Compare what each session is for
In grassroots football, a trial may simply mean a coach wants to see whether a player suits the team, age group and level. It should not be treated as a promise of selection.
These are starting points, not fixed rules. Ask which applies and whether attendance needs confirmation.
- Trial: the coach may assess whether a player suits a team, age group or level.
- Open training or a taster: you may meet the group and try the coaching, but assessment can still be part of the session.
- Regular team training: it may be intended for current players rather than visitors. Do not assume you can turn up.
Ask how assessment and feedback work
For an assessment, ask whether places exist, who decides and whether another visit is needed. The player can judge the team as well as the coach judging the player.
Ask who will give feedback and when to follow up. An invitation to attend is not an offer of membership or confirmation that the player can take part in matches.
Check costs before you commit
Clarify what the fee covers, whether kit or travel is included, and any future commitment before paying.
Ask for the session charge, what it includes and any cancellation or refund terms. If you are invited back, check the separate membership, training and match costs before agreeing to an ongoing commitment.
- What kit and footwear are needed, and is there anything you can borrow before buying?
- Will travel or venue arrangements add to the cost?
- Does payment cover only this session? A fee does not guarantee a team place.
Confirm the arrangements before attending
Check suitability and expected attendance before arriving. Use the agreed contact route; keep a child's identifying details out of public notices.
For children, the NSPCC recommends checking who the safeguarding lead is, seeing the safeguarding policy and understanding expected behaviour. England Football's parent and carer safeguarding resource offers further guidance for football settings in England.
- Is this suitable for the player's age, experience and current level?
- Who is leading it, where and when should we arrive, and has attendance been confirmed?
- What should we bring, and can we discuss any access or support needs beforehand?
- For a child, who is the welfare contact, can a parent stay, and how will arrival and collection work?
Decide what to do after the session
After attending, consider the child's or player's wishes and ask for next steps without treating attendance or payment as an accepted place.
Ask the organiser to confirm any invitation back, the next contact and anything still to be agreed. If there is no suitable place, ask whether another session or group might fit; a different option may be more useful than repeatedly attending without a clear purpose.
Use Ballrz to describe your team search
The options below let an eligible player aged 16+ create a team-search listing or a parent look for a team for their child. They describe what you are looking for; they do not book a trial or confirm a vacancy.
On Ballrz, a parent or guardian must handle enquiries from the Football directory or a Players wanted notice for every player under 18, including those aged 16 or 17. Eligible players aged 16 or 17 can still use their Player account, team-search listing and supported opportunity messaging.
This directory-enquiry restriction is Ballrz policy, separate from football rules. Directory browsing is free; contacting an organisation through Ballrz requires a free account. Confirm availability and separate session or membership fees with the organisation.