Following an impressive performance with us at our one-day trial in West London, Austin Collins, 16, was scouted by a two clubs Luton Town and Hartley Wintney.

We caught up with Austin to discuss his football history, why he chose to attend our event and what has happened since being scouted.

So Austin, congratulations on a great performance with us, before getting into what has happened since being scouted, could you please give us some information regarding his football history?

“My football Journey started when I joined my local football team in London as a keeper in Greenford.”

“Then we moved to Milton Keynes where I joined MK don’s development programme and a local team City Colts. There they realised my speed and made me play more attacking roles such as a striker, and right or left Wing.”

“After that I joined Newport Pagnell, where I played in similar positions and was the top scorer in the league.”

“When I was 13-years-old I trialled for Mk Dons Academy for six weeks and was lucky enough to sign a one year contract.”

That’s brilliant Austin! You have quite an extensive football history! What was it that made you attend our event?

“Unfortunately after my contract expired, I did not get offered a scholarship so I took part in the exit trails and performed well”

“I was noticed by two academies’ but sadly because of the lockdown my trails got cancelled.”

“I was also not getting any opportunity with my local club because no scout were coming to watch my matches, therefore it made it hard for me to get noticed by a club.”

“I decided to come to the trial because I believe that I had what it takes to play at an academy level and that’s why I signed up for the UK Football Trails because I knew scouts would be there, so I could show them what I could do.“ 

So Austin, following on from our event, could you explain what happened with the clubs that scouted you?

“Hartley Wintney offered to sign me with their under 23’s team. They said my technical ability is very good and they were happy with my performance.”

“Luton have also been in touch with me and offered me a one week trial from October 5^th until October 9^th.”

That’s fantastic Austin; did you choose to sign for Hartley Wintney?

“I did not choose to sign as I would like to try my luck with Luton Town.”

Austin went onto trial with Luton's U18 squad and played in matches. Although he did not sign with the club, he told us: "It really was a great experience playing at such a high level and getting more of an insight into the game."

As someone who was released from a club to now being offered a trial with a Championship club, do you have any advice for players who may be in a similar position?

“I would say keep doing what you are doing and make sure you are always working hard because you never know who may be watching.”

“Also look online for open trails, for example, UK Football Trails because a lot of scouts come to watch people train and play a match.”

UK Football Trials would like to congratulate Austin on his brilliant trial with us and being scouted by two great clubs. We will continue to report more on his trial with Luton Town once they are completed.

You can check out Austin on his Instagram page by searching @austinc.11.