Will began playing football at the age of seven. Like many young players, he faced early challenges, including criticism that could have discouraged him from pursuing the game he loves. But instead of stepping away, he used those comments as motivation. Through consistent training and a determination to improve, Will gradually built both his confidence and his ability. Today, he is playing at a high level for Sky Blues in the Community Elite 1 team as well as for Solihull Moors FC — both of which have helped shape him into the player he is becoming. 

The real turning point came when Will attended UK Football Trials. Unlike his usual league matches, where scouts rarely attended, UK Football Trials offered him the chance to showcase his skills in front of multiple professional clubs at once. His performances didn’t go unnoticed. “The Leicester City scout and Burton Albion FC scout have contacted us,” his family explained. “Now he is trialling at Leicester City Emerging Talent Centre.” Although Derby County also showed interest on the day, no follow-up came from them, but the opportunities with Leicester and Burton Albion are already proving invaluable. 

Currently, Will is trialling at the Leicester City Emerging Talent Centre (ETC), where he is getting the chance to train under academy-level conditions. The club has been clear with their pathway: if he impresses and continues to develop, he could earn the chance to move up into the academy setup itself. “Leicester City says if you are good, they will keep you in their EMC, and if you develop well, you will get the chance for their academy trial,” his family said. 

For Will, one of the most memorable aspects of the trial experience was the end-of-day matches. It was there that he had the chance to really show his ability. “Will felt extremely happy with being scouted by three clubs,” his family reflected. “He liked the matches in the end when he showed his talent, skills, and resilience.” 

Attending UK Football Trials has not only opened doors for Will, but also given him and his family an appreciation for the professionalism of the process. “It is very well organised,” they said. “There are very good scouts who know how to scout talents. Have to say that they are all very friendly and supportive, especially Billy from Leicester City.” 

Will’s journey also highlights an important message about opportunity. His family explained: “Will consistently performed at a high level in league matches, but he hadn’t been scouted before simply because no scouts attended his games. The UK Football Trials gave him the opportunity to showcase his ability in front of many scouts, which led to him finally being noticed.” 

When asked if they would recommend UK Football Trials to others, the response was emphatic: “Yes, definitely. UK Football Trials is a great opportunity to be seen by so many scouts in one place. If you have the talent, you should attend — especially if you come from an underrepresented ethnic background. Your background doesn’t matter; as long as you have the ability and the drive, you’ll get your chance.” 

From being doubted at the start to now earning opportunities with Leicester City and Burton Albion, Will’s story proves that belief and hard work can change everything. At only nine years old, he already has a clear pathway ahead, and his resilience suggests this is only the beginning of a much bigger journey.