Our Trial Days give goalkeepers a unique opportunity to showcase their talent in front of scouts and recruitment staff from professional football clubs — creating genuine pathways into academy and professional football.
We originally launched these events because we knew we had talented goalkeepers within our weekly sessions and residential camps who deserved greater exposure and opportunities. Goalkeepers like Xander, who represented Portsmouth and England before signing professionally with Wolves, are proof of what can happen when talent is seen in the right environment.
We understand how difficult it can be for goalkeepers to get noticed. Opportunities are limited, competition is high, and many talented keepers simply aren’t being seen. That’s why we created our Trial Days — to bridge that gap and provide goalkeepers with a platform to perform in front of professional clubs.
Since opening these events to all goalkeepers, we’ve built strong relationships with clubs across the country and have helped numerous keepers progress into academy and professional football.
Goalkeepers identified through our sessions and Trial Days have gone on to sign for clubs including:
Brighton Reading Portsmouth Barnsley Bristol City Oxford United Nottingham Forest Leicester City Chelsea Fulham Bournemouth Leyton Orient Notts County Hull City Woking Academy Eastleigh
More recently, goalkeepers from the Sells Pro Training pathway have also signed professional contracts with:
• Sunderland
• Wolves
• Coventry City
We’re also incredibly proud to have had goalkeepers progress into international setups, with players earning recognition and call-ups for:
• England
• Wales
• Ireland
Our success stories go beyond academy football too. One Under-16 goalkeeper, despite never previously being signed by a professional club, earned a scholarship with Colchester United after attending one of our Trial Days. Chelsea Women also identified and signed a goalkeeper through our programme.
These stories are exactly why we do what we do.
At Sells Pro Training, we are passionate about helping goalkeepers maximise their potential by providing elite coaching, professional exposure, and real opportunities within the game.
Because sometimes all a talented goalkeeper needs is the right opportunity.
Click the button to register your interest for the event.
“My son is currently an u11 goalkeeper. He attended the Sells training day and thoroughly enjoyed it. He has not stopped talking about how much he enjoyed it.
The event was well organised in a fabulous venue, and all the coaches and team involved were excellent with the kids. He worked hard but enjoyed the challenge and was able to showcase his abilities, resulting in a scout giving him wonderful feedback and has since made recommendations to a Premier League club in the region where we live. My son felt confident and comfortable at the event and loved how engaging the coaches were with him.
This is a great idea for top training from top professionals in Goalkeeping with an opportunity for their abilities to be recognised nationwide. We live quite far away from the event, but my son wanted to attend it despite the distance, and he hasn’t lost out on living so far away, getting his skills recognised and shared with other professional clubs. We would definitely return again!”
“Having attended Sells residential camps and sessions, I have been very impressed with the level of quality coaching the young goalkeepers receive and the environment which supports learning and enjoyment.
“The content of the sessions not only challenges the goalkeepers but also replicates the demands of the modern game.
“The care and support provided for each young goalkeeper, on both a personal and goalkeeping level, was second to none.”
“Kids smiling and having fun is always the first thing I think of after attending Sells events.
“The facilities sourced are absolutely top class, and the content and learning that goes on in my opinion is excellent.
“The environment they create together, with the care and effort they all put into every child, is admirable, and I always look forward to attending their events.”
“I just wanted to say a big thank you for having me last night.
“It was great to see so many goalkeepers and chat to all the staff, and it really looked a fantastic operation.
“To see so many goalkeepers flying around as they were shows what a great job you guys are doing!”
Is it worth attending the trail day if I live far away?
Yes, for several reasons. We have contacts with professional clubs from across the country, so if your child stands out, we can recommend you to clubs near you.
Is it open for girls?
Yes, it’s open to boys and girls.
What if I’m unsure if my son or daughter is quite ready?
We use fantastic facilities and top coaches so everyone will learn and have a great experience whether they get spotted or not. During the day, your child will receive feedback and be given things to work on, which can only help with their development. Clubs are not looking for the finished article, just potential.
What are the professional clubs looking for?
Clubs are not looking for the finished article; they are looking at potential and somebody they can develop. We put on drills that allow your child to showcase their talent. Also, clubs will sometimes track kids, so even though they might not be quite ready now, they will note their names down, and if they see them on another trial day and they’ve shown progress, they will be given a chance.
How many clubs attend?
We invite several clubs within an hour of the venue. We have close relationships with many Premier League and Football League goalkeeper departments, and they send their scouts to our events. Sometimes even when a club was not able to attend they will contact us after the event about any goalkeepers that we would recommend.
What ages is it for?
We take from Under 8’s through to Under 18’s.
What happens if my child gets spotted?
The clubs will contact us first, and then we will speak to you and let you know. If you permit us, we will forward your details to the club. The clubs may contact you immediately, or it can take four months before you get invited into the club. We’ve had goalkeepers that have gone on our trial day and a week later played in a trial match for a Championship’s Clubs under 16’s a week later. Sometimes, the club will ask for your child’s details to track your child’s progress.
How Many goalkeepers signed for professional clubs last season after attending our trial days?
Three goalkeepers have been signed by Brighton, two each by Hull City and Reading, and one each by Portsmouth, Barnsley, Bristol City and Oxford United after being spotted at our trial days. The most recent one, Nottingham Forest, signed Charlie in October after getting spotted on our trial day. Three have been called up to the England setup since signing. An under 16’s goalkeeper, despite never being signed by a professional club, secured a scholarship at Colchester United, and Chelsea Ladies signed a girl after being identified at our trial days. These success stories are a testament to the opportunities we provide, even for those who might have thought their chance had gone.
Click the button to register your interest for the event.
