If that's the case, and I'm not criticizing but genuinely questioning, why is it that our players seem to have such a hard time getting picked up when they go overseas on trial?
I think that once you get past the work permit situation, the main reason is lack of preparation. Players need to be aware of local language, time differences, climate, food, customs etc. To come through a trial ahead of other trialists, guys need to be confident, rested and focused.
You cannot just stick a teenager on a plane and wish him luck.
Plus, many kids in UK will have several trials with different clubs. Often, it's not the player, but the coach. Some of these coaches are useless and soon disappear from the game...but they are making decisions. Look how it took players like Ian Wright and Ian Cox until they were 23 to play professionally. The coaches that couldn't see those players potential are probably not in the game anymore.
So there is also luck involved. Maybe you're a great defender, but the coach only has a budget for one player and he needs a striker.
Clubs would often welcome youngsters on trial. But it costs over TT$12,000 to send a boy on trial to one club including travel, accommodation and stipend. If a player has that money, I can get him a trial tomorrow, but I would only do it if he has real potential. If you continue sending average players, clubs will stop accepting your players.