How to get a real football trial in Europe
Several misconceptions exist about how North American players can pursue realistic football trials at European professional clubs.
I hear several players and parents chat about sending video footage to professional clubs in Europe and being offered trial opportunities. In my 20+ years placing players in Europe, I have never witnessed any player actually signing a professional playing contract using this approach.
Several parents and players typically try to secure trials themselves, and after wasting time and money, they return to ask for assistance from us. This happens frequently.
Yes, clubs will accept your money and offer players training opportunities before telling them that they are not at the required performance levels. I have witnessed this on several occasions, and unfortunately, by that stage, parents and players have wasted over $5,000+.
The reality is this...
European clubs will always choose a local player over an international one when the two players' performance levels are the same.
The number of playing minutes in adult football (not youth leagues) by age 18-20 will ultimately determine what level of play a player will ultimately play at.
There are performance gaps in North American players when they first go over to Europe as they have no previous experience in full-time training environments.
Players are attending trials in Europe and wasting valuable time and money without understanding beforehand how their current performance levels relate to the actual performance levels required.
Getting access to trials is easy. The real issue is whether you can secure a professional contract.
Why we have secured professional contracts for players
We test and evaluate player performance so that we can match players to realistic professional contract opportunities.
I have worked as a North American scout/coach for EPL club Wolves and understand the levels of performance and commitment required.
I work 1:1 online with players to improve performance levels before they travel to Europe for trials opportunities.
Through partnerships and our group of FIFA-approved agents, we have developed a network of clubs that will provide players we recommend with realistic opportunities to earn actual professional contracts.
We can now place youth players in three international tournaments a year so they can gain experience competing against youth players at top professional clubs.
Through a unique partnership with the Spanish Football Federation, we are now able to sign players to clubs in Spain, and they can play in official leagues.
We can place players at a professional club in the UK that provides a full games program and education pathways.
And we provide players and their families with ongoing consultation and support, from securing trials to signing professional contracts.
Reach out if you'd like to learn more.
Visit the Player ID Events page for future opportunities to benchmark against European standards and receive an individual evaluation, or sign up for our newsletter to be notified.