10-year-old Samuel Lucas was scouted from our Manchester trial back in April 2021 by Rotherham United and subsequently trialled with the League One side.

Sam is a keen footballer, playing for his local side Beeston Juniors on weekends where he was appointed captain twice and named man of the match seven times during the 2020/21 season.

We wanted to know why he felt he wasn't getting the opportunities playing for his local team and why he chose to attend our event. He told us: "I decided to come to a trial because I wanted to display my football talent to different scouts and improve my chances to get into a football academy and help me develop as a player. UK Football Trials offered me this chance."

Moving onto his trial with Rotherham United, Samuel told us: "I was invited for a six-week trial period at the club." 

"My first week of training consisted of getting to know my teammates, fitness and technical drills. On my first session, I was a little shy and nervous because it was my first experience in this type of setting but after getting to know my teammates and the coaching staff, I got more comfortable and they made me feel welcome. It’s been fun!"

"I am still training with Rotherham United FC. I want to continue to work hard and improve to stay at the club." He added.

As a player who went from playing grassroots to trialling with a a League One club, we asked Samuel for advice to players in a similar position to himself, he told us: "I encourage other players to apply for the trials, to never give up and to believe in yourself. And remember, you're never too good, there is always room for improvement, so keep working hard."

UK Football Trials would like to congratulate on his brilliant performance with both us and Rotherham. We hope he can continue to grow as a player and sign for the club.