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GeneralU14Trials & Recruitment

Two clubs have approached the same player in the middle of the season

Asked by SevenSideSam2
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An U14 in our team has been contacted by two stronger local clubs within a few weeks. The family are flattered but also overwhelmed and the player's current form has dipped because every game now feels like an audition. How would you help them slow the decision down without shutting off opportunities?

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UEFA B Coach

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I would slow the whole thing down. Two approaches in a few weeks can make every match feel like evidence, particularly for an U14. Remind the player that the clubs have already seen enough to be interested; they do not have to prove their value again with every touch. Then gather information rather than excitement: training schedule, travel, likely squad size, how the club develops players in that age group, what opportunity actually exists, and how each environment fits school and family life. I would set a point when the family will review the options so the decision is not being remade after every game. The useful information for the observer is normal behaviour over time. A player performing under self-created trial pressure often gives everyone a less accurate picture, not a better one.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

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B

BournemouthHarry

Community Member

I’d tell him to stop treating every match like a trial immediately. Two clubs have already approached him. He doesn’t need to audition again every Saturday.
E

EssexMegan

Community Member

We said exactly this to ours. Once we picked a date to sit down and compare the options, he stopped asking after every game whether we thought one club would still want him.