Mason – 16 Years Old – Goalkeeper | Scouted by Preston North End, Salford City 

At 16 years old, Mason is a goalkeeper who embodies persistence, self-belief, and a willingness to keep pushing no matter how many times the journey tests him. After impressing at UK Football Trials, Mason earned interest from Preston North End, Salford City, and Altrincham, and is now preparing for a crucial next step in his development.

Mason’s football journey started early.

“I started playing when I was four years old and always had the desire to get to this level and go further,” he explained. From a young age, he showed maturity and confidence beyond his years, often choosing to play up an age group.

“I’ve always been interested in playing up a year. I’m a tall goalkeeper, so playing with bigger lads never really affected me.”

When Mason received confirmation that he had been scouted, it was a moment of relief and renewed motivation.

“Once I got the email, I was so pleased to hear my story wasn’t over,” he said. “It gave me even more desire to keep going.”

What followed was a period of patience and discipline, with regular communication between Mason and the clubs while he focused on staying fit, sharp, and ready for any opportunity.

That opportunity is now very real. Mason is currently set to head to Preston North End for a week-long trial, beginning on Sunday 18 January.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said, aware that this is a chance to show how far he has come as a goalkeeper.

UK Football Trials played a key role in that development.

“I’ve been twice, and both times I’ve come away having learned something,” Mason explained. “Having specific goalkeeper training from two very experienced coaches has helped me learn multiple things from both.”

Those sessions gave him detailed, position-specific feedback that has directly influenced his game.

One moment from the trials stood out clearly.

“For me personally, the best moment was having scouts come up to talk to me on the day,” he said. “That gave me confidence to do even better during the trial.”

Rather than feeling pressure, Mason used the attention as motivation to raise his level.

Having attended UK Football Trials on more than one occasion, Mason was confident in returning.

“The first time I attended and was scouted by three clubs, I had confidence in the setup,” he explained. “Going the second time, after 18 months of academy-level training and playing at under-18s level, I knew I’d improved massively as a goalkeeper. I had 100% faith I could get interest again.”

When asked if he would recommend UK Football Trials to others, Mason didn’t hesitate.

“I’d 100% advise players in a similar situation to go,” he said. “Whether you’re trying to break into academy football or you’ve come out of it and still have the desire to push again — UK Football Trials is something I’d fully recommend.”

He added that the quality of coaching and the structure of the day make a real difference.

“The staff make sure everyone has an equal opportunity to impress the scouts.”

With Preston North End the first club to come back to him, Mason now enters an important phase of his journey. Emails have turned into a confirmed trial, preparation is complete, and the focus is clear.

Mason’s story is a reminder that progress in football isn’t always a straight line. With resilience, belief, and the right platform, opportunities can come again — and when they do, being ready makes all the difference.