Football trials: how to prepare

Before: ask and get organised

• Where and when, and who to ask for when you arrive
• Whether it is a training session, a small-sided game or a friendly
• Which boots you need for the surface
• Whether you need a medical certificate or other documents

The days before

Sleep well, eat normally and avoid a heavy session the day before. It is not the moment to try new boots.

On the pitch

Arrive early, introduce yourself to the coach and warm up properly. In the game, do simple things well: a good first touch, quick decisions, talk. Ask for the ball and show your position. One mistake does not decide anything. How you react to it might.

Afterwards

Thank the coach, ask when to expect an answer and leave your details. If you hear nothing in the time they gave you, one polite message is enough.

Find your next trial

On ScoutMe, clubs post open positions and trials. Show interest with one tap and the club sees your profile and video.

When trials happen

Most trials happen before and at the start of the season, in the summer, when clubs build their squads. Registration windows set how long a club can still sign you: in Greece, amateur clubs can register new adult players for 2026-27 from 1 July 2026 to 25 January 2027. Other countries have their own windows, so ask the club.

Academies often hold trials during the season too, because in many countries, Greece included, minors can be registered for the first time at any point.

Trials abroad

Be careful with offers of trials at academies abroad, especially if someone asks for money to 'arrange' one. Get everything in writing, find out the club's name and contact the club directly.

For players under 18, FIFA generally bans international transfers, with a few exceptions (Article 19). A trial abroad does not mean a minor can register there.