Oliver’s football journey began in the Southend District League, where he played grassroots football at the Under-8 level. His performances soon caught the eye of Southend United, and he was signed for their Under-9 academy team for the 2022/23 season. However, when the academy closed in the summer of 2023, Oliver had to return to grassroots football, competing in the Echo League for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons. Despite this setback, he remained determined to continue developing his skills and seeking new opportunities. 

UK Football Trials provided Oliver with the perfect platform to showcase his ability in front of academy scouts. His family had discovered UK Football Trials through Instagram and saw it as a great opportunity to combine high-quality training with the chance to impress professional clubs. Oliver attended his first trial event with them, where he participated in various drills and small-sided games designed to highlight his technical and tactical ability. 

Once UK Football Trials informed Oliver that he had been scouted, things moved quickly. “The scout reached out shortly after we were notified of interest,” his family explained. “Within a few days, we received an email from the scout stating their intention to invite Oliver in for a trial. Within 48 hours, we received an official invite to attend an eight-week trial at Colchester United.” 

The trial began in early January, and Oliver was immersed in a professional academy environment. Training three times a week and competing in matches every Sunday against top academy teams such as Birmingham, Nottingham Forest, Norwich, Peterborough, and Ipswich, he had the chance to test himself at the highest level. The experience was invaluable, allowing him to develop further as a player while gaining exposure to elite competition. 

After eight weeks of hard work and commitment, Oliver was rewarded with a contract at Colchester United, officially securing his place in their academy. It was a proud moment for both him and his family, marking a significant step forward in his footballing journey. 

Reflecting on his experience at UK Football Trials, Oliver found the registration process simple and effective, allowing him to focus on showcasing his skills. He particularly enjoyed the different drills and the small-sided games that formed the core of the session. “It was great to be able to display my individual skills in a structured and competitive environment,” he said. 

When asked whether he would recommend UK Football Trials to other players, the answer was an enthusiastic yes. “This was the first time Oliver had attended a UK Football Trial, and he really enjoyed the morning he spent there, whether it was the training or the small-sided games. It’s a great way for players to get exposure to professional scouts and challenge themselves.” 

Now signed with Colchester United, Oliver is looking forward to the next stage of his development. With academy-level training and regular matches against top-tier opposition, he is eager to see where his footballing journey takes him next.