It is very common for talented young players to have a number of clubs that are looking to sign him up.  Over the years I’ve seen quite a few young boys, and their parents, pick the wrong club.

So what should you look for in a club if they want to sign you.  Based on my experience here are some tips.

1. Are there dedicated Under 16 and Under 18 club coaches
   These are the most important people at the club for a boy’s football development.  Are they good coaches, and do they have an approachable, and open personality.
   
   
2. Education and welfare officer
   Someone you can talk to if you have a problem.  A lot of youngsters don’t make it as a professional, and I think it’s important to be at a club who will prepare you for a life outside football.  Some clubs are better at this than others.
   
   
3. Have the club a track record for getting young players into the first team
   Find out how many players from the club’s Youth Academy have got into the first team in the last ten years. Some clubs only sign young players to make up required numbers in the Academy.
   
   
4. What record does the club have in helping released players find another club
   Some clubs have better reputations than others at helping boys get another club, once the decision has been made to release them.  Ask questions, find out what they’ve done for ex-players.
   
   
5. What are the Lodgings like?
   When you go to a club on trial you will normally be offered a hotel room to stay in.  Instead when you go to a club on trial, ask to stay in club lodgings to see what they are like.  When you sign you will not be staying in a hotel.  Are the lodgings good?  Would you be happy in them?  Will you fit in with the other people living there? It’s important to have landlords who will communicate with the parents.  Also, how far are the lodgings from the training ground?  Some are up to two bus trips away.  Talk to other boys at the club, see how they are getting on with their living arrangements.
   
   
6. Speak to the manager, to get an idea of his vision for young players
   Any parent considering to send their son to a club should make sure that they get some time with the manager.  It’s important to judge his opinion of bringing young players through.  Bear in mind though that these days, managers don’t tend to be around a long time.  I wouldn’t look on a club favourably if the manager can’t find time to speak with you.
   

I hope you find these tips useful.  In my experience, some boys go to a club because it is a big club, and quite often some parents get carried away with glamour of it all. It’s always better to go to a club were the boy will be happy.

Have you got any tips of your own.  What are your thoughts on my tips.  Let me know in the comments.

In this post I'd like to share with you some of the things that I look for when trying to find the footballers of the future

• Technique
  A player has to have a good first touch, and close control.  He should play with his head up, be able to receive the ball and pass to a team mate straight away. That is natural ability. If he is a young boy he should be able to strike the ball effortlessly.  Players need a few tricks, but how does he use them? Some players want to do too many tricks and they slow the game up, allowing the opposition defences to get back in position.
  
  
• Pace
  All players now need pace. Boys have to be like athletes, have a quick change of pace, a burst of speed to beat a player or change a game.
  
  
• Movement
  Look at what a player does when he hasn't got the ball, does he move into space to get the ball and make runs that give other players options? When he passes the ball, he should move quickly to get it back.  He needs to work hard on and off the ball?
  
  
• Awareness
  The player who can play the first-time pass without always taking a touch - that's awareness.  A player who in front of goal, doesn"t have to look up to find out were the Goalkeeper is, because his instincts tell him whether to chip or place it.
  
  
• Temperament/Attitude
  Has he got a will to win? Does he listen other players and the coach?  How does he react to decisions given by the referee, poor play from his teamates and by himself.
  

I hope you enjoyed my post.  Let me know what you think, or leave any questions in the comments.

I'd like to welcome you to the new blog section of my site.  Over the coming weeks and months I will be posting various articles from the perspective of a soccer scout.  I hope you find them interesting and that they help you get an insight into the world of soccer scouting.