Abdoul continued: “Unfortunately I got an injury in my last season and was unable to play for six months.”

“Because of this I was unfortunately released as my physicality and technical ability and dropped.”

“After this, I played for another club who played at the same level as Barcelona and performed really well until I moved here to the UK.”

When asked how he heard about UK Football Trials, he explained: “When I arrived in the UK I played for a local club until a friend told me about UK Football Trials.”

A winger by trade, Abdoul was presented with a challenge when at our event after our coach saw something in him. He explained: “When I attended your trial I was played out of position which I enjoyed.”

“I’m a left-winger usually but I was asked to play as a centre back in the matches by the coach. I feel that I played really well considering I am usually an offensive player.”

Abdoul clearly played very well and caught the eye of three clubs. He explained the process after our event, telling us: “Rotherham were the first to make contact and invite me to trial but unfortunately I was unable to attend, the same with Fleetwood.”

“Luckily after this, Grimsby contacted me and asked me to play in a match where I went and played with the under 18’s team as left back.” He added.

When asked how he felt he performed he explained: “I feel like I was a little underprepared but I still performed well.”

“When I was playing in Spain it was a more technical game whereas here in the UK it is very physical. Despite this I adapted my game and I have been invited back for further matches with Grimsby in the future!”

UK Football Trials would like to say a huge congratulations to Abdoul on his trial with both us and Grimsby. We will continue to update his story as more comes in.