Evelyn Mason, a talented 10-year-old goalkeeper, has taken huge strides in her football journey. Playing for two boys’ teams in the MYSL and EMJFL, she has constantly challenged herself, proving her ability against tough opposition. Her hard work and dedication recently earned her success in a trial for Burnley ETC, and her journey with UK Football Trials has now opened more doors for her future. 

“I love playing as a goalkeeper,” Evelyn shared. “I enjoy the challenge of stopping shots, reading the game, and making sure my team stays organised. Playing with boys has pushed me to improve because the games are fast-paced, and I have to be at my best all the time.” 

After attending UK Football Trials, Evelyn was thrilled to receive news that she had been scouted by Sutton Coldfield Women’s team. “When I found out I was scouted, I couldn’t believe it!” she said. “Getting that email was so exciting because it showed that all my training and effort were paying off.” 

Once Sutton Coldfield reached out, discussions began about the next steps. However, the club’s location posed a challenge. “It’s quite far from where we live,” Evelyn explained. “The contact at the club said it might be too far for me to travel regularly, but he wanted to keep my details for clubs in Manchester that he’ll be working with next season.” 

Although she couldn’t immediately join Sutton Coldfield, Evelyn remains positive about what’s ahead. “Just knowing that a scout noticed me and believes in my potential has given me a huge confidence boost,” she said. “It makes me even more determined to keep training and improving.” 

Reflecting on her experience at UK Football Trials, Evelyn highlighted how it helped her grow as a player. “The biggest thing I learned was that my practice is paying off,” she said. “Sometimes, it’s hard to know if you’re improving, but after the trial, I felt really good about my performance. It gave me confidence and made me want to push myself even more.” 

When asked about her best moment during the trial, Evelyn didn’t hesitate. “Being scouted! That email was amazing to receive—it made me feel like all the hard work was worth it.” 

Evelyn first came to UK Football Trials after seeing it advertised and reading positive reviews. “I knew it would be a great opportunity,” she said. “I wanted to test myself against other talented players and play in front of scouts. It was definitely worth it!” 

She would recommend UK Football Trials to any young player looking for an opportunity. “It’s a brilliant experience,” she said. “You get to showcase your skills, learn from coaches, and potentially get scouted by top clubs.” 

As for what’s next, Evelyn is keeping her options open. “The scout from Sutton Coldfield is still in contact, and he’s keeping my details for clubs in the North West,” she explained. “I’m excited to see what happens next—I just have to keep working hard and be ready for the next opportunity!”