Growing up, Aaliyah always had ambitions to push herself further in the game. Her journey through grassroots football and the national league has been marked by a steady progression, but she knew that to take the next step in her career, she would need to explore opportunities beyond Ireland. This drive led her to attend a UK Football Trials event, where she sought to test herself against top competition and gain exposure to scouts from some of the leading football clubs in the UK. 

The trials proved to be a pivotal moment in Aaliyah’s football journey. “I was scouted and asked to come over to see the club,” she recalled, thrilled by the prospect of playing football at a higher level. But that wasn’t the only exciting news. In addition to being scouted by a football club, Aaliyah was offered a scholarship by Ash College, a prestigious opportunity that would allow her to combine her education with football in the UK. This opportunity represented the perfect balance for Aaliyah, giving her a chance to continue pursuing her passion for football while also ensuring she receives a solid academic foundation. 

Aaliyah described her trial experience as an eye-opening and rewarding journey. “The level of football in the UK for women is exceptional, and I would love to play for a UK club,” she shared. The trials were intense, with competition coming from highly talented players in every position. “It was more than I expected. There were so many talented players for every position,” she added, impressed by the quality of players she was up against. However, rather than being discouraged, Aaliyah used the experience as motivation to continue improving her game. 

Her decision to attend UK Football Trials was influenced by the stark difference in the level of women’s football between the UK and Ireland. “Women’s football in the UK is way ahead of women’s football in Ireland,” Aaliyah explained. “If you want to have football as a career, you need to be playing at the level the UK is playing at.” This realisation spurred her on to take part in the trials, knowing that they could provide her with the platform she needed to advance her career. 

Aaliyah is a strong advocate for UK Football Trials and encourages other aspiring footballers to participate. “Yes, I would definitely recommend it. You learn so much, and you can see the level other players in your position are at compared to you,” she said. The experience gave her valuable insights into her own abilities and showed her what it would take to succeed at the next level. 

Following her participation in UK Football Trials, Aaliyah is looking forward to the next steps in her journey. She has been offered a place at Ash College, where she will continue to develop her skills both academically and athletically. Additionally, she is excited to visit the club that scouted her and explore the possibility of taking her football career even further. 

Aaliyah’s journey is a shining example of what can be achieved with determination and the right opportunities. Her ambition to succeed in football, coupled with her willingness to take bold steps, is setting her up for a promising future. We congratulate Aaliyah on her achievements so far and wish her all the best as she embarks on the next exciting chapter of her football career.