How to Get Scouted at Football Trials Europe
If you dream of becoming a professional level soccer player and football is your passion, then you must be willing to put in the work to make a successful career out of it. Being a well-rounded and extremely talented player is half the battle, but you will already know that showcasing your talent in front of a football scout is your ticket to signing a professional soccer contract and playing for professional football clubs.
International Football Development soccer academy has countless success stories and knows the formular for taking elite players from soccer tryouts, trial days, training sessions and positioning them in soccer trials with professional club scouts in attendance.
The International Football Development guide to getting scouted will give you the best possible chance of success this season. European football is an extremely tough business, but there are some key pointers to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
Give 100% Every Training Session and Start Young
Becoming a professional soccer player is a long road and takes persistence, focus and hard work. Most elite football players are scouted in their early teens, so you need to be focused on your goal from a young age. Often at this young age, family members are the guiding light in ensuring young players remain focused and train with a goal in mind.
If you have not been scouted yet, don't give up! Many players develop that winning mindset and true passion for pushing themselves mentally and physically at an older age. Players between the ages of 16 to 19 are physically developed and often finished with their tertiary commitments making them ideally suited to take on academy life with the opportunity to sign with a professional club.
Get Yourself into a Local League
It goes without saying that you need to be playing regularly and emersed in a team environment, this where it all starts! Training consistently and playing in your local league to showcase your talent positions you in the correct circles to get eyes on your game.
Depending on your league, football scouts are regularly attending games in the search for undiscovered talent from a young age. You need to be on the pitch playing to capitalize on the opportunities, remember you never know who may be in the crowd.
Attend an IFD Pro Football Trial
International Football Development holds Pro Football Trials each season giving an exclusive group of players exclusive access to Professional Portugues Soccer Clubs, World-Class Training Facilities and our UEFA qualified coaches and ex-professional players.
IFD Pro Trials are held in Porto, Portugal in February and March 2023. You can secure your spot here but act fast as spots are limited and filling fast.
Pro Trials are open to players born 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and include all playing positions including goal keeping.
6 Things Pro Football Scouts Look For during a Trial or Game:
Soccer scouts look for a few critical characteristics when scouting for new talent and we have collected six to increase your likelihood of catching their eye during your next trial.
1 First Impressions Count
Show up to your game or trial early and prepared. Scouts will remember their first impression of you so make it a positive one putting your best foot forward. Make sure you have the right gear and are in the best possible physical shape - there are no excused for being unfit.
If you know a scout is going to be at your next game or you have a trial coming up, plan your training and nutrition accordingly. Hydrate adequately and fuel your body with good nutrition to ensure you last the day playing to your full potential.
2 Don't Be Over-The-Top
Be the best version of yourself, don't try to be someone else. Play as you normally would and maximize your time on the pitch not only showcasing your own talents but demonstrating your ability to be a team player (See point 4).
Scouts will look at your overall impact on the game rather than a single party trick. Focus on doing the simple things to your best potential and build your highlights off those.
3 Don't be a One-Trick-Pony
Scouts are often looking for young players they can mold and develop. It's important you show your versatility when playing including pushing back to defend or up the pitch to attack when the opportunity presents itself. Don't be afraid to take the game on when you get the opportunity!
Taking your opportunities while on the field will show you have a tactical mindset and are a strategic thinker with a high game IQ.
4 Be a Team Player
Playing selfish is a sure-fire way to put scouts off! Selfish players can be detrimental to the team dynamic and are out to take the limelight from their teammates.
Soccer is a team sport, and the team is only as strong as its weakest link. Scouts want to see how you strengthen the team overall and how you lift your teammates and include them in the game.
Always encourage your teammates and lead by example!
5 Communicate with your Team
Good teamwork requires good communication. Professional teams often know each other so well they can anticipate their next move but that doesn't mean they don't communicate clearly.
Football requires communication between teammates at all times and is equally as important when you have the ball as to when you don't have possession.
Good communication means using clear vocal instruction that is direct but not aggressive. Communication can be negative also so keep your emotions in check if you lose the ball or are tackled. Negative communication is bad for team moral and won't get you the attention of professional scouts.
6 Take Constructive Feedback
A great player doesn't just take constructive feedback, they seek it! At half time, speak with your coach and teammates to gather important feedback and advice to take on board for the second half.
Pro Soccer Scouts will be looking for players that not only have the talent on the field but are also willing to take direction and can be molded to become better players.
These six tips on how to impress scouts are not only valuable information for your next trial but should be something you look to incorporate into your game during your entire season. Remember to work hard, be a team player and set goals. Doing all these things will give you the best chance of impressing scouts and being successful in your goal of becoming a professional football player.
