Following on from the hugely successful ‘Careers Day’ at the City of Manchester Stadium in March, Progression ’08 stepped up a gear last week as The Ricoh Arena, Griffin Park and Valley Parade hosted LFE’s Assessment Trials.
Leading in to the Assessment Trials demand was such that an extra match at both the Midlands and Northern Venue had to be arranged to accommodate the vast number of players seeking to participate in the showcase events.
Run in conjunction with The Professional Footballers Association and The Football League and supported by Puma, the three events provided a total of 235 players with a platform to highlight their talents in front of 120 representatives from Premier League, Football League & Non League Clubs and Further and Higher Education Institutions from the UK and abroad.
Hailed by Players, Parents and Scouts alike the trials clearly illustrate the sterling work that LFE are conducting to provide players with further opportunities following their Apprenticeship.
Mike Aspin from Preston North End commented:
“It’s a good opportunity for the players that’ve been released like myself, the scouts are all here to watch so obviously everyone is eager to impress. I’ve been on trial recently with a couple of teams and it’s not quite worked out but I still believe in myself and I’ll continue to work at it and try and get a club for next season.”
Tim Horn from Wigan Athletic said:
“I’ve really enjoyed it, it was great to play in the games and it’s been good to get out and meet new lads in the same boat as myself. The games seemed to flow quite well with a good tempo which is always good for the scouts so they can watch players play on their toes and under a little bit of pressure.”
George Foster Academy Manager at Stoke City added:
“The trials are unlike any I’ve attended previously and have been excellently organised from start to finish. A huge amount of credit must go to LFE for arranging events that offer the right environment in which to view players. The games have highlighted just how much talent there is out there and with some really skilful and good technical players on show.”
LFE would like to extend its thanks to all the Players, Parents, Club Representatives/Scouts and staff at each venue for their assistance in ensuring that the trials were run in a professional manner.
