From Bermuda to Málaga: Kai Sampson's Spanish Soccer Trials Transformation.
- James Dawes
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
How a two-week showcase transformed a Bermuda Midfielder's career and earned him an opportunity within one of Spain´s most historic clubs.
When Kai Sampson arrived at our Summer Showcase in Alhaurín, Málaga this past July, he was a talented midfielder searching for the right opportunity. Like many ambitious young footballers from Bermuda, Kai recognized early that pursuing his professional dreams would require leaving the island. Armed with a British passport through Bermuda's UK connection, he made the bold decision to relocate to England, enrolling in boarding school and immersing himself in the English football system.
For several years, Kai developed his craft within this demanding environment. He worked with quality coaches, competed at high levels, and gained invaluable experience that would later serve him well. However, as a naturally slimmer, more technical player born in 2006, he faced significant challenges given the physical nature of the English system. Recognizing that he needed a different approach, Kai applied for our Summer Showcase in July 2025, after being presented the option by his long-term mentor Tony Robinson. This decision would prove to be a key turning point in the direction of the young Midfielders career.
Our intensive two-week showcase provided Kai with exactly what he needed: exposure to elite Spanish coaching and the opportunity to demonstrate his skills in an environment that values technical ability. During the showcase, Kai would also have the opportunity to work with SST Head of Football Juan Carlos Anon who is a former Málaga CF first-team coach and professional player as well as one of our select guest coaches for the event, Sergio Matez.
Matez attended both the first showcase game, watching as Kai made an immediate impact against Division de Honor side San Felix, who compete at the highest level of U19 football in Spain. Coming on as a substitute late in the first half, Kai displayed intense work rate and remarkable bravery on the ball, actively influencing the rhythm of the game.
He then continued the trend with a solid performance against Mijas Las Lagunas in Week 2, where he started and showcased the high-level technical abilities that define successful Spanish midfielders.
Following the showcase, Kai's career trajectory would completely change with Head Coach of Fundación Deportiva de Málaga Club de Fútbol, Sergio Matez, seeing exactly what our showcase is designed to reveal: a technically gifted player whose abilities align perfectly with Spanish football.
After discussions between Matez and the club took place, Kai was presented with the opportunity to join Fundación Deportiva de Málaga Club de Fútbol for the 2025/26 season to which he accepted.
Sergio Matez had this to say following the announcement: 'The conversation started with watching the players of the showcase on the training ground and then also in the showcase game against Division de Honor side San Felix. Conversations then began quickly after between the Sporting Departments of Malaga CF and Spanish Soccer Trials about the players that had impressed during that time and from that we now are delighted to present Kai as a new player of Fundación Deportiva de Málaga Club de Fútbol.'
Kai's story exemplifies why Spanish Soccer Trials exists. From a small island in the Caribbean to signing within the structure of a Spanish club giant, it demonstrates that remarkable opportunities are possible when talent meets the right platform. Kai now joins our growing list of players who have found their pathway into the Spanish Football system through our elite showcase events, and with strong family support and guidance from our team, we believe Kai now has everything he needs to navigate this next chapter in his career.
From all of our team here at SST we wish Kai all the very best for the season ahead.
Ready to write your own transformation story? Contact Spanish Soccer Trials today to discover how our showcase events can unlock your professional football potential.
