In short
- A trial is a chance to be seen, not a promise of a contract. Be wary of anyone who guarantees you one.
- Coaches watch how you make decisions and play for the team, not just what you do on the ball.
- Preparation starts weeks before: fitness, technique with both feet, rest and a good video.
- On the day, do the simple things well, communicate and respond well to mistakes.
01What a trial is, and what it isn't
In a trial, one or more coaches watch you train or play over one or more sessions to assess your level. It can be with a club, with an academy or as part of a programme like the Player Test.
What it isn't: a guaranteed contract. If you're under 18 and coming from another country, also bear in mind that FIFA restricts international transfers of minors and only allows them in specific cases. So if someone promises you a contract in Spain in exchange for paying for a trial, be wary.
Done properly, a trial gives you something very valuable: an honest picture of your level and what you need to improve.
02What coaches look for
Spanish coaches look at much more than goals or dribbles:
- Technique under pressure
- Controlling, passing and running with the ball with an opponent close by, using both feet.
- Decision-making
- Looking up before receiving, choosing the most effective option for the team and doing it quickly.
- Understanding the game
- Taking up good positions, offering passing lanes, defending when the team loses the ball.
- Physical
- Speed, agility, changes of direction and the ability to keep up the pace for the whole session.
- Attitude
- Communication with teammates, effort off the ball and, above all, how you react after a mistake.
03How to prepare in the weeks before
- Get fit in good time. Four to six weeks before, work on endurance, speed and changes of direction. Arriving tired or out of rhythm shows in the first few minutes.
- Train your weaker foot. Passing, control and dribbling with both feet: it's one of the first things coaches notice.
- Play matches. Nothing prepares you better for quick decisions than competing.
- Prepare your football CV and a video. Clubs and seasons, age group, position, stronger foot, tournaments. A short video of your best actions and, if you have one, a full match.
- Rest in the week of the trial. Sleep well, eat well, drink water and don't break in new boots.
04On the day
- Arrive early. Give yourself time to change, meet your teammates and warm up properly.
- Do the simple things well. A good pass is worth more than one dribble too many. Coaches value effectiveness.
- Play for the team. Make yourself available, ask for the ball, help in defence and press when possession is lost.
- Communicate. Talk to your teammates, even with just a few words (they're listed below).
- Handle mistakes. Everyone makes them. What coaches watch is whether you ask for the ball again on the next play.
What you'll hear on a Spanish pitch
If you don't speak Spanish, learning these calls will help you understand your teammates from the first minute:
- ¡Hombre!
- “Man on”: an opponent is close or behind you, so shield the ball or play it quickly.
- ¡Solo! / ¡Tiempo!
- “Time”: no pressure, so take a calm touch.
- ¡Gira!
- “Turn”: you have space to turn.
- ¡Vuelve!
- “Get back”: return to your position to defend.
- ¡Cambia!
- “Switch”: switch play to the other side of the pitch.
- ¡Mía! / ¡Tuya!
- “Mine” / “Yours”: who goes for the ball.
- ¡Arriba!
- “Step up”: push the defensive line up.
05After the trial
Ask for feedback: what you did well and what you need to improve. That information is worth more than the result. A “no” at a trial doesn't define a player; what makes the difference is what you do with the feedback.
06Trial-day checklist
07Frequently asked questions
Does a trial guarantee a contract?
No. A trial is a chance to be seen and to find out your level. Be wary of anyone who promises you a contract in exchange for payment.
Can I do trials in Spain if I'm under 18 and from another country?
You can train and be assessed, but FIFA restricts international transfers of players under 18 and only allows them in specific cases. So at those ages, the most useful thing is to find out your real level and keep developing, which is what the Player Test offers.
What video should I send?
A short video, just a few minutes long, with your best actions and, if you have one, a full match. Say what number you wear and your position. On our contact form you can add your football CV and up to three video links.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
It isn't essential: at Global Football Total we speak English and Spanish. Even so, learning the basic calls used on the pitch will help you fit in from day one.
