Promising footballers from across the borough descended on a Hatfield school to pursue their sporting dreams.
The budding Ronaldos and Messis were all hoping to get into Onslow St Audrey’s Football Academy, where they could work with Stevenage FC.
If accepted, the 16 to 18-year-olds can hone their soccer skills while continuing in education at the Hatfield institution.
Academy manager Gary Bailey said he had “some difficult decisions ahead” to whittle down the 40 youngsters, to the 24 available places.
“Every one of the players who came to the trials are extremely talented and are capable of developing football careers with the right input,” said the former Pcso.
“It’s a huge responsibility to choose the best of the best, but we have this amazing opportunity of feeding talent to Stevenage FC and I have to consider that responsibility too.”
He was joined at the trials by Ray Antcliff from Boro and Dave Williams, from Premier Skills.
Mr Bailey added: “The recruits will have to be all-round performers and that includes behaviour, attitude and academic effort.
“Only five players have a definite offer so far and those offers are dependent on GCSE grades.
“That’s the standard these days and I want these pupils to achieve.”
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