The other thing I've found fascinating at some of these trials over the past few weeks has been the 'type' of player these coaches are looking for.

Pretty much kids are run through a few basic dribbling skills then told to do things like 'Ronaldo chops' (or some shit like that). Then they are divided into small sided groups and have games. As the games go on kids are pulled into the main game (where the 'proper' coaches are watching).

Problem is ALL the kids are the same type scrapping around kicking crap out of each other.

It was seriously like the old 'stick a boot in bleed for the shirt' type stuff.

This stood out as there are two kids from our juniors (in seperate teams) who are pretty lethal finishers.like seriously beautiful on the ball but we trained them all year on getting into space to receive the ball etc.

Coaches didn't give them a second look because they weren't 'involved' enough.

Mind you in the 90 min trial they did exactly 'zero' shooting drills. I would have thought those skills were important but what do I know.

So then we've got parents into us as we spent all season mentoring them about playing football yet they really should have been kicking crap out of everyone.

i give up already.