At 18 years old, Sean Collins has already taken bold steps in pursuit of his dream to play professional football. Originally from Australia, Sean made the life-changing decision to move to the UK to further his career. His journey demonstrates the kind of sacrifice, commitment, and determination required to stand out in such a competitive environment — and his efforts are already paying off. 

Sean’s football story began back home in Australia, where his passion for the game grew from an early age. But he knew that if he wanted to give himself the best possible chance of making it to the top, he needed to put himself in a footballing environment that offered higher levels of competition and exposure. That decision brought him to England, where opportunities to play in front of scouts and professional clubs are far greater. 

His first taste of English academy football came when he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers for a few months. During this time, Sean was included in a tournament, gaining valuable insight into the expectations and standards within a professional setup. Although his time at Wolves was relatively short, it gave him the hunger to keep pushing forward and testing himself against the best. 

That hunger is what led him to UK Football Trials, an event designed to give players exactly the opportunity Sean was looking for — a platform to showcase talent in front of multiple scouts at once. The trial turned out to be a crucial stepping stone, with Sean’s performances catching the eye of several clubs. 

“I got in touch with all the clubs,” Sean explained. “Oxford City asked for my details, and I’ve already been to a session with Macclesfield.” The fact that three clubs — Macclesfield FC, Oxford City, and Alsager Town — all expressed interest in him highlights both his ability and the impression he made on the day. 

Sean’s first session with Macclesfield went well, even under challenging conditions. “It was a very hot day and the lads put a lot of hard work and effort in, but I felt strong and played well,” he said. Goalkeeping is a position that requires not only technical ability but also mental resilience, and Sean proved he could adapt and thrive even in demanding circumstances. 

One moment in particular stood out as a highlight: “I pulled off a top-corner save,” he recalled. For a goalkeeper, those are the moments that get noticed — not only by teammates and coaches but also by scouts who are always watching for players who can make the difference in key situations. 

Reflecting on what he took away from the UK Football Trials experience, Sean said: “I learned to trust myself to know the right thing.” Confidence and self-belief are vital qualities for a goalkeeper, and this lesson is one that will continue to serve him well as he progresses. 

When asked what brought him to UK Football Trials in the first place, Sean’s answer was simple: “Trying to get my name out there and get scouted.” It was exactly the right decision, as the exposure has already opened doors with three clubs. 

Would he recommend UK Football Trials to other players? Without hesitation, Sean replied: “Absolutely. It’s a good platform to further pursue and be in front of the right crowd.” 

For now, Sean is waiting on further feedback from the clubs, but his journey is far from over. “Nothing yet, but I will be at the next UK Football Trials,” he confirmed. That determination to keep showing up and taking opportunities is what makes his story so inspiring. 

From Australia to England, from grassroots football to saving shots in front of scouts, Sean Collins is proving that courage, sacrifice, and hard work can put you on the right path. With trials already underway and clubs taking a closer look, his next big step could be just around the corner.