I want to talk about the reality of overseas football trials and why you should probably lower your expectations. This doesn’t get discussed enough, but it’s crucial for anyone planning to trial overseas. For those who don’t know me, my name is Alan Deriard.
I’m a full-time football agent and the founder of Australia’s largest player agency, Elite Football. I’ve helped hundreds of players with representation, and we currently have the biggest roster of professional clubs, working with 25 clubs across Europe, South America, and the UAE, including La Liga.
The Problem of High Expectations
When players are about to go overseas for a football trial, they often build up unrealistic expectations about the experience. I’m including myself in this because I did the same while trying to become a professional player.
We imagine how we will be treated, what the facilities will be like, and other variables. We expect that we’ll be picked up at the airport with red carpet treatment and that the residency will be a five-star facility with the best gym and food catered precisely to our liking.
But the reality is very different. When you get there, it feels like you’ve been hit by a truck because nothing is as you imagined. This happens to many players, especially those involved in amateur football, and it’s essential to address it.
The Reality of Football Trials
The truth is that when you arrive at a football trial, you are just another number to the club. The clubs will not treat you like royalty; you’re there to impress them, not vice versa. Even professional players transferring from one club to another often experience this. They expect everything to be perfect, but they forget that on the other side, it’s just employees doing their jobs, not thinking about the above-and-beyond things you might be imagining.
For amateur football players, this is even worse because they have no experience with it. They expect the club to treat them exceptionally well, but they won’t. You need to understand that the club is not there to cater to your every need—they’re assessing you to see if you’re worth investing in.
Common Complaints and How to Avoid Them
I often hear complaints from players about their rooms being small, the food not being what they’re used to, or the training facilities not being up to their expectations. But these are things you need to adjust to. For example, if you’re in Spain, they won’t change the cuisine just for you.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make during football trials is to have high expectations and then be disappointed by the reality. This mental letdown can affect your performance. Instead, lower your expectations before you go.
You might be pleasantly surprised by the experience. You might like your room, enjoy the food, and appreciate the training, allowing you to perform better than other players who are disappointed by unmet expectations.
My Personal Experience
My expectations were sky-high when I went for my first overseas football trial. I thought the residency would be amazing, but the reality was much different when I arrived. The room was tiny; I had to share it with three other people, and the facilities were far from what I had imagined.
The shock was so overwhelming that I cried myself to sleep for the first two or three nights. It was a harsh reality check, and it all stemmed from the unrealistic expectations I had built up in my mind.
The key takeaway is to lower your expectations before going overseas for a football trial. This way, the reality of the situation won’t mentally crush you, and you’ll be better prepared to adapt and perform well. Remember, you’re there to impress the club, not vice versa.
If you're serious about transitioning from amateur football to a professional career, it’s time to take action. Contact Elite Football, Australia's #1 Football Agency, below 👇
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