So far we have learned about summer pro tryout attending clubs B71 Sandoy of Faroe Islands, Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship, and today we move on to Swedish side Bodens BK. Read on to find out why you have a better chance of signing with Bodens than any other club this summer…

Country & League
Sweden, Division Two

How long have they been attending events?
Head Coach & Sporting Director Christian Samuelsson has been attending PSC Tryouts for over 10 years!

Have they offered opportunities to players from PSC events before?
Yes, lots!! No club in the history of PSC tryouts has signed more players than Bodens BK, all of whom have been signed by Christian Samuelsson. The club have also hosted PSC on showcase tours over 5 times and will do so again this July/August when PSC’s showcase team travel to Sweden & Finland. Samuelsson has signed players who he has seen directly at tryouts but the majority of players he has signed have come from tryouts he did not attend live and trusted PSC Agency Staff’s judgement. Examples being James Bolger (signed this season), Zishim Bawa (played 3 seasons with Bodens before moving to the Irish Premier League), Chris Banfi (Signed in 2023) and Kevin Byrne (2022). Across the last ten years the club have offered trials or contracts to approximately 50 players!

Why play for Bodens BK in Sweden?

On the field
There’s a level for everyone in Sweden and top clubs actively and seriously recruit from the lower divisions to strengthen their rosters with proven players in the country. Sure, everyone wants to start in the Premier League of any country but it is very, very unlikely an Allsvenskan or Superettan team would sign a player who has zero professional experience. Playing for a team like Bodens BK gets you on the ladder in Sweden and in the shop window. Players who started with Bodens and move to higher leagues include Eddy Prugh, Andy Lorei, Willie Clemons, Zishim Bawa and Jesus Ibarra who all received interest from higher division teams in and out of Sweden after proving their worth for Bodens BK.

Off the field
The North of Sweden offers the chance to see the Northern Lights and also enjoy the midnight sun. The country has a reputation of kind and happy locals and was ranked as 4th happiest country in the World in 2024.

The Swedish also speak great English. You’ll be welcomed by coaches and teammates in your own language and be able to ask for help at the shops when you need it. When you’ve just uprooted your life to go abroad — and everything else around you changes — the chance to communicate in your own language is a great comfort.

PSC Directors Comments on Bodens BK
PSC Director Simon Deeley’s thoughts on playing with Bodens BK: “Bodens represent a realistic step for American or European players looking to break into the professional game. Of all the clubs attending our summer tryouts none have signed more players than Christian Samuelsson who has consistently offered trials and contracts to players from our tryouts over the last 10 years. For many of our players it has proved a great stepping stone into higher leagues, one example being Eddy Prugh who signed his first pro contract with Bodens and captained the side for 3 seasons before signing in the USL Championship as a now proven professional player. Anyone attending PSC tryouts this year should look to impress Coach Samuelsson as he will always give a chance to players who prove themselves at our events.

How Can I get an Opportunity to play with Bodens BK?
By attending any of our upcoming pro tryouts this summer. Head Coach Samuelsson has been working with PSC for 10 years and forged a strong connection. He trusts PSC’s judgement on players so even when not at a tryout directly you have a strong chance of signing with the club if you perform well enough. Showcase this summer for your chance to sign in Sweden at any of the following tryouts:

Chicago, IL: June 9-10-11, 2024
Tampa, FL: June 13-14-15, 2024

San Antonio, TX: June 22-23-24, 2024
Los Angeles, CA: June 26-27-28, 2024

Atlanta, GA: July 8-9-10, 2024
New York, NY: July 12-13-14, 2024