After attending our five day training and trial camp as well as trialling at our Essex event back in August, 12-year-old goalkeeper Ryan Collins was scouted by AFC Bournemouth.

We caught up with Ryan’s father Johnathan to discuss Ryan’s football history, why he attended our events and how he has gotten on with AFC Bournemouth.

So Johnathan, could you firstly please talk us through Ryan’s football history?

“Ryan started life as an outfield player, it wasn’t until his sides goalkeeper left that he stepped up and decided he wanted to play between the sticks.”

“He found it hard to begin with but never gave up. He pushed himself to keep working hard and he just kept getting better and better.”

“Ryan started with attending a goalkeeping session at Yeovil Town Trust Development Centre with George Hamill in 2017. He then went on to SOS Goalkeeping with Sam Shulberg at Yeovil Town FC until Sam stopped running it.”

“Ryan then joined Torquay United playing in the JPL until 2018. Following his spell at Torquay he started attending Yeovil Town Trust Advanced Goalkeeping Centre with Leah Poole while playing in the JPL and training with South Somerset RTC in 2019.”

“He has also attended a one-day UK Football Trials event for goalkeeping in Essex as well as a five-day training and trial camp with UEFA A and Pro licensed coaches for gaining experience and confidence. Ryan also won most improved goalkeeper for the week.”

“Ryan also attended a trial with Plymouth Argyle in September 2019 where he was doing well playing weekly games. However, due to temporary circumstances at home we left the trial 6 weeks in and joined Yeovil Town Academy playing all games available and without missing any training sessions until cancelled due to COVID-19.”

That is incredible Johnathan! Ryan seems very committed to football!

“Yes, Ryan works hard at home keeping up with fitness every day alongside the ball skills and stretches he has been taught. He also has 1on1 training sessions outside of his team training currently with Darren Betchet (Yeovil Town 1^st Team Goalkeeper Coach), Leah Poole (Yeovil Town Academy Coach) and Sam Shulberg (former Yeovil Town 1^st Team goalkeeper coach).“



Wow! For someone who plays the game so much and seems to love it, why do you think Ryan wasn’t getting the opportunity for bigger clubs and why did you choose to bring him along to our event?

“I think where we lived was a big factor. Living in the South West isn’t the best location for anyone looking to be scouted by big clubs, so we decided to bring Ryan along to your trials.”

Moving onto the trial for AFC Bournemouth, could you please talk us through how it went?

“It was a great experience for Ryan. The session was fast paced with a small group of players. Within the trial, the training focused on various handling techniques and shot stopping.”

That’s fantastic! Has there been any feedback or decisions made regarding his future with the club?

“Not as of yet, we are still waiting on a decision from the club.”

What advice does Ryan have for players like himself looking to be noticed by clubs?

“Work hard all the time, not just at training but at home too. You must be committed with the right attitude and determination. The coaches need to know that they can work with you and that you can listen and follow instructions.”

UK Football Trials would like to congratulate Ryan on his excellent achievement and hope he can continue to impress at AFC Bournemouth. We will continue to post updates as they come in.