It is a scorching day. Hundreds of young footballers, all wearing iconic LA Galaxy jerseys, are desperately trying to catch the eye of the onlooking coaches in their search for the American dream.

But this is not southern California – this is north London.

In the incongruous setting of The Hive in Canons Park, the home of Barnet FC – or more precisely two AstroTurf pitches next to the stadium – LA Galaxy on Thursday concluded the first of two open trials in England for places in their reserve team.

Aspiring professionals, aged between 18 and 25, have come from as far away as Hungary, Germany, Sweden and Denmark to try to further their careers in the United States. Many more will come to Manchester this weekend for further trials.

The wannabes have each paid £150 to attend – the price partly to ward off the chancers – and will each play in two 60-minute games, looking to show off their skills to the Galaxy coaching staff.