How to Get Scouted in Soccer: A Full Guide
No matter where you are in your soccer journey there has probably been a point in your life where you asked yourself, how do I get scouted in soccer? If you ask any youth soccer player what they want to be when they grow up, the majority will say they want to become professional soccer players.
Becoming a professional athlete in any sport, not just soccer, is one of the hardest things to do because the competition is so high and everyone says they want to do it. However, only a small percentage of soccer players do actually make it to the professional level because it takes a lot of talent, determination, consistency, and so much more.
From playing the game as much as possible, to becoming the standout player on your teams, and even creating your highlight video, every step in the recruitment process matters. In this blog post I will be going over some tips and steps for how to get scouted in soccer, like exceptional speed, incredible dribbling ability, a powerful shot, or elite vision and passing.
How to Get Scouted in Soccer
Develop Your Unique Talent
The most important trait you need as a footballer is talent and your unique talent is determined by your physical attributes and soccer skills. At the highest level you need to be strong in every skill of the game, however, even then players have some skills that help them stand out more — like exceptional speed, incredible dribbling ability, a powerful shot, or elite vision and passing.
The point is to find out what makes you stand out and double down on it until it becomes undeniable to anyone watching you play.
Have a Strong Foundation of Basic Soccer Skills
As I mentioned above you need a strong foundation of all soccer skills if you want to get scouted and this includes:
- Soccer IQ
- Speed (physical or mental)
- mental toughness
- First touch
- Vision
- dribbling
- passing
- shooting
- decision making
- creativity
- composure
- Athletic prowess
- Positive attitude
Treat Soccer Like a Job and Not a Hobby On and Off the Field
What is the difference between a job and a hobby? A job is something that you depend on to make money and provide for you and your family while a hobby is something you do for fun. Realize that even though you started playing soccer because it was fun, if you want it to become your career you need to treat it like a job.
Improve Physically, Mentally, and Spiritually
As a footballer you need to be improving, even if it is just 1% each day, physically, mentally, and spiritually. This constant growth will not only enhance your overall game but also allow you to prepare for the demands of a professional soccer career and stand out to scouts and coaches at games and training sessions.
Compete at the Highest Level Possible
Always aim to be playing in the best leagues in your city because you never know who is watching and also make sure you are always competing at the highest level. Whether that is for school, official semi-professional league, or even a high-level Sunday league.
Increase Your Exposure
Some of the best ways to increase your exposure and get your name out there is by attending open trials, ID camps, and even pickup games. As mentioned above you never know who you might meet that has connections to a certain team or league you’re interested in joining.
Network
Networking is one of the most important things as a footballer because it can open up a bunch of doors and opportunities. Network at events such as open trials, live soccer games, etc with fans, players, and coaches and increase your connections in the football world.
Create Highlight Reels
One way for scouts to get a glimpse of you and your play style is by putting together a highlight reel featuring your best plays to showcase your talent, which can be done by recording games with a soccer camera and editing them, or having someone do that for you. A well-edited highlight reel can emphasize your technical skills, decision-making, and overall potential, making you stand out to both scouts and college coaches.
Stay Consistent and Create Opportunities for Yourself, Do not Wait
Last but not least, make sure you stay consistent with all of the tips above as well as stay consistent with all of your training and recovery off the field which includes your sleep, nutrition, hydration, EMF exposure, and mitochondrial function.
Summary
To summarize, this post explains how to get scouted in soccer by developing your talent and getting out of your comfort zone to create opportunities and ultimately, a name for yourself. Whether your goal is to play college soccer or become a professional soccer player, consistent effort and smart exposure can significantly enhance your chances of being noticed by scouts and coaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can attending soccer camps and creating a highlight video help you get scouted by college coaches and pro teams?
Attending soccer camps and creating a highlight video can help you get scouted by college soccer coaches and professional teams because it showcases your best plays and skills. Soccer scouts and college coaches can evaluate your talent and potential through these tools, increasing your chances of being recruited for college soccer or professional clubs.
How does playing club soccer and focusing on skills like ball control improve your chances of getting noticed by a football scout?
Playing club soccer and focusing on skills like ball control can significantly enhance your chances of getting noticed by scouts. Club teams and tournaments offer opportunities to demonstrate your skill development, decision-making, and tactical awareness, all key factors in talent identification.
How can I begin improving my soccer skills right now?
To begin improving your soccer skills right now, check out our post on the best soccer training drills. If you are looking to accelerate your progress, contact us or sign an interest form for our private training program.
How can I learn more about the game?
To learn more about soccer the most important thing is to join a team and play the game as much as possible. If possible, analyze high level games as much as you can and your own games as well by recording them with a soccer camera. Also read soccer books, listen to podcasts and interviews, watch soccer documentaries, as well as some movies, tv shows, and anime.
