PitchPlay Deliver Successful European Showcase Trial Camps in Antigua
- May 7
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Earlier this month, PitchPlay’s Head of Recruitment, Max Peverell, and Lead Coach, Jake Walton, travelled to Antigua to deliver a European Showcase Trial Camp aimed at identifying players for a European development tour in Poland during the summer of 2026. This project was held in partnership with Jets FC who have long been advocates for football in the Caribbean.
Held over five days at the FIFA Technical Centre in Antigua, the camps attracted more than 50 players representing five CONCACAF regions. Participants included Under-23 national team players from Dominica and Saint Lucia, alongside senior men’s national team players from Antigua & Barbuda.
Following the trials, 20 standout players will be selected to take part in a two-week European tour in Poland, where they will compete in four fixtures against professional and semi-professional clubs. The tour is designed to expose players to international football environments while providing valuable experience within professional settings.
The initiative represents another important step in creating genuine international pathways for aspiring footballers, offering opportunities and exposure that may previously have been difficult to access within the region.
Alongside the trial camps, PitchPlay also met with representatives from the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association and members of the Olympic Committee to discuss long-term player development opportunities and potential future collaboration within the region.
The visit also received national media attention, with Max Peverell appearing on Antiguan national radio and television to discuss international player pathways, athlete development, and the growing football potential across the Caribbean.
These trial camps form part of PitchPlay’s wider vision to create meaningful progression opportunities for players both internationally and within local communities. Discussions are already underway to host similar trial events across the Rutland and Lincolnshire region, with plans to identify an additional group of players to travel to Poland and compete against professional opposition.
As PitchPlay continues to expand internationally, the organisation remains committed to supporting ambitious players through high-quality development opportunities, international exposure, structured pathways into professional football environments and ongoing support throughout their progression pathway.
Tula Harvey
