Bermuda international goalkeeper Freddy Hall is set to join English League One club Charlton Athletic on a two-week trial.
The 23-year-old has been recommended to the Addicks by former Newcastle United and West Ham 'keeper Shaka Hislop who coached Hall at Quinnipiac University.
Hall leaves for London next week and has vowed to make the most of his exciting opportunity at the ex-Premier League team.
"It is my first trial at an English club. I have been waiting for an opportunity and it will be a good experience for me," said the St. George's shot-stopper.
"I think right now in my career I am trying to find someplace to develop and grow as a 'keeper and improve my skill level, hopefully, that can be at Charlton.
"I am supposed to be there for two weeks but if everything goes to plan I should be there longer. My goalkeeper coach Shaka Hislop sorted it all out."
Ex-Trinidad 'keeper Hislop, who also works as a soccer commentator and analyst for ESPN International, has been working with Hall since the start of the 2009 college season.
Having Hislop put his professional reputation on the line by recommending Hall to Charlton has given the young 'keeper a major boost.
"The knowledge Shaka his given me from our one-on-one daily training is really key," said Hall.
"I can only learn from someone like him and he has really shown me what it takes to get to the next level.
"Having someone like Shaka have confidence in you is a huge boost. To have him helping me achieve my professional ambitions speaks volumes."
In order to attend the Charlton trial, Hall had to turn down an invitation for Major League Soccer (MLS) try-outs. He was one of only five 'keepers invited to the annual trials held prior to the MLS Draft at Central Broward Park, Fort Lauderdale next month.
"I actually found about the MLS trials after the Charlton thing came up. I decided not to go because of that, but it is still a great honour because not many players get chosen for that," Hall said.
"I would not mind playing there (the MLS) at all if the right situation presented itself to me."
Due to personal reasons Hall chose not to play in Bermuda Under-23s double-header against Trinidad this week, but he plans to make himself available for upcoming competitions like the Olympic qualifiers.
"It was unfortunate I could not be apart of Bermuda Under-23s matches against Trinidad because of personal reasons. There are a number of competitions coming up like the Olympic qualifies and they (the Bermuda Football Association) have put a lot of focus on the Under-23 players."
0
Comments