14-year-old goalkeeper Nicholas Bracegirdle was scouted from our trial by Burnley and invited to attend sessions with the club!

Speaking with both Nicholas and his father Stephen, we learned more about his background in football, why he attended our event and how he found the experience with Burnley.

So Nicholas, could you please tell us about about your football history?

“I’ve played football since I was 5 years old and have won the South Ribble cup with my school team and play for Leyland Albion in the CLJFL and for Lancs Academy in the JPL.”

Despite playing primarily as a goalkeeper, Nicholas started off playing other various positions. His Stephen explained: “’He used to play down the left before becoming a keeper, he’s even been filling in as a striker at Lancs Academy for a couple of months due to injuries!”

Moving onto the trial with us, what made you attend one of our events?

“In Lancashire there isn’t many scouts that come to watch so I didn’t think I was getting any recognition. I came to a trial because I thought I was good enough.”

Stephen added: “At your trials he got asked to join the Burnley Goalkeeper Development Programme; he attended his first session and the week after that everything was put on hold because of Covid-19.”

What was the experience like training with Burnley Nicholas?

“The experience was amazing, we trained at Burnley’s training ground and they had really good staff, especially the goalkeeper coaches.”

As a player who was scouted by a Premier League club and trained with them, do you have any advice for players similar to yourself?

“If you have the talent don’t hide with it, go for it and if you don’t make it the first time work hard and go again.”

UK Football Trials would like to congratulate Nicholas on his impressive trial with us and Burnley. We will stay in contact with Nicholas and bring further updates once they come in.