UK FOOTBALL TRIALS

Anisius Lewis was scouted from our Essex event by Ipswich Town and went on to trial with the League One side.

We caught up with the 16-year-old winger to discuss his football background, why he came to our event and what his experience with Ipswich was like.

First off, Anisius explained: "I played for West Ham's academy from U9s-U11s and then I played for Southend United's academy from U11s-U15s."

With a strong academy background, we were curious as to why he chose to come to our trial in Essex. He told us: "I got a few trials but these were earlier in my football journey."

"Recently I haven’t been at any established club which was making it hard to be scouted. I saw an opportunity with UK Football Trials and decided to take responsibility and make the decision to attempt to get scouted."

This decision paid off for the young play-maker who also attracted attention from Norwich, Aveley and Woking.

Having trialled with Ipswich Town, we asked him for an insight into what life is like with a League One academy: "The first training session went well, very intense, high speed which required awareness but the environment was good and I felt I was at a level I can compete at."

He continued: "I got put into a trial squad game where I scored the equalising and only goal for our team. I played well as the coaches said to me."

As a player looking for a club, we asked Anisius for any advice to players like himself. He told us: "Keep working hard and make a name for yourself. Play for any club no matter what whether it’s grass roots or semi pro etc. Anywhere is an opportunity to break through, you never know who’s watching."