Football Trials in Poland: Your Pro Contract Guide

Sat Sep 26 2026

So you’re thinking about Poland? Good choice. It’s one of the most underrated and competitive countries in Europe for a foreign player to build a career. But it's not a free-for-all. Many players see "Europe" and think it's an easy path to a big league. The reality is that Polish football is tough, physical, and you'll be competing against hungry local players and a flood of talent from Eastern Europe, Africa, and Brazil.

Getting a trial here, especially as a non-EU player, requires a plan. You can't just book a flight to Warsaw and expect a trial with Legia. This guide will give you the roadmap, from the top-tier Ekstraklasa down to the semi-pro III liga where many foreign players get their start.

Why is Poland a good destination for foreign players?

Poland serves as a fantastic "shop window" for bigger leagues. The Ekstraklasa is broadcast in multiple countries, and scouts from Germany, Italy, and England are regulars at matches. If you perform well here, you get noticed.

Here are a few reasons it’s a solid move:

• Strong Fan Culture: The stadiums are often full and the atmosphere is electric. It’s a proper football country.
• Gateway to the Bundesliga: The playing style is often physical and tactical, similar to German football. Scouts from the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga frequently watch Polish leagues.
• EU Passport Opportunity: If you're a non-EU player who manages to stay in the country on a residence permit for several years, it can eventually open a pathway to EU citizenship, which is a game-changer for a football career.
• Reasonable Cost of Living: Compared to Western Europe, your money goes further in Poland. This is crucial when you're on a modest semi-pro or first pro contract.

Understanding the Polish Football League System

To get a trial, you first need to know where to aim. The Polish league pyramid is competitive. Here’s how it breaks down for a foreign player looking for opportunities:

1. Ekstraklasa: The top flight. Think Legia Warsaw, Lech Poznań, Raków Częstochowa. It's extremely difficult to get a trial here directly unless you have a strong professional CV, impressive highlight footage, and a well-connected agent. Most clubs are looking for established pros, not trialists from amateur backgrounds.
2. I liga (First League): The second tier. Still fully professional and a very good level. This is a realistic target for players with experience in other professional or top-tier semi-pro leagues globally. Clubs like Wisła Kraków or Lechia Gdańsk might be in this league, so the quality is high.
3. II liga (Second League): The third tier, and the start of a realistic sweet spot for many foreign players. It’s a mix of professional and semi-professional clubs. This is where you might get a genuine trial opportunity if you have a good CV and highlights. Your agent will have a much easier time getting you a look-in here.
4. III liga (Third League): The fourth tier, split into four regional groups. This is the most common entry point for foreign players, especially those without an EU passport. Clubs are semi-professional, meaning wages are lower, but it's a legitimate place to get your foot in the door, adapt to the Polish style of play, and prove you belong.

How to Get a Trial in Poland as a Foreigner

Let's get to the important part. How do you actually get a club to look at you?

The Non-EU Player Challenge

If you don’t hold a European passport, the challenge is significantly harder. A club in the lower leagues (II liga or III liga) has to really believe you are better than the local talent they can sign for less hassle. Why? Because they will need to sponsor your Temporary Residence Permit (Karta pobytu) which is linked to your work contract. This is time, money, and paperwork.

So, your approach must be flawless. Your CV needs to be perfect, your video has to be undeniable, and your contact method must be professional.

The EU Player Advantage

If you have a passport from any EU country (like Germany, Sweden, or even a dual-national passport from Ireland), you have a massive advantage. You can travel to Poland without a visa and trial freely. Clubs don’t have to worry about the legal paperwork, making you a much more attractive prospect. You can even sign for a lower-league team and work a part-time job to support yourself initially.

Your Action Plan for Contacting Clubs

Here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Build Your Player Profile: Before you contact anyone, get your assets ready. This includes a concise one-page Football CV and a high-quality 3-4 minute highlight video. Your video is your audition. It must show game footage (not training drills) of you doing your job effectively against good opposition.
2. Target the Right Clubs: Don’t waste your time emailing every club in the Ekstraklasa. Focus on the II liga and III liga. Go to their websites, find the club directory ("Kontakt" or "Klub"), and look for the Sporting Director or Head of Scouting. An email to a generic info@ address is almost always ignored.
3. Use a Polish Intermediary or Agent: This is the most effective method. A Polish agent or a scout on the ground has relationships with clubs that you don’t. They can get your CV in front of the right person and vouch for you. Some will require a fee for a showcase or trial, so do your research carefully. Look for FIFA-licensed agents.
4. Consider Open Trials and Academies: Some private academies in Poland host open trial days where they invite scouts from local clubs. These can be a good way to get seen, especially for younger players (16-21). Be aware that these almost always cost money.

What are clubs in Poland looking for?

Polish football culture values hard work, discipline, and physicality. You can be the most skillful player in the world, but if you don’t track back, put in a tackle, or show you can handle the physical side of the game, you won't last long.

• Physicality: Especially for centre-backs, full-backs, and central midfielders. You need to be strong in the challenge and have good stamina.
• Tactical Discipline: Do you understand your role? Can you hold your position? Coaches value players who listen to instructions and are tactically smart.
• A Professional Attitude: Are you on time? Are you respectful? Do you work hard in every single drill? They are watching everything, not just what you do with the ball.

FAQ: Poland Football Trials

What is a realistic salary in the Polish lower leagues?

In the II liga, a foreign player might earn between €1,000 - €2,500 per month. In the III liga, it could be much lower, from €500 - €1,200, and is often supplemented with an apartment and food. Don't expect to get rich at first. The goal is to prove yourself and earn a move to a bigger club in I liga or the Ekstraklasa.

Do I need a visa to trial in Poland?

If you hold an EU/EEA passport, you do not need a visa. If you are non-EU (from Africa, the Americas, Asia), you will need to enter Poland on a Schengen visa, which typically allows a stay of up to 90 days. This is enough time for a trial period, but a club will need to sponsor a residence and work permit if they want to sign you to a professional contract.

What is the best time of year to look for trials in Poland?

The main trial windows are during the pre-season periods. This is from mid-June to late-July for the summer transfer window and from January to February for the winter transfer window. Clubs are building their squads and are most open to looking at new players during these times.

Getting a pro contract in Poland is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes persistence, a realistic strategy, and a bit of luck. You need to be prepared for rejection and have the mental strength to keep going when a door closes. Focus on what you can control: your fitness, your highlight video, your CV, and your professional approach.

When you are ready to take the next step, you can find genuine opportunities with clubs and agents on My Football Future, the platform designed to connect players like you with your next contract.