If you’re nervous about your upcoming soccer trial, it’s ok – that is perfectly natural. If anything, it’s a good sign. It shows that you care and that it’s important to you. However, this doesn’t change the fact that you’re probably feeling a lot of pressure. It’s probably fair to assume that is the reason you started reading this article in the first place.
So what can you do to ensure you impress at your upcoming soccer trial? Let’s find out!
1. Prepare
The best way to combat nerves is to prepare. That way, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve done everything you can. Try to anticipate any drills, or benchmarks that may be set, and practice as best you can to meet them. If there are fitness requirements you need to meet, make sure you’re prepared for them. You may not know exactly what you’re facing, but it will be less daunting if you’re prepared. Some say that luck is where preparation and opportunity meet.
2. Pack your Kit
It’s important to have everything that you need. If it helps, pack everything the night before so you can wake up the following day knowing that everything is ready. We recommend bringing two pairs of boots with different studs (you never know what surface you’ll be training/playing on) as well as socks, shin guards, shoes for the shower, a towel and toiletries. Plus, plenty of water.
3. Play as part of a Team
Whilst this may be your time to shine and shine you should, you need to remember that football is a team game. If you can’t play as part of a team, and you act selfishly on the pitch, this will leave a sour taste in any scouts mouth. We are by no means saying that you should be going out of your way to give others a leg up, just try to strike a good balance.
4. Leave Everything on the Field
Take every opportunity you can get and give it your all. If you don’t you’ll regret it and that will only mess with your head in the long run – the ‘what if?’ game is one that none of us can win. So, give it your best as it’s the best way for you to advertise yourself to the selectors/scouts. Attitude is much harder to couch than any skill.
5. Stay Positive
It goes without saying, but even with all the preparation in the world, sometimes things don’t go our way. However, this does not mean that you should give up. If you don’t get the result, you’re after from this trial, that’s ok. Learn what you can and use it to be better at your next trial. Don’t be afraid of failure – it’s how we learn. Staying positive will help keep you motivated too!
