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Youth scouting

Youth football scouting, done properly

Youth scouting attracts more misinformation than any other part of the game. The honest version: age groups are assessed differently, physical maturity distorts judgement, and every legitimate approach involves the club and the parents.

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Free on AthletiLink

  • Public player profile with measurables and film
  • Availability status for transfers and trials
  • Searchable directory for clubs, coaches and scouts
  • Private scouting watchlist with notes
  • Direct messaging — no commission, no lead fees

AthletiLink helps players become more discoverable. Selection and signing decisions always belong to clubs and coaches.

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What academies assess by age

Under-12s are assessed almost entirely on technique, coordination and how they solve problems on the ball. Under-14s add decision speed and game understanding. Under-16s and above add physical output, positional discipline and how a player handles pressure.

  • Technique and first touch under pressure
  • Decision-making speed and scanning
  • Attitude, coachability and behaviour after mistakes
  • Physical output relative to biological maturity, not birth year alone
  • Consistency across several viewings, not one performance

Relative age and late developers

Players born early in a selection year are systematically over-selected, and late developers are systematically missed. Good academies correct for it; many amateur setups do not. If a young player is small for their year, technical evidence and consistent film matter even more.

Safeguarding and parents

Legitimate approaches to a minor go through the parent and the current club, and are documented. Any contact that asks a young player to keep a conversation private, or asks for money for a trial, should be reported to the club and the federation.

On AthletiLink, youth profiles are managed with a parent or guardian contact and messaging stays on-platform so there is a record.

No guarantees, ever

Nobody can promise a young player will be scouted, signed or selected. What families can control is being discoverable and being assessable: current data, honest film, a real club environment and steady development.

Step by step

  1. 01

    Play in a real environment

    Regular competitive minutes at an appropriate level beat any showcase.

  2. 02

    Film full games

    Context and consistency, not three good moments.

  3. 03

    Keep data current

    Age group, level, measurables updated each season.

  4. 04

    Involve club and parents

    Every approach documented and appropriate.

  5. 05

    Attend open trials

    Public trial listings are the honest entry route.

Frequently asked questions

Should we pay for a trial or a showcase?

Be very cautious. Legitimate club trials are usually free or low-cost and run through the club. Paid 'exposure' events rarely convert into anything.

What age do academies start scouting?

It varies by country and federation, but structured academy recruitment commonly begins around under-9 to under-12, with much larger intakes at under-14 and under-16.

Does AthletiLink guarantee I will be scouted or signed?

No, and nobody honestly can. What AthletiLink does is help players become more discoverable: your position, measurables, film and availability sit where clubs, coaches and scouts are already searching, so decision-makers can find and assess you.

Is it free?

Yes. Player and scout profiles, the directory, availability listings and messaging are free. No listing fees, no commission.

Guides

How to get scouted in football

A practical guide to becoming more discoverable in football: build a searchable profile, film the right footage, approach clubs properly and use trials without wasting seasons.

How to create a football player profile

Step-by-step guide to writing a football player profile: the facts to include, how to present measurables and film, what to leave out, and how to keep it current.

How to find a football club that actually fits

A step-by-step route into a football club: judging the right level, finding trials and open sessions, what to send a club, and how to be more discoverable while you look.

Be easier to find

Publish your position, measurables, film and availability so clubs, coaches and scouts can find and assess you. Free, with no commission.

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