Brentford FC Community Sports Trust welcomed hundreds of children to trials before Christmas. The Trust ran three trial events for various programmes last week. And youngsters braved the cold to take part.

There were opportunities for both male and female footballers to join their post-16 education and football programme. The trials allow the Trust to select players to be part of the group that earn educational qualifications while playing games and representing Brentford. Players can study for A Levels or a BTEC while training and playing games in competitive leagues.

There was also a trial for female footballers who want to join the Trust's Football Development Centre. The programme offers young people of any ability and those with potential, an opportunity to receive a high-quality football education experience, enabling them to improve in a player-centred environment. Participants have the opportunity to attend weekly training sessions at multiple venues, delivered by FA and UEFA qualified coaching staff and represent Brentford FC in a structured development match programme against other professional club Trusts including Fulham, Ipswich Town, Oxford United and Reading.

The Trust reported the trials were a success and released pictures from the events. More trials will follow in 2022. See more below.