Matiyas – 13 Years Old – Midfielder | Scouted by Sheffield Wednesday 

At just 13 years old, Matiyas has already shown the determination and mindset needed to progress in football. After attending UK Football Trials in Sheffield, he impressed scouts with his technical ability and work rate, earning recognition from Sheffield Wednesday. 

Matiyas’ football journey began relatively recently. 

“I started playing grassroots football at 11 years old for my Sunday team,” he explained. Since then, his development has been rapid. Alongside his grassroots football, he joined Sky Blues in the Community at Under-13 level, starting in Elite Five before progressing through the ranks to Elite Two, where he currently plays. 

Over the past year, Matiyas attended several UK Football Trials events, using the feedback he received from coaches to improve each time he returned. 

“I took the coaches’ advice and used it to progress in the next trial I had in Sheffield,” he said. “It was a great experience. They helped me grow as a player and as a person, and I was able to showcase my ability and get scouted by Sheffield Wednesday.” 

After the event, Matiyas’ family received an email confirming that he had been scouted. Unfortunately, due to the distance from home — nearly a two-hour journey — attending regular sessions after school wasn’t possible at that time. 

“My parents got an email saying I’d been scouted, but I couldn’t attend because the travel would have been almost two hours,” he explained. 

While that decision was disappointing, it has only strengthened his motivation. 

“Right now I feel disappointed because I couldn’t attend, but that means I have to work even harder and push through and wait for my next opportunity.” 

One of the biggest benefits Matiyas gained from attending UK Football Trials was the improvement in his mentality and approach to the game. 

“My mentality has gone up. I changed the way I respond to mistakes by staying resilient and strong,” he said. “My performance levels have improved in games and training sessions.” 

That growth has already shown in his progression within his current team, moving up through the elite levels as his confidence and ability continue to develop. 

During the trials, Matiyas felt most comfortable during technical drills and possession exercises. 

“I stood out in the passing and dribbling drills,” he said. “I was able to show my passing, receiving, technical ability, and quick decision-making.” 

He also highlighted the importance of communication and supporting teammates during the sessions, showing a maturity that coaches value highly. 

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