Directv North East Stars begin their preparations for the 2011/12 Pro League season on Saturday by holding open trials for under 23 players.
The trials will take place at Larry Gomes stadium, Arima on Saturday and at the Recreation Ground in Valencia on Sunday.
Club President, Darryl Mahabir said North East Stars are keen to bring through players from across the North East. "We are known as a community club, so our first priority when offering trials is to attract exciting young talent from our region.
Our player of the season, Glenton Wolfe and his brother, national player Anthony Wolfe are from Manzanilla, and local young players should aim to follow in their footsteps. We intend to hold further trials in Toco, Mayaro, Biche and Sangre Grande."
Mahabir, who owns the Japs Fried Chicken chain of restaurants is passionate about the development of youth football.
"We all know that in football you must continually search for the next generation of players with the ultimate intention of developing them for our national team.
These open trials are crucial as it will give the opportunity for young talented players to earn a living from professional football.
North East Stars are the best supported team in the Pro League and any players making it through to the first team will become local heroes."
Mahabir also stressed that the trials were open to any player under 23 from across the country. "Although we want to give players from our community an opportunity, we are a nationwide brand and, as such, welcome young players from any part of Trinidad & Tobago.
In fact our young player of the season this year, Jeromie Williams is from Tobago and the runner up was Kaydian Gabriel from Morvant. I fully expect both of these exciting young players to be an integral part of the national squad in the future."
C.E.O.Brent Sancho said " Open trials are always exciting for the coaches. You always find at least one diamond. Its a massive opportunity for young players because its their chance to begin a career in football that could lead to national representation and the chance to earn big money overseas."
Registration for the trials on Saturday 21st May at Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima and on Sunday 22nd May at Recreation Ground, Valencia is at 8am with the trials to begin promptly at 9am. Players should walk with dark shorts, socks and shinguards and a $20 registration fee.