BUDDING Bales and future Fishlocks have the chance to catch the eye in front of scouts at an event in Newport at the end of the month.

Potential Pro Trials will be at Newport International Sports Village on Saturday, September 28 between 9am and 1pm.

The aim is to provide players from under-6 to under-16s the chance to perform and learn in front of scouts.

Potential Pro Trials is the brainchild of Sam Bennett, a scout with experience working for category one academies, who has linked up with Kieran Suller of Newport to put on the event.

"In our discussions over the years I have indicated that in Wales the facilities are very limited to support the youth of being able to have the opportunity of being signed by professional football clubs," said Suller.

"During my period of coaching, I had found there is a selection of children that come to football for the enjoyment, wanting to make new friends and to help relieve any issues. 

"I have identified that people want to just play football but also people who want to further dedicate their footballing ability to succeed at a higher standard."

Suller looked at venues in the area that wouldn't clash with grassroots football, while also getting in contact with local clubs.

"It provides the fantastic opportunity to be scouted by professional clubs,” said Bennett, who has worked for Leicester and Aston Villa.

“By providing the best environment for players to show their talent and ability, Potential Pro ensures the chance of players getting scouted is at its highest.

“The sessions are coached by UEFA qualified coaches who have either played professionally themselves or worked in academy football.

“The coaches will put on engaging academy level sessions that focus on what professional scouts look for. Each session will finish with a match allowing the players to showcase their ability in a game setting.

“Having scouted at trial events previously, I felt these evets didn't have the players’ best interests at hearts and were often too overcrowded. At our trials we limit numbers and allow players the space to showcase their ability.”

Players are separated into age groups with designated coaches for the trial with parents able to watch on.

There are technical and tactical sessions with an emphasis on drills to showcase what scouts look for before an age-appropriate match.

There is also the opportunity to buy a personalised professional scout report.

Go to potentialprotrials.com/events/wales for more information about the trial, which costs £39 to participate in.