The ONLY 2 Football Pathways to Pro (Amateur players only)

Summary

In this video, football agent Alan Jared discusses the two main pathways for amateur players aspiring to go pro in Europe. For younger players, he suggests aiming high by joining Division One or Two clubs, where they can start in the international section and work their way up to the youth or senior teams. For older players, he recommends a more realistic approach by joining lower division clubs, where they can directly join the youth or first team without a long trial period. Factors such as age, financial situation, and personal goals should be considered when choosing a path.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alan Jared, a full-time football agent and founder of Australia's largest player agency, discusses pathways for amateur players to go pro in Europe.
• 🌍 There are two main pathways for amateur players: aiming high with Division One or Two clubs, or being realistic with Division Three, Four, or Five clubs.
• 🔍 Players who aim high typically start in an international section of the club, proving themselves to potentially join the youth team.
• 🔄 For those under 18, there's a possibility to join the youth team, but at 18, players are often considered for senior teams or C teams.
• 🏆 At higher division clubs, there are more opportunities like C teams, B teams, and sister clubs for players to progress.
• 💪 For players 18 and over, the realistic pathway often involves going straight into a lower division team's first team or under-19s team.
• 💰 Age and financial situation are significant factors in deciding whether to aim high or be realistic.
• 📈 Younger players (17 and under) are advised to aim high, while older players (18 and over) might find more success being realistic.
• 🤝 Alan's agency offers free consultations to help players understand their options and make informed decisions about their football careers.
• 📝 The script emphasizes the importance of considering individual circumstances, including player's age, financial situation, and personal goals, when choosing a pathway.

Q & A

What are the two main pathways for amateur players trying out overseas in Europe?

The two main pathways are aiming to join Division One or Two clubs, which involves a structured trial process within the club's international section, or aiming for Division Three, Four, or Five clubs, which typically involves a quicker integration into the team but with less structured support.

Who is Alan Jared and what is his role in the football industry?

Alan Jared is a full-time football agent and the founder of Australia's largest player agency, Elite Football. He works with over 25 professional clubs across Europe, South America, and the Middle East, helping players sign professional contracts and scholarships.

What is the significance of age in the trial process for European clubs?

Age plays a crucial role in determining the pathway and the club's youth system a player can access. For instance, 18-year-olds are considered too old for under-19 teams in Spain and may focus on the senior team instead.

How does the trial process differ for players under 18 and those who are 18 and older?

For players under 18, the aim is to perform well in the international section to get invited to train with the youth team. For those 18 and older, they aim to train with the C team or get loaned to a sister club in a lower division if they are not ready for the C team.

What is the role of sister clubs in the trial process for amateur players?

Sister clubs play a role in providing game time and development opportunities for players who show potential but are not yet ready for the C team of a higher division club. They may be loaned to these clubs to gain experience.

What are the advantages of aiming for higher division clubs during trials?

Aiming for higher division clubs offers a structured setup with more resources and a clear pathway from the international section to the youth and senior teams, potentially providing more opportunities for development.

What are the potential downsides of trying out for lower division clubs?

The downside of going to lower division clubs is the lack of a structured international section, which means players might face immediate pressure to perform and could be let go if they do not meet expectations.

How does financial situation impact the decision to aim high or be realistic when trying out overseas?

The financial situation can influence the decision as trials and living overseas can be expensive. Players with limited funds might opt for a more realistic approach to reduce risk.

What advice does Alan Jared give for players who are 17 and younger?

Alan Jared suggests that players who are 17 and younger should aim as high as possible to take advantage of the structured development opportunities in higher division clubs.

What factors does Elite Football consider when advising players on their trial pathways?

Elite Football considers factors such as age, financial situation, player position, time of year for going overseas, and the player's personal goals and risk tolerance when advising on trial pathways.

How can players get a free consultation with an agent from Elite Football?

Players can apply for a free consultation by visiting the provided link on Alan Jared's website, where they can discuss their options and receive personalized advice.