International Player Trial Program

Overview

The PFA was formed primarily as an agency for American players seeking professional trials in Europe.

Sought after Commodity

The recent success of American Soccer has opened the eyes of the football powers around the world. The quarterfinal appearance in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the recent top five world ranking, and the numerous players making a career overseas shows the strides Americans have made in the past few years. Foreign clubs, especially European sides, understand the quality American players possess on the field and their strong willed mentality. Also, American players are becoming more of a sought after commodity due to the majority not having a high transfer fee (i.e., college graduates).

Limited Options in the U.S.

On the other side, the opportunities for American players at the professional level inside the U.S. are limited. At present, there are ten (10) MLS teams with a small number of foreign players on each club. The A-League, United States 2nd Division, is only comprised of twelve (12) clubs and is a financially unstable place to build a long career. In essence, there are a limited number of opportunities in the United States for quality players to flourish their careers.

Selection Process

As a result of its position, the PFA receives resumes, videos, and recommendations from countless players and coaches throughout North America. Obviously, only a select few will be identified as potential clients and provided a trial with a European professional team.

Selections will be based on, but not limited to:

Personal evaluations of the player in matches/training
Video of the player
Recommendations by coaches, other players, and PFA's vast contacts across North America

European Clubs

Unlike other agencies, PFA has agreements with specific European teams for trial of selected players. Because they trust the capabilities of the PFA and its contacts, they will accept players recommended by the PFA for trials, without ever seeing the player. The PFA has a number of European clubs it has partnered with for the trial program. The clubs are located in England, Germany, Holland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. After a player is selected, the PFA will ultimately determine which club the player is sent to for a trial.

European Contacts

The PFA will provide adequate housing for the player during the duration of his trial. Arrangements for housing will be made by a European contact provided by the PFA. The liaison will act as the player's personal representative while in Europe, coordinating all of the details of the player's schedule.

Professional Agents

If the trial proves successful, the PFA will provide a European agent to handle contract negotiations with the team. The agent will be a FIFA licensed, professional agent, registered to provide representative services in the country where the team is located. The agent will be affiliated with PFA and will work directly with PFA's legal counsel to ensure the player's interests are protected.

Additional Services

The PFA will provide other services, as needed, to ensure that the player has every opportunity to succeed on his trial and after he signs the contract. The PFA can provide contacts for insurance, financial planning, and accounting during the duration of the player's contract. Additionally, the PFA can provide representation for the player in domestic leagues in the United States and Canada after the completion of their playing career abroad.




	The Professional Football Academy » International Player Trial Program » Overview International Player Trial Program Overview The PFA was formed primarily as an agency for American players seeking professional trials in Europe. Sought after Commodity The recent success of American Soccer has opened the eyes of the football powers around the world. The quarterfinal appearance in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the recent top five world ranking, and the numerous players making a career overseas shows the strides Americans have made in the past few years. Foreign clubs, especially European sides, understand the quality American players possess on the field and their strong willed mentality. Also, American players are becoming more of a sought after commodity due to the majority not having a high transfer fee (i.e., college graduates). Limited Options in the U.S. On the other side, the opportunities for American players at the professional level inside the U.S. are limited. At present, there are ten (10) MLS teams with a small number of foreign players on each club. The A-League, United States 2nd Division, is only comprised of twelve (12) clubs and is a financially unstable place to build a long career. In essence, there are a limited number of opportunities in the United States for quality players to flourish their careers. Selection Process As a result of its position, the PFA receives resumes, videos, and recommendations from countless players and coaches throughout North America. Obviously, only a select few will be identified as potential clients and provided a trial with a European professional team. Selections will be based on, but not limited to: Personal evaluations of the player in matches/training Video of the player Recommendations by coaches, other players, and PFA's vast contacts across North America European Clubs Unlike other agencies, PFA has agreements with specific European teams for trial of selected players. Because they trust the capabilities of the PFA and its contacts, they will accept players recommended by the PFA for trials, without ever seeing the player. The PFA has a number of European clubs it has partnered with for the trial program. The clubs are located in England, Germany, Holland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. After a player is selected, the PFA will ultimately determine which club the player is sent to for a trial. European Contacts The PFA will provide adequate housing for the player during the duration of his trial. Arrangements for housing will be made by a European contact provided by the PFA. The liaison will act as the player's personal representative while in Europe, coordinating all of the details of the player's schedule. Professional Agents If the trial proves successful, the PFA will provide a European agent to handle contract negotiations with the team. The agent will be a FIFA licensed, professional agent, registered to provide representative services in the country where the team is located. The agent will be affiliated with PFA and will work directly with PFA's legal counsel to ensure the player's interests are protected. Additional Services The PFA will provide other services, as needed, to ensure that the player has every opportunity to succeed on his trial and after he signs the contract. The PFA can provide contacts for insurance, financial planning, and accounting during the duration of the player's contract. Additionally, the PFA can provide representation for the player in domestic leagues in the United States and Canada after the completion of their playing career abroad.

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