Top tips on how to get scouted for football

In the competitive world of football, getting scouted is the golden ticket to realising your dreams on the pitch. Whether you’re a budding talent or a parent looking to guide your aspiring footballer, this article unveils the key strategies to catch the eye of scouts and pave your way into the world of professional football.

Play football regularly

Well this might not seem like rocket science but playing football regularly will help you get scouted believe it or not. It sounds simple and yet for so many they dream of making it to the Premier League without ever taking it further than kicking a ball around a playground at school.

Don’t underestimate the importance of playing regular, weather thats 11 a-side for your local Saturday or Sunday league team, playing 5 a-side or even hoping in a cage at your local park. The more you play the more you will sharpen your basic skills such as your control, dribbling and shooting. Not only will you be able to practice these but you will also have the freedom to try new skills and enhance your technique before you are put into an academy.

By playing regularly it gives you the freedom to learn new skills, tricks and develop a better understanding for the game. It sounds simple but by playing, scouts will be able to see you and make judgement on your ability. If you are sat at home they wont even know you exist!

You will never know when a scout is watching, it could be while you play for a school team, your 11 a-side team or even while you are at a training session. Scouts are sent out far and wide to find talent, not just to a select few games.

Act as if a scout is always watching

It’s crucial for you to consistently conduct yourself as though a scout is watching, because every moment on the field is an opportunity to showcase your skills and attitude. Football is a highly competitive sport, and scouts are constantly on the lookout for promising talent to recruit for clubs. By maintaining a professional demeanor, showing a strong work ethic, demonstrating good sportsmanship, and consistently performing at their best, you not only increase your chances of catching the eye of scouts but also make these good habits a second nature.

As someone who has recently taken the first steps into gaining their coaching badges you are taught to not make yourself known to the player or the squad until after a few visits when they have done all the relevant admin.

Be yourself on and off the pitch

Scouts are well trained in detecting if a player is putting on a front and will see it as a negative if you try and pretend to be someone who your not. By being genuine you not only show the scout the better you, but it will also help you in the future if you do get scouted.

Be a leader

This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to rally the team and be the most vocal (although that can help). It’s important to lead by example, be respectful, encourage others and hold yourself to a high standard.

Leadership on the pitch demonstrates maturity, responsibility, and the ability to inspire and motivate teammates. Scouts are not only looking for individual talent but also for players who can positively influence the dynamics of a team. These are all desirable assets for any team so will work in your favour if a scout sees you demonstrating these skills.

Be tactically aware

Follow the tactical shape of the team, if you are LB in a 4-4-2 formation, overlapping the LM might be a good idea but if you keep finding yourself in the right Striker position something has gone drastically wrong.

From a young age you are expected to know the basics of football and will quickly need to skills such as possessional and tactical awareness. If the coach is shouting instructions onto the pitch you should show the right attitude to take the feedback onboard and implement it into your game.

How old do I need to be to get scouted for football?

Most players are scouted in their early teens but its been known of clubs contacting parents/guardians of players as young as 4! Starting early increases your chances.

What positions are scouts looking for?

A2: Scouts seek players in various positions, including strikers, midfielders, wingers, defenders, and goalkeepers. Each position has specific attributes and skills scouts look for.

If you aren’t scouted within your first few seasons don’t give up! There have been so many success stories of players who made it into the game later in life. The first that springs to mind is Jamie Vardy. At the age of 16 he found himself without a club so started playing for Stocksbridge Park Steels. If you fast forward 13 years he stands on the highest stage lifting the Premier League trophy. A real ‘never give up’ story!

How to get scouted as a Goalkeeper?

Being a goalkeeper is widely considered the toughest role on the football field. As the final line of defence, any error can lead to dire consequences. They say it takes a certain level of madness to embrace this position. You can read all about how to get scouted as a goalkeeper by reading this article!