My Two-Week Trial in Spain: A Memorable Experience
I’m thrilled to share my incredible two-week trial with the Unionistas CF professional academy in Spain. The experience was unforgettable.
Highlights of the Trip: The opportunity to train with 36 top MLS and ECNL players at a professional academy and witness Spain’s Euro victory was phenomenal. Celebrating with 50,000+ screaming fans added to the excitement!
Training Experience: The training focused on high intensity and high touch, with small-sided games that emphasized working into space—quite different from US soccer. This approach allowed for rapid skill development and tactical awareness.
Games and Performance: After the first few days of training, our group was divided into three teams based on performance and skill. I was placed in the top team, which led to games against Unionistas de Salamanca CF and UD Santa Marta. Playing against these professional teams was challenging and rewarding. I scored one of our two goals against a top professional team, a moment I’ll never forget. The feedback from coaches was positive, highlighting my adaptability and performance:
“Top player! Chase Fulk has done exceptionally well over the last couple of weeks training with Unionistas de Salamanca CF in an environment completely new to him. Looking forward to seeing what happens next for this talented young man.”
Learning and Development: I thoroughly enjoyed the small-sided games and learning the Spanish style of play. The emphasis on quick, intelligent play was eye-opening and beneficial for my development.
Personal Reflections: This opportunity has been beyond words. From the rich culture to training at a professional level and proving I can compete and score goals, the experience has been transformative. I’m incredibly excited for what lies ahead.
Check out some of my favorite pics from the trip as well as my full game against UD Santa Marta below.
0:07 – Game Start
6:57 – Good Pressure
12:22 – Nasty Headbutt
12:57 – When you thought you were Batman
22:17 – Back on the pitch after recovery
30:57 – You dropped from a 9 back to an 8
31:27 – 31:47 – good ball movement
32:45 – good dribble and movement
33:52 – great pass and fantastic run from an 8
41:12 – 2nd half start
45:55 – Great diagonal run with good timing (he missed the pass to you but you guys connect on this same run later 😉 )
48:30 – Fantastic run, ball control, and cut-back pass
50:07 – good show to space and quick pass to wing
52:16 – same run and timing as 45:53, but this time you got the pass and finished it
58:39 – good physical shielding and recovery from a not great pass
59:34 – Not you at all, but an amazing goal worth watching
68:24 – Chase sub off
73:40 – Chase back on
75:14 – good turn with pass
78:04 – end game
