Many people ask me what attributes players require when they go for professional trials overseas.

Well, first impressions are crucial so one must be prepared to succeed.

For me there are three crucial factors: Physical, mental and appearance. These things play key roles in getting one through the door as well as keeping one on the pitch.

Mental: The first thing with mental state involves attitude.

It is important to prepare the mind as you're going to be trying out against many others and it is not all about you in the eyes of the coach.

You must go there and give 100 per cent and not be afraid to fail, not be afraid to make a mistake. One mistake will certainly not kill your chances.

You must understand once you step onto the field a sound mental state allows you to maintain confidence, take instruction, carry out tasks, expose your understanding of the game, such as knowing when to dribble and when to pass.

If you have this sense of understanding, mistakes will automatically be limited because the mind controls the body. Don't be intimidated and get caught up watching the other players, thinking they are better than you. Remember your goal and allow the coach to judge.

Physical: It's apparent to me after being in Bermuda and having players out for tryouts over the years, players don't prepare themselves physically ahead of the trials. They come in out of shape thinking they have the skill to compensate.

Conditioning is vital to success, just as is mental fitness. Players seeking to get trials and do well in them should always be prepared. Being conditioned helps your sharpness, your awareness and your confidence. Physical fitness is mental fitness.

And physical fitness is not all running and lifting weights; it is also diet and nutrition. You have to treat your body well and eat right because all these things contribute to how you perform.

Appearance: One of the biggest things we have to stress to our young players is to separate social appearance from professional appearance.

Let's take someone in the business sector, they dress in suit and tie for work, but in a social environment they appear in more relaxed wear. It's the same in a professional soccer environment.

As a prospect you are coming into a professional environment so you must present yourself as a professional. There's nothing wrong with packing a shirt and a tie in advance of any trial. Once you get in front of a coach, manager, owner or club president, your appearance, how you speak and carry yourself plays a vital part in the decision making process.

Your appearance and demeanor leave impressions. On the field body language speaks volumes.

There have been many times when prospects come for trials they are intimidated on the pitch alongside a bunch of veterans and they don't even want the ball.

They're thinking negatively and it shows on the field. They want to hide, but you have to be confident and aggressive when you call for the ball, seize the moment. However, at the same time there is a balance one must establish, because you don't want the confidence to show up as arrogance.

I don't want players getting caught up with being overconfident and having big egos, thinking they can do everything including flicks and tricks.

Coaches are not looking for that. They want the confidence but also a level of simplicity. These are a few tools one needs to be armed with to become a professional prospect or go beyond that.

My hope and goal is that all those that get the opportunity to try out will be mindful of these things, use them to their advantage and reap the benefit.

Until next time!