Football trials in Asia are easier to obtain than you think; and a professional contract could be waiting for you in the Far East. Football clubs across the continent need high-quality foreign football players to add to their teams. Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand are countries that love their football. Yet, they are also countries that need more highly skilled players.

Football trials in Asia are provided through the Asian Football Showcase, which partners with Premier Football UK to bring 44 young players to Bangkok for a trial three times a year. On July 17, the summer edition of the Asian Football Showcase will kickoff, and a group of young players will be trialling in front of scouts, coaches and sporting directors from clubs in the Far East. There is another trial taking place in November.

Guil Satana was successful with his AFS trial as he was offered a contract with Thailand’s Buriram United. Getting your foot in the door with a professional club is just part of the battle. Once you are in, the sky is the limit on the career players can have. Iker Montensis was another trialist that was successful in signing a professional contract. He received a deal with Ratchaburi Mitr Phol. Both players had experiences they will never forget playing with their respective clubs, and it is all because they took the opportunity to join the AFS trial.

Some young football players will ask: why should I go to Asia to play football? Well, the fact is, depending on where you live, it may be difficult to get noticed by a professional club. In addition, there may be other players just like you already at the club.

In Asia, there are a number of clubs all hungry for fresh talent. Joining football trials in Asia like AFS, offers you the chance to be seen by different eyes. The closed doors you found back home could be wide open for you in East Asia. You won’t know unless you try, but there are clubs available; you just have to go for it.