We spoke to Ruth Morgan, the mother of Ralph, about this very promising 11 year old left winger, who at our February events has once again caught the eye of another 3 pro clubs!

So take us through Ralph and a bit about his football history:

 Ralf started his football journey aged 4 at Hertford Town, Moving to Pangshanger FC after a couple of  seasons with his whole team and Manager. He spent 3 seasons at Panshanger FC and then towards then end of season 2020-2021 he got recruited by Cheshunt FC who are consistently a very successful team winning the league (Mid Herts Rural Emerald League) year after year. 

During this time Ralf was also at Stevenage FC emerging Talent squad from Jan 2020-July 2022. Spring 2022 he trialed for Top Ballerz U12 squad and got a place for the 2022-2023 season. He also got offered a place in Summer 2022 at Watford FC Advanced Player Development Center to start in September 2022. During his time at Cheshunt he won League titles and cup titles, Parents' player, MoM regularly and was the team's top goal scorer. He is regularly asked to play in other club tournaments and plays in tournaments for The Players Academy. They have won an APB Barnet Tournament twice with Ralf coming home MOM. His  grass roots team Top Ballerz is battling for top spot in the JPL currently! He has private training withTop Touch Training and from time to time Gemma Davidson.

In August 2022 Ralf went to the UK Football Trials 5 day training and trial camp at Ardingly College. He had the time of his life and that event was great as he started getting opportunities and recognition in football that he deserves! He got scouted by West Ham alongside many other great clubs and started an 8 week trial in September 2022 which was extended by 4 more weeks finishing in December 2022. 

What was the reason you weren’t getting an opportunity and decided to come to a UK Football Trials Event?

Week after week Ralf was improving on the pitch and had a natural ability to drive forward, take a free kick and positively contribute to a winning team. His passion was clear and hard work he put in even more evident. Every coach had a little soft spot for him as he is always smiling and so easy to teach. Other people would comment, "how has Ralf not been picked up or scouted?" This comment was frequent; we were just happy he enjoyed his football but did wonder do scouts exist as we had never met one! We live in a rural town in Hertfordshire, so maybe it's not a hot spot to get seen?!  So, someone told me about UK Football Trials and here we are!!

 Ralph - tell us what your club trial and training was like for the 12 weeks?  What did you do, how did you find the whole experience?

My trial at West Ham was the best experience of my life so far! The training was intense, I love being  pushed and having other great players to learn from. I spent my trial as a left back so it was a new position to learn as I usually play centre mid or left wing. I love playing and creating chances and causing chaos for the opposition on the pitch! Playing in defence challenged me and I learnt new skills but also utilised my skills as a midfielder to think quickly about the moves my teammates might make. I had to work hard in 1v1's and keep my speed and agility matched to my opponents. 

Talk about how you found the outcome and ongoing opportunities that have happened since then:

 When the decision came that West Ham weren't going to offer a contract, it was obviously hard to hear, I had worked so hard and could imagine myself there but it wasn't my time, never say never! I was then offered an opportunity to trial at Peterborough United. The club is a friendly less pressuring introduction to Academy Football, but the distance from where I live was a challenge. But I really enjoyed my time there and the coaches are so supportive and encouraging. It's a great club. I got to see some amazing clubs such as Leicester City! I got offered a two-year contract with Peterborough United but have turned it down due to the distance - it's a 100+ miles round trip 3x a week and that's just for training. it's a massive commitment from not only me but my family, which they are willing to do but I think I want to wait for a club closer to home. At just 11 years old it will not only benefit me but also my homework! 

What advice would you give to other players who think they have the talent but need an opportunity to get scouted?

Do not hesitate book onto UK Football trials, it's definitely worth it - not only is it a great day of playing football and learning more about yourself, but it can kick start the opportunity you are dreaming to come true! 

Finally what is your Instagram handle for people to follow your progress!  Instagram: @twinmotherofsix 

Well done to Ralph, a fantastic player with a a great story so far and an exciting journey ahead. We will forward to keeping a close eye on developments from the other clubs in February that scouted him too!