Expert: Stuart Young - 7/2/2009

Question
Hi,
This is Abdulah Qazi calling from the U.S. California. Just wanted to ask you couple of questions regarding soccer, i am currently 21 years of age and playing soccer here in the United States, what should be the best thing to do for me as far as the soccer clubs are concern, i dont like soccer i love it!! but the point is that i want to play in England as a profession but its really hard for me to do so. I have a lot of my cousins live there in London and some other parts of England but what would you recomend that i should do. I would really appreciate it if you can help me out that would be really nice of you.
If you want if can have all the info ready to go so I can sent it to the other clubs in England.
Thanks for your time.
Sincerally,
Abdulah Qazi

Answer
Hi Abdulah,

Thanks for the question. Hopefully I can help in some way.

The best way to do this is to get a trial with an English club. I know how hard that may sound, but if you want to do this without having to pay your own expenses then getting a trial would be the best option. It is tough getting overseas trials with professional clubs.

I have done some scouting for Middlesbrough FC over here and on many occasions 'really good' players have not even lasted 2 days of a weeks trial.

If you are good enough, then you will have a great shot at becoming a pro, but your age might set you back. Most clubs in England take on trialist's that are 18 or 19, but don't worry too much, because if you are good enough that will not stand in your way.

The best way to go about securing am overseas trial is to contact as many clubs as possible and to send them tapes/dvd of you playing in a 11-a-side match. Try to get a few games so that they can see what you are capable of. The main factors they will look for in a good player are: SPEED, STRENGTH, AWARENESS and FITNESS.

There is no doubting you have talent as you would not be wanting to do this so keep working hard on the training pitch and in games and you will soon reach your goals.

Let me know how you get on. Good luck.

Any follow up questions, just email me directly.

Stuart
stuartwillyoung@hotmail.com