David Ginola, Steve Clarke, Alex McLeish, and Ray Parlour are to lead the search for the UK’s most talented amateur footballers before taking the best 32 players to Wembley as part of Budweiser Open Trials.
The search, run by FA Cup sponsor Budweiser in association with BT Sport, will comprise of six regional trials from which 126 trialists will be selected for a final assessment at St. George’s Park.
“There is no doubt that many talented players slip through the net despite the vast scouting networks some of the clubs have”
Steve Clarke
The trials will culminate in a showpiece match at the home of football, Wembley Stadium, to be watched by scouts of professional football clubs.
Clarke, McLeish, Ginola and Parlour will be present at St. George’s Park to select the best players and will then manage and coach the two teams that make it through to the Wembley match.
Clarke and McLeish have both experienced success at Wembley, with the former winning The FA Cup as a player and a coach and the latter winning the 2011 League Cup Final as manager of Birmingham City.
Both have extensive managerial experience with some of the UK’s biggest clubs including Glasgow Rangers, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion.
Ginola and Parlour will act as assistants to the experienced management duo.
Their role will be to identify which hopefuls are ready for their second chance of glory, and who possesses the technical and mental attributes required for the modern game.
This will include hands-on guidance during the trials, and individual mentoring as the final 32 prepare for the biggest match of their lives at Wembley.
Ginola said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing what talent is out there and helping to mentor them through the Budweiser Open Trials in association with BT Sport.
“I was lucky enough to play at the old Wembley and it’s a truly magical experience for all footballers.”
Clarke added: “There is no doubt that many talented players slip through the net despite the vast scouting networks some of the clubs have.
“Budweiser Open Trials could be the break some of these lads need to make a career for themselves in the game. The trialists’ dedication won’t be in question, but it is my job to mould them tactically and technically to give them the best chance of success.”
To follow the progress of the trials and for more information on The FA Cup with Budweiser visit http://www.youtube.com/budweiserUk/ and www.facebook.com/budweiseruk
