European Football Trials

European football trials are individual trials with professional clubs across Europe for players aged 7–21 who are serious about their football. That could mean football trials in Spain through our Real Valladolid CF programme, or a trial with a professional club in another European country, depending on the player’s profile and level. International players are welcome to apply, and you can see current dates on our Upcoming Football Trials page.

Every European football trial starts with a review, so we never arrange one just because it is requested. After you register, we look at the player’s profile and videos, past clubs, eligibility, and passport and visa requirements, and check that they meet the criteria. If they do, David has a phone call with the player and parents to agree the right professional club and the right time. Availability always depends on the club calendar.

We arrange football trials in Europe with professional clubs in several countries, including Spain, the Netherlands and Scotland. Players we have worked with have gone on to trial or sign with clubs such as Almere City FC in the Netherlands, CD Leganés and Granada CF in Spain, and Montrose FC in Scotland. The country and club we suggest depend on the player’s profile, level and eligibility, and you can read how players got on in our success stories.

Our football trials in Spain centre on a 2-week individual trial with Real Valladolid CF (C team), training with the club’s coaches at the training ground beside the Zorrilla stadium. Players can expect about 5 sessions a week plus gym work. The trial includes a city-centre player residence with 24/7 welfare staff (rooms shared by 2–3 players), 3 meals a day, official kit, club medical and physio support, a local transport card and a written physical and tactical report, and we meet players at Valladolid station. Places go through the same profile review and call with David as every other trial.

Prices start from €1,175. Any higher or tailored fees are confirmed in writing after we review the player. Once the player has been reviewed and approved, we go through the full details and costs with the family before anything is confirmed.

No, you do not need an EU passport to trial in Europe, but passport and visa rules shape what is possible, so we check them for every player. After 18, signing in England is very difficult without a European passport, while in Spain the rules are more open, especially for EU passport holders, and still relatively easier for non-EU players. We send an invitation letter from the football side once the deposit has been received, never before, so everything is confirmed before a player travels. Please check your own country’s entry rules as well.

Yes, players under 18 can be considered, and a parent or guardian is involved at every step. A parent or guardian completes the registration, joins the phone call with David and agrees travel, accommodation and supervision before anything is confirmed. Signing rules for younger players depend on age and nationality, so we explain what applies to your child after the profile review.

Yes, these are our European football trials, and families from the USA, Canada and Australia are welcome to apply. Read up on the rules before you commit: the information is out there, and it helps you spot a genuine trial and avoid a scam. We go through passports, visas and travel with you on the call with David.

No, a contract is never guaranteed, because professional clubs make their own selection decisions. We never promise a named club, a contract or a scholarship. What we do promise is a genuine trial in a professional club environment and honest feedback on the player’s level. Some players do well and some find it difficult, which is the nature of trials.