How to get scouted in Football?

SoccerbaseNG have collated the best in depth advice from real life football professionals on how to get scouted which is set to provide you basic information to improve your chances of getting scouted.

Scouting is a football clubs main process of talent identification and gaining tactical intelligence on opponents. Clubs deploy a player scout to attend matches (or training, soccer schools etc) to find potential signings to improve their academy or first team and once a hot prospect is found the scout will invite them to a football trial to assess their abilities before offering them a contract.

Becoming a professional football player as a kid is an ultimate dream. Scoring a goal in front of thousands of fans in a tournament Final, diving over the try line to win your local clubs trophy or hitting the winning runs to clinch an ashes series. These are the kind of moments most soccer player wished for and the journey to becoming that hero can start by being scouted.

We're focusing on how you can better your chances of being scouted for a football team. As a player pre-season is the perfect time to get your fitness and overall game up to scratch to give you the greatest chance of being scouted in the up and coming season. The role of a scout at a football club is a position that largely goes unnoticed to the fans and the media.

However, players only post their best bits of play online but seeing a player live is still the best way to determine whether or not they have the potential to make it.

"The pitch doesn't lie. When you see a guy 20 times...and when you see a kid warming up, you learn many things."

What are football scouts looking for?

Potentially the most important asset a player can have is their temperament. Keeping your head together when the going gets tough can often be the magic spark that separates the good players from the best players, something young hopefuls need to learn if they want to be scouted and make it all the way to the top. Clubs will often want to talk with players families to get a greater insight into their temperament. There are a number of angles a scout can approach when looking into the mental ability of a player, but seeing a player on the football pitch is best approach.

"All scouts are different but one of the big things most look for is attitude and desire."

Attitude is first and foremost. If they haven't got the mental capacity to push themselves then you would question how far they can progress."

How do you get a Scouts attention?

A great way to improve your chances of getting scouted is to get into the mind of a football scout. Understanding the scouting process and what scouts look for can give you the edge over your competition. We can definitely establish how imperative it is for young players to create and maintain a strong mentality. If you want to increase your chances of getting scouted then working hard during pre-season is just the start. You may not be the most technically gifted person in your team, but if you have the correct attitude and desire then there is no reason why it can't be you that scouts like.

For sure, temperament isn't the only asset you're going to need if you want to succeed. Your technique needs to be up to scratch if you want to get noticed. A great first touch and a close control are essential to any modern day footballer and the best will be able to play with their head up, spot a pass and execute it without really having to think about it.

Being able to use both feet is also an important asset to anyone's game. You might look at some of the best players in the world and think they hardly ever use their weaker foot, but they will all be able to use their weaker foot very comfortably. Trying to improve this can make you a much better player.

With young players you often find they try one too many tricks or take the ball themselves when they should be picking out a team mate who is in a better position. Fancy feet and a high skill set are all well and good, but if you can't use it to the advantage of yourself and the team in a 90-minute game then you may as well not use them at all.

"I am specifically looking for a quick change of pace that will beat a player, or change a game in an instant."

Speed is such an integral part of the modern game. No matter where you play on the pitch, being able to cover the ground efficiently is so important so if this is one of your weak points, making it into the professional limelight could prove to be an uphill struggle. Most scout is always looking for someone who can have a sudden burst of speed;

Possibly one of the best examples of a player showing how important speed is was Erastus goal in final for Crystal Palace Fc Sri Lanka. If you want to become a professional footballer, you're going to have to try and find a way to not get beaten like that every time a quick player takes you on.

This is also the perfect example of how valuable a quick player can be on the counter attack, anyone who can produce the sudden burst of speed has every chance of being noted by a scout.

"You'll rarely see me with my eyes on the ball during a match. I need to find out about a player's character. I'll be busy looking at things like their position on the pitch, and whether they're prepared to get stuck in and help their team-mates out."

Tactical awareness, often referred to as football IQ, is key to anyone who hopes to make it right to the top. Making the decision to take on a player, pass to a team mate, make that darting run into space or standing up to a tackle instead of diving in are all examples of good tactical awareness. Of course, you're not going to be able to make the correct decision all the time but scouts will be looking at the players who are doing it on a regular basis. Knowing where to be on the pitch at the correct time is imperative, whilst knowing where you're next pass is going before you have received the ball is something you are taught to do from a young age. Something like knowing where the goalkeeper is situated as a striker will benefit you greatly.

Being as fit as possible is only going to enhance your chances to prove yourself in games too, so if a scout decides they might like the look of you, you will be able to thank all the hard work you put in now rather than later down the line. To give yourself the best chance of being scouted, working hard during is key. Scouts watch as much video footage as possible to back up what they have seen in live games regarding the player’s technical and physical ability. If you think you have what it takes, request video recording during your training and friendlies so we can share them out there for scout and agent to see.

#footballtrialtips #SoccerbaseNG