Forestieri, Williams, Keane among free agents using PFA pre-season to find a new club

The PFA’s pre-season training camp for out-of-contract players has become a vital staging post for footballers navigating the uncertainty of free agency. Now in its third year, the fully-funded residential programme at Champneys Springs in Leicestershire has expanded its remit, welcoming male and female players for the first time and extending its duration to 12 weeks. For Fernando Forestieri, Jonny Williams, Will Keane and others, it is a structured route back into the professional game, offering elite-level coaching, fitness testing and exposure to scouts and managers.

Why the PFA camp matters now

Free agency is a precarious period. Without a club, players lose access to training facilities, medical support and competitive match minutes. The PFA’s camp bridges that gap by providing elite-level coaching, fitness testing and exposure to scouts and managers. Last season, attendees included John Swift, who signed for Portsmouth, and Angus Gunn, who joined Nottingham Forest before featuring at the World Cup with Scotland. This year’s cohort includes six players interviewed by Sky Sports: Forestieri, Williams, Keane, Kyle Vassell, Marvin Johnson and Tom McIntyre. Their presence underscores how the camp has evolved from a niche initiative into a mainstream pathway for players seeking a second act.

The expansion to 12 weeks and inclusion of Women’s Super League players reflect the PFA’s response to demand. With clubs increasingly cautious over long-term contracts, more footballers are facing protracted negotiations or none at all. The camp offers a controlled environment to rebuild match sharpness and showcase form without the pressure of trial games. For clubs, it is a low-risk opportunity to assess talent that might otherwise slip through the cracks. Last year, 60% of attendees secured contracts within three months of the camp ending, according to PFA data, a figure that could rise with the expanded programme.

Players’ ambitions and timelines

Fernando Forestieri, 36, arrived at the camp with a clear objective: a return to English football. Released by Sheffield Wednesday in 2020, he has since played in Italy, Malaysia and Cyprus, winning 10 trophies in Malaysia alone. “This is my first time being a free agent,” he told Sky Sports. “I’m 36 and I understand the situation, but the more important thing is that I feel so good to keep playing.” His focus is on securing a deal before his wife’s August due date, with London as the preferred location. Forestieri has also started his coaching badges, hinting at a dual career path if playing opportunities diminish.

Jonny Williams, another attendee, has spent the past two seasons without a club after leaving Charlton Athletic. Now 32, he is targeting a return to the Championship or League One, where his experience in midfield could add value. Will Keane, formerly of Wigan Athletic, is similarly seeking a move closer to home, while Kyle Vassell, Marvin Johnson and Tom McIntyre are using the camp to reignite their careers after spells in the lower leagues or abroad. Each player arrives with a distinct narrative—injury setbacks, tactical shifts at former clubs, or simply the need for a fresh start—but shares a common goal: to prove they still belong.

What comes next for clubs and players

The camp’s timing is critical. Clubs finalise squads before the transfer window closes, and players need to be match-fit to impress. The PFA provides fitness testing, nutritional guidance and performance analysis, addressing the holistic challenges of free agency. For clubs in League One or the Championship, the camp is a scouting hotspot. A standout performance in a practice match or fitness test can fast-track an offer, as seen with Swift and Gunn last year.

The inclusion of WSL players this summer broadens the talent pool. With women’s football growing, the camp offers a platform for players returning from maternity leave or injury to regain rhythm. For Forestieri and his peers, the next four weeks will determine whether the camp lives up to its promise. If history repeats, at least one attendee will secure a deal before the season begins. The rest will regroup, knowing they have used their time productively—even if the outcome isn’t immediate.