Tom attended our Midlands trial at Tamworth in December 2023 and was successfully scouted by 3 clubs, Sheffield United FC, West Bromwich Albion FC and Birmingham City FC. Tom had trials arranged with West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United before the Christmas break and all 3 clubs attended Tom’s grassroots games. Tom’s performance during these games allowed the scouts to see his playing potential and has resulted in Tom being offered a 4-week training period with the Sheffield United FC’s academy squad. Tom and his family are ecstatic about.

Tom starts his trial at Sheffield United FC on the 1st April 2024.

Having never attended an academy setting before we asked Tom what his experience was like, and he had this to say….“It was brilliant development for me. The training sessions are longer, and you need to work harder. I’ve also learnt a lot about nutrition and fitness. At first, it’s a bit daunting as some of the players have been in an academy since they were eight or nine years old, so they are used to the intensity of the Sessions.”

We also asked Tom what made him choose a UK Football Trials event to attend and his response was….”I’ve always wanted to be a footballer, but I have never had the opportunity to shine in front of a club and UK Football Trials gave me that much needed opportunity. I would definitely recommend anyone who wants the chance of being spotted by a scout to attend a UK Football Trial event as these chances are very low elsewhere. You would have to be in the right place at the right time whereas UK Football Trials is a professionally organised opportunity which gives you the chance to shine.”

We wish Tom all the best during his trial period, and we look forward to seeing how he gets on and the outcome of his trial. What an achievement! 

Tom Dobson – Aged 15 - Scouted by Sheffield United