Born in Ireland Jaden started playing football from a young age. As he got older, he moved to Nigeria and played in the men’s leagues at just 15 years old along with his school team. Eventually Jaden moved back to England and signed for Ashford Utd U18’s.

Jaden had attended our 1-day trials in the summer of 2023 and was spoken to by some scouts but didn’t get scouted on this occasion. However, Jaden knew that there weren’t many other opportunities out there that you could go and be seen by many scouts all at one event other than at UK Football Trials events. So, he decided to have another go and attended another one of our events this time in North London in April 2024. Things very quickly moved on from this trial…

Jaden was spotted by a scout from non-league club Clapton F.C who liked what he saw in Jaden and invited him in for a game. Following this impressive trial game Jaden has now been offered a place full time with Clapton F.C.

We asked Jaden how his initial trial game went at the club and he had this to say….”My first game for the club was good , it’s men’s football so it would take some time to adjust but I’m loving it, I’m a physical and fast striker so I’m not fazed at all and I grasp the opportunity to learn in men’s football and it would help me develop so much as a player physically, socially and mentally.”

Jaden then went on to say how the level of players at the club is very good and everyone is “hungry” to impress and make it as a professional footballer. Jaden is also enjoying the level of coaching he now receives, and the in-depth detail coaches will go to help Jaden with the things he needs to work on within his game.

Finally, as we always do, we asked Jaden if he would recommend our trial events to others and why and he replied with….” Yes, I would as there is a great opportunity to be seen by loads of scouts, you also learn a lot of things.”

Here at UK Football Trials, we would like to extend our best wishes to Jaden for achieving what he has so far in just a short space of time. Just goes to show how quickly your situation can change from a 1-day trial event to signing for a club within a matter of days.  

Jaden Odama – Aged 16 - Signed by Clapton F.C