Confidence

No matter if you are playing in the park with your friends, an academy team or pro club's first team, being confident will help you play better. This positive mental attitude (PMA) was used by Fraser Aird to get from the youth team to the first team in super quick time. No matter how good you are, if you don't have confidence or believe in your own ability, you will never truly show people what you can do on the pitch.

Second Chance

A trial for some players gives them an opportunity to get a second chance in the game. It's a fact that every season lots of young players are released by clubs. Trial days offer the chance for these players to be seen by other clubs. Football is all about opinions, one club could want you, the other won't. It doesn't mean you are not a good player. You just might not be the type of player that they need at that certain moment in time. Never give up and always work at improving your game. There will always be a club for you somewhere, at some level.

All Eyes On The Prize

During a trial, a club may invite the coaches from other age groups to watch a player. It allows different people to give an opinion on how that player has done. They will all know what type of player the club is looking for, but will all look at individual things to help the club make an informed decision.

The Beginning!

Being at a pro club as a junior is no guarantee that you will be there when you are older. This works the other way around too. Some players sign for clubs even when they have left senior school. If you are at a club, don't take it for granted, work hard everyday. If you're not at a club, don't think it's over, work hard every day. See, it's the same for both, and do you know why? Clubs are always scouting for good players!

Determination

Hard work and talent earned Fraser Aird the opportunity to become a professional footballer. From first going to the club on trial as a 16-year-old, he progressed on to the Rangers first team.

The Challenge

Dressing rooms at a professional club can be quite a scary place, if you see them that way. Think about it like a first day at school. You didn't really know anyone and not many people spoke to you. That is just what it's like in here. Over time things change, the players you see could turn out to be long-term friends as well as valuable team-mates.

Acceptance...

From being ignored to being adored, Fraser has gone full circle. The young Rangers players were wary of Fraser Aird at first and weren't very friendly. He didn't get upset or let it bother him. He just did what he was there to do and won a contract and the respect of his teammates along the way.

Play Your Game!

Going on trial is hard when you are up against a group of players who are already signed by a club. It can get even harder when there's a game full of trialists all eager to get signed up. In both occasions, always play your own game and concentrate on what you do. Do what you are good at, it will then come down to who works hard and has the determination to succeed.

X Factor

Standing out is one thing that is expected at a trial. A club is not going to sign a player that is no different to what they already have in their squad. So in reality, you could play a fantastic trial game and still not get selected because you could be just the same as a player they already have. Don't be disappointed though, clubs don't easily forget good players and trial games always bring scouts from other clubs who might want to sign you. This is where confidence, attitude and work-rate could make you get noticed. Always try your best!

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