The short answer
Good trial preparation is mostly familiar preparation: sleep well, arrive organised, warm up properly, communicate, make simple decisions and respond positively after mistakes. Last-minute intensive training rarely creates a better player and may leave a child tired.
The week before
Keep training familiar and avoid dramatic increases in load. Confirm the location, arrival time, equipment and trial process so the child is not carrying preventable uncertainty.
What coaches may notice
Selection criteria differ, but coaches commonly value work rate, awareness, decisions, coachability and team behaviour alongside technique.
- Scan before receiving
- Communicate with teammates
- React after losing the ball
- Listen and apply instructions
- Keep playing after mistakes
Handle the outcome well
A selection decision is one opinion in one environment at one time. Give the child room to feel disappointed, then focus on useful feedback and the next development opportunity.