Season Over, Trials Begin: How Offseason Moves Work in Europe
When the final whistle blows on the season in Europe, it doesn’t mean the work stops—especially for players looking to climb the ladder or find the right fit for next year. In fact, the offseason can be one of the most important windows in a young player’s development journey.
Right now, Carson is in that exact position. With his season in Portugal wrapped up, we’re shifting gears and exploring new opportunities through trials. It’s a unique system—very different from what most North American families are used to.
So how does it actually work?
The European Offseason Trial Process Explained
In Europe, when the regular season ends (typically around May or June), many clubs begin scouting and trialing players for the following season. It’s a small but critical window where players have a chance to showcase their talent and potentially earn a spot with a new team—or move up within their current club’s structure.
But unlike North America, where you can bounce between clubs or teams fairly easily, Europe operates under FIFA transfer regulations. One of the key rules? You can only register with two clubs and play official matches for one per season (with some exceptions depending on the league). That makes the decision to switch clubs a serious one.
This is why timing, strategy, and connections matter so much.
The Power of Local Connections
One of the biggest adjustments for North American families making the move to Europe is understanding that so much of what happens in football isn’t public. There are no flashy tryout posters, no academy fairs, and very few open invitations.
It’s all about who you know—and who knows your player.
Here in Portugal, we’ve been fortunate to build a network over the past year. Carson’s experience with Estoril Praia and Trajouce has given us visibility, and more importantly, relationships. We’re now working closely with our contact at Estoril to help identify potential clubs where Carson might trial this summer and find the right environment for next season.
It’s an informal but critical part of the process—quiet conversations, internal recommendations, and trusted introductions. This is the true currency of opportunity in European youth football.
The Goal: U19 at 17
Carson’s next big milestone is making the U19 level as a 17-year-old. It’s a competitive age group in Portugal—many players are already semi-professional or eyeing professional contracts. Making that jump isn’t easy, especially as an international player.
Our ideal scenario? He earns a spot with a strong U19 club now, so he has two full years of development in that environment before aging out.
But if that doesn’t happen? We’re prepared with Plan B and C. Part of navigating this space is understanding the depth of talent and keeping your options open—whether it’s another local club, a return to an existing team, or a new path altogether.
Great choice. Here’s the revised section formatted as a highlighted callout box—perfect for drawing attention in the blog layout, especially for NXTLVL Footballer where we often want to underscore important lessons for parents and players:
⚠️ NXTLVL Reality Check: Trials Can Be Brutal
You can be cut at any time—with little or no explanation.
In Europe, trials are high-stakes and high-pressure. One day you’re training, the next you’re told you’re no longer needed. That’s it—no meeting, no feedback, no closure.
As North American parents, our instinct is to ask why, to get facetime with the coach, to make sense of it. But that’s not how it works here.
This is a different system—one that rewards resilience, patience, and preparation.
Your young footballer needs to be mentally strong, ready for rejection, and able to move on quickly. That’s why building a local network of contacts and having multiple options isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. You can’t put all your hopes on one trial.
One door closes. You knock on the next one. That’s the game.
Advice for North American Families
If you’re planning to make the move or are already overseas, here are a few key takeaways to help you navigate the offseason:
Know the rules: Under FIFA regulations, players can only register with two clubs per season and play official matches for one.
Start building your local network early: Coaches, parents, club contacts—these people are your bridge to trial opportunities.
Use the offseason wisely: From late May to August, clubs are forming next year’s rosters. This is your window.
Have a plan (and backup plans): Competition is fierce. Be open to different levels or pathways that can keep your player growing.
Stay match fit and sharp: The trial process isn’t forgiving. You need to show up ready—mentally and physically.
Final Thoughts
The European offseason isn’t downtime—it’s the transfer window for youth players. It’s when future paths are shaped. For Carson, this summer will be about staying ready, being seen, and finding the right fit for next season.
We’ll continue sharing this journey through NXTLVL Footballer, because these are the moments that matter—and the ones we wish someone had explained to us when we were first starting out.
If you’re a parent or player looking to understand this process better, we’re here to help.