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Arriving at a new club’s training ground for the first time is different every time, but it’s starting to feeling like a routine exercise for me. Walking into the dressing room, everyone goes dead silent for a few seconds, looking to see who’s entered the room as I try to find an empty space to sit and get changed. It feels like being a kid on the first day at a new school. Most players usually ignore the “new guy”, while a few occasionally come over to welcome me and introduce themselves, “You’re from Canada and you play football? Shouldn’t you be a hockey player, eh?” I’ve heard all the jokes, and believe me it got old a long time ago. But I simply smile because I’ve accepted this is the way it is for a Canadian player in Europe. Players in Europe don’t usually perceive Canadians to be good footballers, so I know its up to me to prove them wrong once I get on the pitch.
Once you get on the field during a trial, it’s all about standing out. Every team has a different style of training and a different way of doing things. These things should take a while to get used to, but at the professional level, you don’t have time to adjust and think about things. You’re essentially thrown straight into the deep end, to see if you can handle things and you have to show that you can.
The first day is key, as you want to make a good first impression on the coaching staff and the other players. Being on trial is all about making a difference and showing that you belong. As a Canadian player, I’ve learned that competing well is not usually enough to get a spot on the team. You have to prove that you’re better than what the club already has and show the club that you can improve their squad. In almost every situation where you’re considered equal to a local player, the local player will always be chosen ahead of you.
Sometimes even if you do everything you can on the pitch and feel confident that you’ve done enough to earn a contract, things don’t always work out. Unfortunately sometimes other factors can come into play that have nothing to do with your ability, causing things to not work out. You have to fit into the club’s individual playing system and you also need to have some luck. Sometimes the club quite simply might not be looking for more players in your position.
Going into the trial, you have to be sure of your ability and prove you can stand up to the test; by showing you’re good enough every chance you get. Having said that, don’t try and do things that you wouldn’t normally do. Keep it simple and let your ability shine through. It’s important to remember if you weren’t a good player you probably wouldn’t be there. Self-belief is key to success during these high-pressure situations. Walking off the field after putting in your best effort, allows you to look back on things and know that you gave it your all. It’s important to remember that your own performance is all you can control.
My advice to young Canadian players trying to obtain trials in Europe is that it’s not an easy path. Trying to get trials with professional clubs is difficult, as most clubs are not looking for young players from outside their country. Luckily for me I have a British passport, but I’ve spoken to some clubs in the past that have told me they would never even consider looking at a young player that doesn’t have an EU passport.
Not many players have the opportunity to be scouted by European clubs in Canada, so if you’re serious about getting trials in Europe, think of ways to make yourself stand out from the rest. Professional clubs usually get hundreds of trial requests from players around the world on a regular basis. Begin by making a highlight DVD or YouTube video, put all of your accomplishments into a football CV/soccer resume, ask your coaches for letters of reference; these are all great ways to start.
Once you have all of these things in place, start contacting the clubs. It’s a long process, which may take a lot of time, but it will all be worth it in the end. If you don’t get responses right away, don’t get frustrated, you just have to keep trying. If you’re successful in obtaining a trial with professional club, be sure to do your research. Make sure you understand what exactly the club is offering you. Chances are good that if you approach the club for a trial, you shouldn’t expect much or anything in return, other than the opportunity to prove yourself in training. Unless the club has scouted you on their own terms and invited you for a trial, expect to pay your own trip expenses and for your accommodation. Of course if the team is truly interested in you, you can always try and negotiate for these things to be arranged. As a foreign player, you’re always going to cause more work for the club and this is one of many reasons clubs often stick to local talent.
From my experiences the trial process is more or less the same from country to country. At the end of the day, your final goal is still the same: to make the team. Dealing with a language barrier can certainly add some complexity to the situation. Of course you want to focus mainly on your job on the field, but when the players and coaches around you are speaking in a language that you've never heard before; it certainly makes things more difficult.
You're always going to be an outsider in the group, that's trying to prove you can come in and make a difference on the team. Sometimes it’s difficult to be accepted by certain players in the club and you can’t take this personally. Many players come in and out clubs on trial throughout the season, with very few making the grade. You also have to remember that you’re not only trying to earn a spot, but you’re also potentially taking another players job if you make the team. Because of this, it’s somewhat understandable that certain players won’t welcome you with open arms. The length of your trial can totally vary from club to club. It can be anywhere from a day-to-day trial, to a 6 week trial. Every situation is unique, so as you can see there is no set way for a trial to go.
As a Canadian player trying to make it in Europe, the odds are against you from the start. The trial period is very difficult, but the reality is this is just the start of your journey. If you find yourself struggling in these situations, you may want to rethink things, because playing in Europe is like being on trial every day. Very few make the trek overseas, and out of those that do, even fewer manage to stick it out and sign for clubs. Once you get overseas, it’s important to give it everything you can and continue believing in your ability. It’s difficult to find the opportunities on the field, so once you do get an opportunity you have to grab it with both hands.
Even if things don’t work out with the first clubs you try, it’s important not to get discouraged and to keep battling to find a way to reach your goal. I’ve met many Canadian players that were potentially good enough to play in Europe, but were too impatient and gave up far too easily; taking the easy route and heading home before even really starting. Many players expect instant success, with big clubs and lots of money.
The reality is that just isn’t going to happen, so thinking in that way is a big mistake. You can’t just walk over here, thinking you’ll make it big from the start. Sometimes you have to find a place to play at a lower level and prove yourself there. You quite literally have to work your way up the ladder in order to reach the top. If you’re good enough, you will be seen regardless of the level you’re playing at. Prepare yourself to be pushed to your limits physically and mentally. On top of the challenges on the field, you have just as many, if not more off of it, with cultural differences, homesickness and new languages to name a few. Trying to make it in Europe is not an easy path and one that should only be followed by those that believe in their ability 100%. You have to be willing to make many sacrifices along the way.
Even once you’ve found your way onto a new club’s roster the hard work is just beginning. The next step is working to establish yourself everyday, to break your way into your club’s line-up and stay there. Don’t be discouraged by the challenges that I have written about in this column, I just want you to be aware of what you realistically will have to face if you decide to give it a try in Europe at some point. If you do manage to make it in Europe, you will achieve something special that very few young Canadian players have done. All the hard work and sacrifice will be worth it. Practice as much as you possibly can. Find out what your weaknesses are and improve them. Become a student of the game and do everything you can to be the best player you can be. Keep working hard at your game and believing in yourself. If you do these things, I know good things will come for you.
As I continue my search for a new club at the moment, I’m going through all of these challenges on a daily basis. It’s a tough time, but it’s something that all players have to go through at some point in their career. Even though it can be hard, I love the challenge and I’m so proud that I’m getting the chance to be living my dream everyday. I’ve been in playing in Europe for almost four years now, and I hope that I can continue playing at a high level for a long time. I hope to sign for a new club as soon as possible and I will continue working hard until that day comes.
Robbie Tice can be found writing about his career, life home and abroad at Robbie Tice - Canadian Footballer, and can be followed on Twitter at @robbietice90.
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