Nearly 200 try their luck at U's trials.
Colchester United Development Centre's Open Trials proved to be a massive success this week.
The Development Centre, which runs in partnership with the U's Academy at Florence Park and is an invitation-only player’s development programme for boys from U7s to U16s age groups.
Over 175 players of all ages turned up for the trials at the Shrub End Community Sports Centre on Wednesday, hoping to impress the watching coaches.
Those that did well will receive invites to select trials later this year and Community Sports Participation Coach Adam Hampson said: "The open trials night was a huge success many players attending the night from age groups from U7s right through to U16s.
"The Football in the Community staff put the players through their paces in Development Centre style sessions and all players were then given the chance to express themselves in game situations.
"It’s great that local players in the community are given the opportunity to access quality coaching from the football club and we will now be ensuring that each player that attended the event is given the correct pathway moving forwards.
"In recent weeks, both Marley Andrews and Sammie Szmodics have been involved in the first team squad for the recent pre-season friendlies.
"Both boys have come through the Development Centre programme, and of the current Colchester United Academy registered players, 42% have come through the Development Centre, a trend that we are looking to improve and produce more quality local players moving forwards."
The Development Centre, which runs in partnership with the U's Academy at Florence Park and is an invitation-only player’s development programme for boys from U7s to U16s age groups.
Over 175 players of all ages turned up for the trials at the Shrub End Community Sports Centre on Wednesday, hoping to impress the watching coaches.
Those that did well will receive invites to select trials later this year and Community Sports Participation Coach Adam Hampson said: "The open trials night was a huge success many players attending the night from age groups from U7s right through to U16s.
"The Football in the Community staff put the players through their paces in Development Centre style sessions and all players were then given the chance to express themselves in game situations.
"It’s great that local players in the community are given the opportunity to access quality coaching from the football club and we will now be ensuring that each player that attended the event is given the correct pathway moving forwards.
"In recent weeks, both Marley Andrews and Sammie Szmodics have been involved in the first team squad for the recent pre-season friendlies.
"Both boys have come through the Development Centre programme, and of the current Colchester United Academy registered players, 42% have come through the Development Centre, a trend that we are looking to improve and produce more quality local players moving forwards."