16-year-old striker Sean Brown signed for Colchester as a scholar after being scouted by the League Two side from our Essex event. 

We caught up with Sean's mum Carly to discuss Sean's football history, why he attended our event and how he has adapted to academy life since signing.

We first asked Carly about Sean's football background, she told us: "Sean had always just played grassroots football. However, he was also scouted by Arsenal, Charlton, Crystal Palace, Luton and Millwall from your trial."

Obviously a talented footballer, we were curious as to why Sean hadn't been scouted before attending our event. Carly explained: "Scouts didn't seem to attend his Sunday League games. We felt that Sean wasn't getting the opportunities at grassroots level so opted to bring him along to your event."

This decision obviously paid off, having been offered a trial by Colchester. We asked Carly what the journey was like from being scouted to signing. She said: "Sean originally went to a couple of pre-trial sessions with Colchester to see if he was at the level to go on an academy trial." 

"He completed that was then offered a six week trial which ultimately ended up being eight weeks." 

"From there other clubs began to take an interest so Colchester offered Sean a scholarship."

She added: "During his trial period, Sean was training with Colchester was three times a week as well as playing in matches which included Watford where he scored a hat-trick, Crystal Palace where he scored two goals and Leyton Orient where he scored again."

After signing with the club Sean started but found aspects of academy life difficult. Carly told us: "Sean slotted into the team well but initially struggled with the lack of game time."

"This was due to the second year scholars being picked ahead of him. However, this has been resolved and he is now getting more game time and is now back in form."

UK Football Trials would like to congratulate Sean on his brilliant achievement! We hope he can continue to push on and go on to sign as a pro! 

We release updates as they come in.