All young players want to attend a football trial and get signed right away. That doesn’t always happen, and goalkeeper Matt Perrella is a great example of a player who has worked hard for every opportunity. Perrella has had the opportunity to trial with two huge European clubs, England’s Newcastle United and Italy’s Udinese. He has also trialled with United States’ team Sporting KC, where he learned valuable lessons on how to be a professional.
Speaking with Premier Football UK, Perrella recently told us about his experiences on trial and what young players can expect.
“Of course, when you hear of a club like Newcastle United, [your] eyes open pretty wide,” Perrella said. “I would call the experience the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Not only did I learn from the highest-level coaches, but I got to compete against goalkeepers like Freddie Woodman and Jak Alnwick. Both of which are making huge names for themselves, and I learned a lot from watching them and adapting my play.”
Perrella’s ability to learn from others, especially in a very competitive position like goalkeeper, has helped him a long the way.
“Although nothing formed directly from the clubs, I made relationships at each of those places that have absolutely helped me even to this day. At Sporting KC, John Pascarella gave me really great insight to the game from his experience and opened up doors for me that are still helping me to have these opportunities today. I owe a lot to him and he’s one of the great mentors and coaches I have been fortunate enough to work with.”
One of the great lessons that Perrella learned is a coach may not be able to get you signed to the club you are on trial with, but they can help you out in some way. This can be getting you a trial with another club or giving you advice that will help you be a success in the future.
Perrella’s hard work has paid off and he is currently playing in goal with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the United Soccer League (the second division of US soccer). Perrella will continue to take the lessons he has learned, and more, into each trial. Young players around the world should do the same, and treat every experience as a learning process. In the end, young football players can land that desired professional football contract.