Football Trials at Sussex RTC

What Our Football Trials Are — And Are Not

Our trials ARE:

•Professional, assessment-based sessions

•Aligned to Junior Premier League standards

•Focused on long-term player development

•Led by experienced RTC coaches

•Designed to place players in the right environment for their stage

Our trials are NOT:

• Guaranteed entry events

• Pay-to-play selections

• One-session decisions without context

• Short-term promises of outcomes

environment for their stage

At Sussex RTC, progress is earned, not sold.

What We Assess at a Sussex RTC Trial

Players are observed across multiple performance areas, including:

• Technical ability (ball control, passing, receiving, decision-making)

• Game understanding (positioning, awareness, problem-solving)

• Physical readiness (movement, coordination, athletic potential)

• Mindset & attitude (effort, resilience, response to challenge)

• Coachability (listening, adapting, applying feedback)

Selection decisions are based on overall readiness, not just standout moments.

Trial Outcomes & Next Steps

Following a Sussex RTC trial, players will fall into one of the following outcomes. All decisions are based on overall performance, attitude, and suitability for the pathway - not isolated moments or single actions.

Invitation to Join Sussex RTC

Players who demonstrate the required level of readiness, commitment, and potential may be offered a place within the Sussex RTC programme, subject to squad balance and positional needs.

Extended Trial or Development Placement

Some players show clear potential but may require additional observation or targeted development before a final decision is made.

In these cases, players may be:

•Invited to an extended trial period, or

•Offered a development-focused placement designed to support progression toward future RTC opportunities.

Clear guidance is provided on development areas and next steps.

No Place Offered at This Stage

Where a player is not currently suited to the programme, no place will be offered.

This decision reflects readiness at the time of assessment, not long-term potential. Where appropriate, feedback may be provided to support future development.

Important Note:

Sussex RTC trials are assessments, not guarantees. Progression is earned through consistency, attitude, and long-term development - not short-term performance.

Who Our Trials Are For?

Sussex RTC trials are designed for committed players who are ready to be challenged within a high-performance environment.

Our trials are suitable for players who:

•Are motivated to improve both technically and mentally

•Show strong training habits and coachability

•Are comfortable being challenged alongside similar-level players

•Are seeking progression within the Junior Premier League pathway

Trials are not suited to players looking for guaranteed places or short-term experiences.

Sussex RTC is a long-term development programme with clear standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Sussex RTC trial a guarantee of a place?

No.

Sussex RTC trials are assessments, not guarantees. All decisions are based on overall readiness, attitude, and suitability for the pathway -not isolated moments or short-term performance.

What level does my child need to be?

Players should already be competing confidently within a structured football environment and be ready to be challenged in a high-performance setting. Trials are not designed for beginners or players seeking a short-term or recreational experience

Is there a cost to attend a Sussex RTC trial?

No.

There is no charge to attend a Sussex RTC trial. If a player is offered a place following assessment, programme fees will then apply. Full fee details are shared at the offer stage before any commitment is required.

What do coaches assess during a trial?

Players are assessed across multiple performance areas, including:

• Technical ability

• Game understanding and decision-making

• Physical readiness and movement

• Mindset, attitude, and resilience

• Coachability and response to feedback

Selection is based on overall readiness, not one standout action.

What age groups can attend a Sussex RTC trial?

Trials are open to players within the relevant age groups for the current season, as advertised on the trials page. Players are assessed within their age and developmental stage.

What should my child wear to a trial?

Players should arrive dressed for a high-performance training session. This includes:

• Suitable training kit (club or neutral is fine)

• Moulded boots and astro boots (both must be brought)

• Shin pads

• A named water bottle

Players should arrive prepared to train, compete, and demonstrate good habits.

Where do Sussex RTC trials take place?

Trials are held at one of our official Sussex RTC training centres across Sussex.

The specific venue depends on:

• Time of year

• Age group

• Pitch availability

Full location details are confirmed once a trial invitation is issued.

What happens after the trial?

Following assessment, players will fall into one of the following outcomes:

• Invitation to join Sussex RTC

• Extended trial or development recommendation

• No place offered at this stage

All outcomes are based on overall performance, attitude, and suitability for the pathway. Outcomes are usually sent out within 14 days of the trial date.

Will feedback be provided?

Where appropriate, feedback may be offered — particularly for players recommended for further development or extended observation.

Due to the volume of assessments, individual feedback is not guaranteed for every trialist.

If my child isn’t offered a place, does that mean they’re not good enough?

No.

A “no offer” reflects readiness at the time of assessment, not long-term potential. Players develop at different rates, and future opportunities may arise.

Can players trial again in the future?

In some cases, yes — particularly where development guidance has been provided.

Re-trial opportunities depend on progression, age group needs, and squad balance.

Are Sussex RTC trials suitable for players looking for guaranteed places?

No.

Sussex RTC is a long-term development programme with clear standards. Trials are best suited to players and families who value a process-led pathway, not guarantees.

Key Reminder:

Sussex RTC trials are assessments, not promises.

Progression is earned through commitment, consistency, and long-term development.

BOYS FOOTBALL TRIALS

u11 to u16

Assessment- based entry. Places are limited

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’ve read the information above and feel this environment aligns with your child’s current stage of development, you’re ready to proceed.

Register for a Sussex RTC Player Assessment on the links below:

girls FOOTBALL TRIALS

u11 to u18

Assessment- based entry. Places are limited

Pathway to Success

Just some of our players that have achieved successes from following our program

Izzy Childs

Tate Willis

Avery Tolly

Olivia started her journey with the RTC in 2022. She has now secured a place at Fulham Ladies playing up 2 years in the U18's squad where she continues with her dedication and hard work to progress her football pathway.

Izzy started her journey with the RTC in 2021. She secured a place at Charlton Academy & is now off to the USA to study and play football from 2025

Tate started her journey with the RTC in 2021.She was selected to play for the Women's National Team in the WAFF World Cup, where she also made history, where at the age of 17 she is the youngest ever player to have been a Captain for England. Tate will be studying and playing in the USA from 2025.

Avery started her journey with the RTC in 2021. She followed the program for just two years before she had offers from Tottenham FC and secured a place at the Chelsea FC Academy where she continues her journey.

Olivia Taylor