Hassan – 16 Years Old – Centre Back / Centre Midfielder | Scouted by Brentford and Aveley FC

At 16 years old, Hassan is a defender and midfielder who has used UK Football Trials on more than one occasion to put himself in front of professional scouts — and the results have followed on both occasions. Having previously been scouted by Aveley FC and now holding an active place on Brentford waiting list, his story shows what consistency and persistence can produce.

Hassan's football background covers a solid period of youth club football. He played for Tooting and Mitcham from under-12s through to under-14s before moving into Saturday league football with Norbury Wolves at 15. Alongside his club football, he has been invited to trial for the South East District representative side and reached the semi-finals of the South London Cup with Graveney School — a run that speaks to his quality in a competitive team environment.

He attended the South London and South East London event at UK Football Trials and found the standard of both the players and the coaching exactly what he was looking for.

On the competition at the event, Hassan said:

"The level of competition was very good. There were many good players which pushed me to perform to the best of my ability. All round, everyone was brilliant and it was a competitive environment."

The coaching throughout the day was equally noted.

"The coaching was high quality and pushed us to perform."

What stayed with him most from the event was the feedback he received at the end of the session — coaches taking time to speak directly with players about what to work on.

"Talking to the coaches at the end and them giving us feedback on what to improve on."

Going into the event, Hassan was ready for the challenge of performing in front of scouts.

"Excited and thrilled to show my ability to them."

And it showed. Both Brentford and Aveley FC made contact after the event. Aveley invited Hassan to play in a fixture and train with the squad, which he did. After weighing it up, he took the decision not to continue with Aveley — the distance from his home to the academy made it unworkable on a regular basis. It was a practical decision rather than a reflection of the opportunity itself, and it showed a maturity about how to manage a football pathway sensibly.

With Brentford , Hassan is currently on a waiting list and is awaiting further contact from the club. Given what Brentford represent as a Premier League club with a highly regarded academy, that is a meaningful position to be in.

On what attending UK Football Trials had taught him, Hassan said:

"Even if you are underperforming, you have to push through and believe you are the best."

That mentality comes through clearly in how he has approached his football. When asked whether he would recommend UK Football Trials to other players, he was straightforward:

"Yes. If you relax and take part in UK Football Trials, it is a good experience. What makes it great is that you get to showcase your talent in front of top-level scouts."

Hassan is 16, has been scouted at multiple events, trained with a senior club, and is now on Brentford's radar. The work he has put in across his football journey is starting to show in the opportunities coming his way. The waiting list will not wait forever.