Chesterfield FC Junior & Youth Academy are holding junior trials on Saturday for boys looking to gain a place with the young Spireites.
Justin Tellus, the academy’s head of recruitment and development, said: “The academy junior trials are for lads from under-7s through to under-15s. In the region of 350 to 400 lads will be at the trials. It gives us the opportunity to open our doors to local talent to come in.
“The trial will extensively give a chance to every lad that thinks they have got a possibility of going further in football.
“We do scout and look players from other teams to come in – they are already banked in for next season.
“This, however, is a great opportunity to give an open door to anyone that wants to progress their football.
“We had the girls’ trial last week, which was hugely successful. Over 150 girls turned up for our girls’ trial and there will be a second one coming up.”
The trials allow for those that might not get a place in the academy to instead join the ETC (Elite Talent Centre).
This will allow the players to train within the Chesterfield academy system, whilst also improving at their current clubs.
“Those that maybe don’t get into the trial, we do have an ETC and a lot of lads will be offered a place there,” Tellus said.
“They can work on a weekly basis whilst also continuing with their grassroots club and hopefully improve.
“In the future, hopefully we can revisit a trial with the academy. It’s a great opportunity for local talent to come in and really pursue their career with Chesterfield Football Club.”
The trials will take place on Saturday from 9am until 6pm at The Arc Leisure Centre in Clowne.
Tellus said: “We’ve got a great relationship with The Arc as we train up there. The trials will be on the 3G pitch. It’s a really good venue for our youngsters.
“We have a two-stage trial where if they are successful, they will be invited on Tuesday, June 20, to a second trial.
“This will have our current players involved as well and the selection process will go from there.”
If you are interested in attending the trial, please email academy@spireitestrust.org.uk. Spaces are very limited so don’t delay.
