How to Get a Football Trial in Poland (A Player's Guide)

Sun Jul 26 2026

''' Ever watched a Polish league game on a cold Tuesday night? It’s probably not as glamorous as the top five leagues, but for a hungry player looking for a proper professional breakthrough in Europe, Poland is a destination you can't afford to ignore. The Ekstraklasa (top tier) is a strong, physical league, and clubs in the I liga (second tier) and II liga (third tier) are consistently looking for foreign talent that can give them an edge.

But here's the reality: showing up at Warsaw airport with your boots and a highlight reel won't get you anywhere. Getting a trial in Poland requires a plan. It’s a country where professionalism, physicality, and the right contacts are everything. This guide will break down exactly how you can earn that opportunity.

Why Target Poland for a Pro Contract?

Poland is often seen as a brilliant stepping stone. It’s a well-respected UEFA league where you can get serious minutes, live on a professional salary, and put yourself in the shop window for bigger moves. Scouts from Germany, Italy, and other top nations watch the Ekstraklasa closely.

A foreign player who does well in Poland is seen as having adapted to the rigours of European football. You prove you can handle the demanding physicality, the tactical discipline, and the pressure of playing for passionate fan bases.

Here’s what makes it an attractive pathway:

• Solid Professional Structure: The top three tiers (Ekstraklasa, I liga, II liga) are fully professional. The facilities are improving, stadiums are modern (many were built for Euro 2012), and clubs are generally well-run.
• Gateway to Bigger Leagues: Players who excel in Poland often move to the German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, or other top-10 European leagues. It’s a proven pathway.
• Demand for Foreigners: Polish clubs have quotas for non-EU players, but they are always looking for foreigners who bring something different. A quick, tricky winger or a tall, dominant centre-forward can stand out.
• Reasonable Cost of Living: Compared to Western Europe, your salary will go further in Poland, allowing you to live comfortably and focus completely on your football.

The Legal Side: Visas and EU Status

This is the first hurdle and the most important one to get right. Your passport dictates your strategy.

For Players with an EU/EEA Passport

Life is much simpler for you. You have the right to live and work in Poland without needing a visa. You can travel to Poland for trials with clubs without any immigration barriers. This gives you a massive advantage because clubs face no administrative burden to sign you. Make sure you highlight your EU passport in every single email and on the top of your CV.

For Non-EU/EEA Players (e.g., from Africa, the Americas, Asia)

This is where you need to be strategic. You can't just turn up and trial.

1. Schengen Visa (Short-Term): You can enter Poland and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days on a Schengen visa. This is often used for short trial periods. However, you must be invited by a club officially. A club will need to send you an "Invitation Letter" to support your visa application. You can't just get a tourist visa and hope for the best; that can cause serious problems if you're offered a contract.
2. National Visa (Type D): If a club wants to sign you, you'll need to apply for a Polish National Visa (Type D) in your home country. This allows you to stay longer than 90 days and is the precursor to obtaining a Temporary Residence and Work Permit.

Do not underestimate this process. Clubs know it’s a hassle, which is why non-EU players often need to be significantly better than the local talent to be considered. Your agent, if you have one, should be managing this entire process.

How to Find Football Trials in Poland

So, you’re physically ready and your passport situation is clear. How do you actually get a club to watch you play?

1. The Direct Approach (Lower Leagues)

Targeting Ekstraklasa clubs directly with an email is a low-percentage move unless you have an incredible CV (e.g., youth international, experience in another respected league). Your best bet is to focus on the I liga and II liga.

Here’s a step-by-step plan:

1. Research: Go on Transfermarkt and Soccerway. Look at the league tables for the I liga and II liga. Identify clubs that have a history of signing foreign players, especially from your country or region.
2. Find the Right Contact: Look for the club's Sporting Director, Head Scout, or Academy Manager. Avoid sending your CV to the general "info@" email address if you can. LinkedIn can be useful for finding these contacts.
3. Write a Professional Email: Your email should be concise and professional. Attach your football CV and a link to your highlight video. (Read our guide on how to email clubs for more detail).

2. Working with a Reputable Agent

This is the most effective method. The right agent won’t just have contacts; they’ll have trusted relationships. Polish clubs would rather deal with an agent they know than take a risk on a player who emailed them out of the blue.

• Find Agents with a Polish Focus: Look for FIFA-licensed agents or agencies that list Polish clubs in their recent transfers. You can use Transfermarkt to see which agents represent players in the Polish leagues.
• Be Wary of Scams: Never pay an agent an upfront fee for a trial. A legitimate agent makes money when you sign a professional contract, not before. Any "agent" asking for money to "secure a trial" is a red flag.

3. Reputable Trial Companies

Some companies organize scouting events and open trials in Poland or in neighbouring countries like Germany and the Czech Republic, where Polish scouts are often present. Do your homework. Look for testimonials of players who have successfully signed with clubs after attending. These can be a good way to get in front of scouts if you don’t have an agent, but they are not a guaranteed path.

What are Polish Teams Looking For?

Polish football is famously physical and tactically organized. You need to be more than just a flair player to succeed.

• Physicality: This is non-negotiable. You must be strong, have stamina, and be willing to compete in duels. Goalkeepers and centre-backs are expected to be tall and commanding. Strikers need to be able to hold the ball up under pressure.
• Tactical Discipline: Coaches value players who listen and can execute a game plan. Can you hold your position? Do you track back? Do you understand when to press? Your defensive work rate is just as important as your attacking skill.
• Mentality: You’re a foreign import. You’re expected to be a leader and elevate the level of the squad. A poor attitude or laziness in training will get you sent home faster than anything else.
• Versatility: Especially in the lower leagues with smaller squads, being able to play in more than one position is a huge plus. A full-back who can also play on the wing, or a midfielder who can play as a No. 6 or a No. 8, is incredibly valuable.

### Can I get a trial in Poland if I'm over 23?

Yes, absolutely. Polish clubs, particularly in the I and II liga, often look for mature players (22-28) who have experience and can slot straight into the first team. They are less focused on potential and more on immediate impact. If you have a solid playing history in another country, this can be a prime market for you.

### What are average salaries in the Polish leagues?

Salaries vary massively. In the Ekstraklasa, top players at clubs like Legia Warsaw or Lech Poznan can earn significant ECCCuros per month, while squad players might be on €4,000 - €10,000. In the I liga (second tier), a typical monthly salary for a good player ranges from €2,000 to €5,000. In the II liga, it might be closer to €1,000 - €2,500. Non-EU players are usually expected to be good enough to command a higher-end salary for that respective league.

### Do I need to speak Polish?

You don't need to be fluent to get a trial, but it is a massive advantage. Most dressing rooms will have other foreigners, and English is often spoken by coaches, but showing a willingness to learn the local language demonstrates respect and professionalism. At a minimum, learn basic football phrases: "pass" (podaj), "shoot" (strzelaj), "man on" (plecy), and "time" (czas).

Getting a pro trial in Poland is a challenging but achievable goal. It requires a professional approach, a clear understanding of the visa requirements, and a playing style that matches the league's demands. The path isn't easy, but for those who are prepared, it can be the perfect launching pad for a long and successful career in European football.

When you're ready to take the next step, My Football Future is the platform where you can find verified agents with contacts in Poland and discover live trial opportunities posted directly by clubs across Europe. '''