I started trials after being crap at dirt jumping at age 12, i'm now 22, so a decade on I can say I have learnt a lot over the years and made many great friends. Progress wise, I was at my highest riding ability at 16, but college got in the way then, I am now at uni, and again I rarely get to ride, and there are also very few riders that come out to play. which sucks. when I was around 14-16 there was a solid group of riders that would be out virtually daily, so I feel that having other riders around you will progress you much quicker than riding alone. Most of what I do now a days is technical, awkward lines, refining the skills I already have.
One thing I do regret was never getting onto the competition scene properly, but I guess there is still time, hopefully after uni is over I will able to afford to travel to them, and have weekends back so time to actually train.
Good luck in your trials endeavour. It is never too late to start, just try to make so big rides this year and meet some locals, you will progress much quicker
Cheers, ash