How to Get Scouted for Soccer in 2024: A Complete Guide for Young Players and Parents

Scouts are always on the lookout for the next big thing in soccer. For this, they look at things like technical skills, physical attributes, soccer IQ, etc.

Let’s go through each of these characteristics one by one.

Technical Skills: Dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control.
Physical Attributes: Speed, agility, stamina, strength, and physical maturity (depending on age group).
Tactical Awareness: Game intelligence, understanding of roles, and ability to read the game.

Mental Toughness: Focus, determination, leadership potential, and ability to handle pressure.
Potential: Potential for future development and adaptation to higher levels.

Different Scouting Methods

Once upon a time, scouts had to attend each game to find the best talent. But that’s not the case anymore.

Let’s look at the different methods that scouts use.

Live Scouting: Attending matches and tournaments to observe players firsthand.
Video Analysis: Evaluating player performance through recorded footage.

Data Analysis: Reviewing statistical data and metrics to identify promising players.
Network and Recommendations: Leveraging connections within the soccer community to discover talented individuals.

The Scouting Ladder

You need to be aware of the scouting ladder or hierarchy if you want to play professional soccer.

The scouting ladder is a hierarchical structure within the soccer world. It guides the identification and development of talented players.

Young players are first scouted for local or regional teams. Bigger clubs then notice the exceptional young players before signing them up.

The Role of Agents

Agents are not essential. But they can be your doorway to clubs and scouts.

If you do choose to sign with an agent, make sure they’re right for you.

How to Get Scouted For Soccer

Step 1: Train and Develop Your Skills

Okay, first things first. You need to be good at soccer or at least show potential to get scouted. That’s a given.

But the good news is that no one is born with the skills (except Messi). Everyone has to work hard and train to get to the next level.

So, let’s look at how you can do that.

Improve your Technical Skills

Technical skills are the cornerstone of a good soccer player. If you’re a master of the technical side then you can succeed even if you lack the physical attributes.

Unlike other sports, soccer does not need you to be of a certain height or weight to succeed. Players like Lionel Messi, Santi Cazorla, and David Silva are great examples.

Here’s how you can hone your technical skills.

1. Dribbling and Control

You want to make the ball an extension of your foot. To do that, you need to have a ball at your feet – everywhere and every day!

Take every opportunity to practice dribbling the ball. Whether you’re at home, in the park, or even while walking.

And don’t forget to master the fundamentals before moving on to the tricks and skills. This includes:

learning how to trap the ball with different parts of your foot
maintaining close control at various speeds, and

changing direction with agility.

Also, don’t ignore your non-dominant foot. Aim for equal comfort and control when dribbling with both feet.

You won’t see the use at the beginning levels. But believe me, as you progress and your opponents get stronger, you’ll thank me for this advice.

2. Passing and Receiving

Knowing how to pass and receive a ball is the bread and butter of soccer. You’ll be the coach’s favorite if you’re skilled at these techniques.

So how do you improve these techniques?

First, your passes need to be accurate. A skilled passer can deliver accurate passes consistently.

Practice passing drills like one-touch, long-ball, and ground passing to improve your accuracy.

You also need to master different passing techniques.

Explore and practice different passing techniques in your sessions. Chip the ball over defenders, or play diagonal passes to switch the field.

Also, practice playing through balls as it’s a vital technique in attacking plays.

Finally, find a training partner. It could be your friend or another player at soccer practice.

This will boost your passing and receiving practice. Practicing with a partner will also improve your communication, timing, and anticipation skills.

Interested in learning the art of passing in soccer? Check out this article for a more in-depth look at passing and how you can improve it.

Or check out our article on through balls in soccer.

3. Shooting and Finishing

Shooting is all about power and precision. Practice shooting drills using different techniques like laces, sidefoot, and volleys.

You can gradually increase the power of your shots while maintaining consistent accuracy.

Another important point is to not focus on just one type of shooting technique. A well-rounded player possesses a diverse finishing skillset.

So learn and practice various finishing techniques. This could include first-time shots, headers, and chipped finishes.

Also, practice placing shots into specific areas of the net to improve your accuracy.

Finally, don’t just practice shooting in isolation. You can practice your shooting in small-sided games.

Or, create drills that replicate game-like scenarios. Finish after dribbling past defenders, receive a cross inside the box, or take a shot on the turn.

These drills will prepare you for the mental and technical demands of scoring in a match.

Improve Your Physical Fitness

Don’t mistake physical fitness in soccer with gaining mass and lifting weights. It’s much more than that.

Being fit in soccer means that you can outrun opponents, react quickly, and maintain peak performance throughout the game.

Strength and power do help. But it’s not the be-all-and-end-all.

Here’s how you can improve your physical fitness and become a powerhouse on the field.

1. Speed and Agility

To succeed in soccer you need to have pace and agility.

Exercises like sprints, plyometric jumps, and ladder drills can help you achieve this.

These drills will improve your explosive power. They will also allow you to accelerate and change direction with ease.

Another useful drill is the agility ladder drill. Use agility ladders to practice footwork patterns, and improve coordination.

You can start with basic drills like single-leg hops. Then progress to more complex patterns as your agility improves.

Also include drills like shuttles, cone drills, and carioca drills in your training.

These exercises simulate game situations. In these drills, you must change directions fast while retaining speed and control.

2. Stamina and Endurance

Soccer is a game full of running. So, you need to build up the stamina to last the full 90 minutes.

Interval training is one of the most effective exercises to build up your stamina. In it, you alternate between sprints and periods of moderate activity (jogging).

This method improves your lung capacity and allows you to perform at a high level for longer periods.

You can also do long-distance runs to improve your stamina.

Make long-distance runs (30-60 minutes) a regular part of your routine. This will build your aerobic base to efficiently use oxygen during games.

3. Strength and Power

We’ll now talk about strength and power in soccer. They’re important to shield the ball, win headers, and outmuscle your opponent.

The most common way to build up your strength is through strength training. Do weight training exercises that target major muscle groups like legs, core, and upper body.

Then, focus on functional strength exercises that mimic movements used in soccer.

These could be exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts, and push-ups. These functional exercises lead to improved performance on the field.

Finally, focus on proper form over heavier weights. An incorrect form can lead to injuries and hinder your progress.

You can also seek help from a certified fitness professional to ensure proper form.

Sharpen Your Tactical Awareness

Tactical awareness, or Soccer IQ, is as important in soccer as physical attributes. It is the ability to understand the game’s flow, anticipate situations, and make informed decisions.

Soccer IQ separates good players from exceptional ones.

Here’s how you can sharpen your tactical awareness.

1. Understand your position

Whether you’re a defender, midfielder, or attacker, understand your role within the team’s strategy.

The best way to do this is to watch professional soccer games. Analyze how players in your position move off the ball and react to different situations.

You can also do drills designed to improve positional awareness.

These drills could be:

maintaining proper defensive shape,
anticipating attacking runs, or

occupying useful spaces.

2. Learn how to read the game

Develop the habit of constantly scanning the entire field during play. This allows you to predict opponent movement and make split-second decisions.

It will also help you to see potential threats and opportunities.

Also, develop the habit of predicting your teammates’ and opponents’ moves. Don’t just react to situations as they unfold.

Finally, pay attention to the subtle cues players exhibit. These could be body positioning, eye movement, and changes in direction.

Step 2: Maximize Your Exposure

Great! You’ve improved your soccer skills.

But is it enough to get scouted for soccer?

Not quite. You also need to build up your profile and get in front of the scouts.

In this section, I’ll tell you the MOST EFFECTIVE ways to do that.

Play in Competitive Matches

You need to showcase your skills in competitive matches. There are several ways you can do that:

Join a club team
Play in school teams

Take part in local leagues and tournaments

Let’s look at each method in more detail.

1. Join a club team

Joining a soccer club is the most effective way to get in front of the scouts. That’s why it’s also the most selective option.

You’ll get a lot of benefits from playing in a club team. Some of the benefits are:

structured training sessions,
coaching from experienced professionals, and

participation in competitive leagues and tournaments.

A club also provides consistent development and exposure to a higher level of play.

But how can you find a club to play in?

You can research local clubs in your area that offer teams for your age group and skill level.

After finding a local club, attend their tryouts. Also, talk to players and coaches to get information about the club’s culture.

As your skills progress, aim to join clubs competing in higher leagues.

This will expose you to tougher competition and attract scouts from better leagues.

Want to know about the best soccer youth academies in the world? Then check out this article.

2. Play in school teams

Another good option is to play for your school team.

Many schools have soccer teams that compete in inter-school leagues and tournaments. This is a fantastic platform to gain valuable experience playing against other schools.

School tournaments and leagues can also be valuable scouting grounds. Most of the time, your coach will notify the team before a match if a scout is attending.

Make the most of these situations. Perform to the best of your ability and leave a lasting impression on scouts present at these events.

3. Take part in local leagues and tournaments

You can also take part in local leagues and tournaments beyond your school or club team.

These tournaments are organized by community centers or private organizations.

They offer great opportunities to test your skills against teams from different backgrounds.

Local tournaments are most effective for earning recognition in your local community. It’s all about taking every opportunity presented to you.

You can find a list of local tournaments in the USA at GotSoccer.com.

You can also join soccer organizations like AYSO and DPL (for girls) to gain exposure.

Participate in Showcase Events

Showcase events are an excellent way for you to gain exposure. You can get scouted by college coaches and professional clubs at these events.

There are different kinds of showcase events you can take part in. These are:

National Events

ID Camps
International Events

Let’s look at each one in more detail.

National Events

National showcase events attract teams from across the country. These events feature high-level competition and large audiences.

You can take part in these events to showcase your skills against top competition. There’s also a good chance that you’ll catch the eye of scouts from a wide range of colleges and professional clubs.

Some of the well-known national showcase events are:

ID Camps

Embed from Getty Images

ID camps or Identification camps are intensive events that can last several days.

Here, you can receive direct coaching from college coaches and other soccer experts. You will also take part in drills, scrimmages, and other activities designed to assess your skills.

So, it’s a great way to gain exposure and get in front of the scouts.

Some of the well-known ID camps are:

EXACT Sports National Showcase and ID Camp

International Showcase Events

International showcase events will provide you exposure to global scouts and coaches.

You should look out for these events if you plan to play soccer beyond the US.

Here are some notable international showcase events you can look out for:

You can also visit GotSoccer to see the upcoming showcase events.

Create a Highlights Video

A highlights reel is not essential to get scouted for soccer. But I’d advice you to still make one.

How does it help?

A highlights video can be valuable to showcase your skills to colleges and scouts.

It can also serve as a valuable first impression for scouts who don’t get the chance to see you play in person.

Another benefit of a highlights reel is that it’s focused just on you. There are no distractions to steal the limelight from your skills.

Here’s a quick run-down on how to make a great highlights video.

1. Gather your footage

Collect video clips of your best moments from matches, training sessions, and tournaments.

Make sure that the footage is high-quality. You don’t want to send pixelated or shaky videos to the scouts.

Ensure good lighting, clear sound, and steady camera work.

If possible, use various camera angles to capture different perspectives of your play.

2. Choose the right editing software

There are both free and paid editing software available in the market.

Paid Options:

Adobe Premiere Pro
Final Cut Pro (for Mac)

Free Options:

3. Organize your clips

Now you need to create a logical flow to your highlights.

You can sort your clips by goals, assists, defensive plays, dribbling skills, etc.

4. Create a captivating intro

It’s good practice to start with a brief introduction of yourself. This will include your name, age, position, and other relevant information like stats.

5. Start with your best moments

Begin the highlights video with your best moments. You want to grab the viewer’s attention in the first 10 seconds.

In fact, I’d recommend you keep only the most impactful segments in the entire video.

Be harsh in removing any below-par highlights.

6. Keep it concise

If you’ve followed the last step, you won’t have a problem with this one.

Aim for a video between 2-5 minutes in length.

You want to keep it short because scouts are often busy and prefer small presentations that can quickly showcase your skills.

7. Add extra effects

Give finishing touches to your highlights reel by adding effects.

Use text overlays to provide context for each clip. You can provide details like the opponent and date of the clip.

Another good practice is to highlight yourself in the video through visual cues. Use circles or arrows to clearly mark yourself in the video.

You can also add background music to enhance the mood of your video.

Make sure to choose upbeat or motivational tracks.

Also, don’t overuse any effects. You don’t want to overwhelm the viewer.

8. Add contact information at the end

End the highlights reel with a conclusion cover and contact information. Make it easy for the scouts to reach out to you if they want to.

9. Share the highlights video

Now that the highlights reel is complete, you’re ready to share it with the world.

There are several ways to go about sharing the video.

You can upload the video on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Hudl.

Sharing the video on social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn can also be a good idea. You can even tag scouts and clubs on the video to get their attention.

You can also reach out to scouts and coaches through email. Attach the video link with the email along with a brief introduction and your background.

How to Prepare for a Scouting Event

You’re selected to play in a scouting event or tryout. That’s great!

But the job’s not done yet. You need to be at your best to impress the coaches and scouts present at the event.

In this section, I’ll tell you the most effective ways to prepare for a soccer scouting event.

Pre-game preparation

You want to be both physically and mentally prepared before the big game.

Here’s how you can do it.

1. Mental focus and visualization

First, you want to have clear goals of what you want to achieve at the event.

Now, I don’t mean goals like “I want to be scouted today” or “I will give my best”.

Aim for more specific goals.

Do you want to showcase certain skills in the game?

Do you want to record a certain number of successful passes?

If you’re a defender, do you want to record a certain number of interceptions or tackles?

This will provide you with achievable goals that you can fulfill during the game.

Then, engage in positive self-talk to boost your confidence. It’s a good idea to remind yourself of your strengths, skills, and past successes before the game.

You can also try to visualize yourself performing well on the field. Mentally rehearse your performance.

Imagine yourself doing skills, making smart decisions, and contributing to the team’s play.

2. Physical preparation

It’s also important to make sure that your body and your mind are in sync. For that you want your body to be in top condition before the game.

Make sure you do a proper warm-up. A lot of young players underestimate the power of a warm-up. Don’t make that mistake.

women's soccer players doing warm up — Photo by Jeffrey F Lin on Unsplash

You can do stretches and light jogging that activate your muscles and prepare your body for the game.

Also, stay hydrated! And not only on the day of the event but also a day or two before.

On the game day, carry a bottle of water or sports drinks with you. Continue to take sips during your warm-up and throughout the match.

Finally, eat healthy. Choose a pre-game meal that will give you energy without being too heavy or difficult to digest.

I’d recommend eating easily digestible carbohydrates and lean protein.

3. Gear and Equipment

You’d be surprised how easy it is to forget the most basic things on the big day. I’ve learned it the hard way.

Make a checklist of all the equipment you’ll need for the match. Here’s a quick checklist to help you make your own.

Playing attire:
1. Soccer jersey
2. Soccer shorts
3. Soccer socks
4. Shin guards
5. Cleats (clean and appropriate for the playing surface)
6. Goalkeeper gloves (if you are a goalkeeper)
Personal:
1. Water bottle
2. Snacks
3. Personal hygiene items (deodorant, sunscreen, etc.)
Warm-up gear:
1. Ball
2. Accessories (Hair ties, headband, etc.)
Documents:
1. Player ID (if required by the event)
2. Medical insurance card (in case of emergencies)

This is not an exhaustive list by any means. You can add more items according to your needs.

Just make sure to make one before the event.

Also, make sure that your attire and shoes are well-fitting. Double-check that your boots are clean and provide good traction.

Finally, try to arrive early at the event. It’s not a make-or-break deal, but it could give you an edge over others.

Arriving early will give you enough time to warm-up and get to know the playing surface. You could also get a chance to interact with coaches or scouts present at the event before the game.

On-field Performance

Focus on these things during the game to leave the best impression on coaches and scouts.

1. Showcase your strengths

You want to focus on your best skills during a tryout game.

If you’re skilled at playing long passes then play long passes at every chance. Or maybe you’re skilled at playing short intricate passes.

Don’t try to do stuff that you’re not the best at.

Also, don’t try to do risky plays. You will have the chance to take risks later in your career. A tryout is NOT the stage to try these things.

2. Show teamwork and game awareness

You also want the scouts to know that you play for the team.

It’s hard to do that when you’re playing in a team full of strangers. But try to show your teamwork abilities throughout the game.

Also, show that you know how to follow the game plan. Stay disciplined and maintain your assigned position during the game.

Finally, be proactive. Don’t just react to situations.

Predict the plays, make intelligent runs, and always offer yourself as an option for your teammates.

3. Showcase your positive qualities

Maintain a positive attitude during the game. No matter if you’re winning or losing; never lose your head.

Also, be open and responsive to feedback from the coaches. The scouts should know you’re eager to improve and learn from your experience.

Finally, give it your all. Put in maximum effort throughout the game. Show your commitment, work ethic, and dedication to the sport.

10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Get Scouted for Soccer

I’ve told you what to do when trying to get scouted for soccer. Now let’s look at WHAT NOT TO DO.

Here are 10 mistakes you NEED to avoid when trying to get scouted for soccer.

1. Focusing solely on individual performance

Remember, soccer is a team sport.

And don’t get me wrong. You want to showcase your skills as well. But don’t focus solely on them.

Contribute to the team’s success through effective teamwork, communication, and tactical understanding.

And never forget your defensive responsibilities. Even if you’re an attacker, you need to track back and help out your defense.

2. Neglecting the basics

To be great at soccer, you must master your basics.

If you don’t have a grasp of the fundamental skills then the flashy tricks become useless.

Make sure you’re perfect at basic skills like passing, dribbling, and shooting. Then you can move on to the more advanced skills.

3. Ignoring mental preparation

As I said before, soccer is a game of both the mind and body. And a lot of young players overlook the importance of mental preparation in soccer.

Mental strength is crucial for performing at your best under pressure.

You don’t want to enter the game with anxiety or negativity.

So, use positive self-talk and remain calm and composed during the match.

4. Neglecting pre-game preparation

Another common mistake young players make is that they overlook the pre-game prep. You should avoid this trap.

Arrive early at events, do a thorough warm-up, and stay hydrated. Skipping these steps can affect your performance and limit your ability to show your full potential.

5. Trying to do too much

It’s easy to get swept in the excitement of scouting events. This makes a lot of players try to do everything by themselves.

But you can be smarter than that.

Don’t attempt risky moves that could jeopardize your and your team’s performance.

Focus on playing within your capabilities and try to make intelligent decisions.

6. Taking feedback in a negative way

Always be open to constructive criticism from coaches, peers, or scouts.

You can either learn from the feedback or let it negatively affect you. The better option is to choose the former.

In fact, you should actively seek opportunities to learn and improve your weaknesses. If you feel your coach is not giving you enough feedback then ask them what you can improve.

7. Giving up easily

Don’t let setbacks or a single bad game discourage you. Even the greatest soccer players have bad days at the office.

Maintain a positive attitude, work hard, and believe in your abilities. Scouts value players with perseverance and resilience.

8. Relying solely on highlights videos

Making a highlights video is good practice. But alone it’s not enough to get you scouted for soccer.

A highlights video is not a substitute for strong performances on the field.

Scouts still prefer to watch emerging talents play live rather than on video.

So, do have a highlights reel in your arsenal. But don’t make it your primary weapon.

9. Ignoring the power of rest and recovery

You cannot play soccer at your best level if you’re tired.

The best way to recover is to get enough sleep and recovery periods. It will allow your body and mind to recuperate.

Proper sleep is also essential for maintaining focus and energy during games.

10. Sacrificing academics for soccer

While soccer is important, you should not neglect your academics.

And a good academic record isn’t just to impress your parents.

You see, most colleges and clubs also prefer players with strong academic records.

A good academic record shows the scouts that you’re disciplined and can take on many tasks at once.

How to Network With Scouts and Coaches

Building connections with scouts and coaches can be a powerful tool for you to get scouted.

They can:

offer valuable guidance,
provide insights into the scouting process, and
open doors to future opportunities.

Before we start, you should keep in mind that building a network takes time and effort. So be patient and keep working. The results will come.

Here are some EFFECTIVE methods to network with scouts and coaches.

1. Attend events and tournaments

Attend all the soccer events and tournaments you can. These include showcase events, college tournaments, ID camps, and local tournaments.

Coaches and scouts often visit these events to see the talent on display.

You can network with the scouts at these events and ask them about their scouting process.

2. Be proactive and take initiative

You shouldn’t wait for a scout to find you. Instead, reach out directly to them.

Research contact information for scouts and coaches online or through your network.

Then send a brief email introducing yourself, mentioning your playing experience and aspirations.

Also, give the scouts something to reply to. What I mean is that you should also ask for their advice or guidance about soccer scouting.

REMEMBER, be polite and professional, and keep your email concise and relevant.

If you don’t receive a reply, you can send one or two follow-ups after a week.

3. Use social media

Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter to follow coaches and scouts.

Engage with their content and take part in discussions. Make sure you contribute with insightful comments or questions. Showcase your knowledge and passion for the sport.

You can also join online forums dedicated to soccer or aspiring players. You can connect with peers, coaches, and scouts on these forums.

4. Make the most of your network

Talk to your friends, family, teammates, or coaches, to see if anyone has connections to scouts.

Personal connections can be valuable introductions and open doors to new opportunities.

Plus, don’t be hesitant to seek advice from mentors. Find individuals who can guide you through your journey and ask for their advice.

Their insights and advice can be invaluable in understanding the scouting process.

Thank You For Reading

So I hope you enjoyed learning about how to get scouted for soccer. If you did, then do consider sharing it with fellow soccer enthusiasts.

Your support and sharing of this content can help us reach a wider audience. It can also provide valuable information to more people who share our passion for the beautiful game.

I’d also like to hear what you have to say…

At what stage of the scouting process are you currently in?

Have you faced any rejections? How did you deal with them?

Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below right now.

And thank you for supporting Soccer Mavericks!

If you liked this article, you will love reading:

Understanding the Scouting Process

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