FAQ's

Ehmm... so where are you and what are you doing?

For a good part of the past 5 months I have been traveling throughout Europe (mainly Germany) going on trials with various teams.

OK, so you are trialing in Germany. What does that even mean?

To trial with a club means to try-out or test yourself against the club's current players. The hope is, assuming all the conditions are just right, that the trialist will sign a contract with the team. It can be looked at as sort of a match-making process, not unlike courting a woman. In other words, a test player will travel around looking for a team that's looking for him.

What are the conditions that have to be 'just right'?

Well, quite a few: Is the team looking to add players?; Is it the right time to bring in a trialist (it affects the team psyche)?; Are the player's credentials strong enough? (If an "unknown" player is signed and doesn't produce then someone's job is on the line); What language does the player speak (can he understand the coach and his teammates)?; If the player is a non-EU player (he will cost money or be a hassle) is he better than the native talent?; If he is a foreigner will he get homesick? (It's been said that you have to sign 3 Brazilians just so you can make the one you want to play well); ...

How long does a trial last?

Depends...
if it's a youth player (< 19), the player is given time to settle in: 4 weeks - 2 months;
If a player is given a legitimate shot, but must prove himself: 3-4 weeks;
If the players has a well know name: 1-2 days;
If a favor is being called in: 1-2 days + more, if the player does well.

What happens on a trial?

The test player comes in for training about an hour before the start. He goes to the trainer's office, has a brief talk with the trainer, then is shown to the changing room. We he enters, he shakes everyone's hand in the room (this is important). If the team has money, then a kit (clothing) will be provided. If not, then he is left to fend for himself. The test player joins the players in training just like any other player. Sometimes he is taken aside at first to test his basic technique - passing, trapping, shooting, volleying, etc. At the end of training, the coaches give the player their assessment.

What are the guys like?

No one gives a fart about a test player until he plays well and demonstrate value on the field. I always know that I've had a good day when my teammates attempt speaking English with me.

Traveling can get expensive, how do you handle expenses?

That's just it, traveling is expensive, period. The cheapest way to travel is by carpooling (I have saved a few hundred euros using a ride share website). Also, a player can seek out trials in places where he has friends to stay with. Food is not expensive as long as the player gets groceries and tries his hand at cooking.

How are trials set up?

If the player does not have agent, he can send out his CV and highlight video (I did this for every A-League team in the States) or contact the coaching staff of a club anyway possible (phone, post, email, Facebook, or through a player who he knows on the team). Really, the best way is the old fashioned way: show up on the club's doorstep with boots in hand and ask for a trial (or at least to train with the team for the day).
If a player has an agent, then it is up to the agent to use his contacts find opportunities for the player.

And what does an agent do exactly?

An agent, or at least accredited ones, are licensed by FIFA. He and the player have a contract that usually says something like the agent gets %10 of the player's income (the agent is paid only when the player is paid). But as far as I understand an agent is the spokesman for player. The player is the product and his agent is the salesman. He will find opportunities for his player, negotiate contracts, and find brand sponsors.

That's all I got for now, any more questions?