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.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Pathways for Amateur Football Players

Alan Jared, a football agent and founder of Australia's largest player agency, Elite Football, discusses the two main pathways for amateur players looking to go professional by trialing overseas in Europe. The first pathway is targeting top-tier clubs (Division One and Two), which offer a structured setup and a chance to trial with the youth teams. The second pathway is focusing on lower-tier clubs (Division Three, Four, and Five), which may provide a more realistic and direct route to the first team. Alan emphasizes the importance of considering age and financial situation when choosing a pathway and invites players to apply for a free consultation to discuss their options.

05:02

😲 The Funnel System in Top-Tier Clubs

For players aiming to join top-tier clubs, the process begins with a trial in the international section of the club. Here, players from around the world compete for a chance to train with the club's youth teams. The age of the player plays a crucial role in this process. Younger players (18 and under) can still join the youth teams, while older players (18 and over) must aim for the C team or lower. Clubs may also have agreements with sister clubs, allowing players to be loaned out for game time to develop further. Alan explains the challenges and opportunities of this pathway, including the potential for rapid advancement or the risk of not being good enough for the lower teams.

10:03

😌 Realistic Pathway to Lower-Tier Clubs

The alternative pathway involves joining lower-tier clubs, which may be more suitable for older players or those with limited resources. These clubs do not have an international section, so players go straight into the under-19s team or the first team, depending on their age and ability. This route offers a more direct but riskier path, as there is no 'safety net' of an international section. Players must be prepared to prove themselves immediately and may face the possibility of being released if they do not meet the team's standards. Alan advises that while this pathway may seem less glamorous, it can still lead to professional contracts and offers a different set of challenges and opportunities.

🤔 Deciding the Right Path: High or Low?

Alan Jared concludes the video script by advising players on how to choose between the high and low pathways. He suggests that younger players (17 and under) should aim high, while older players (18 and over) might consider a more realistic approach. However, he emphasizes that each player's situation is unique and that factors such as personal goals, risk tolerance, and financial considerations should be taken into account. Alan encourages players to have a conversation with an agent to discuss their options and determine the best path for their individual circumstances. He also provides a link for a free consultation for those interested in learning more.

Keywords

💡Amateur player

An amateur player refers to someone who plays a sport, such as football, at a non-professional level. In the context of the video, these are individuals who aspire to become professional football players and are considering trying out for professional clubs in Europe. The script discusses the challenges and pathways for these players to 'go pro'.

💡Professional clubs

Professional clubs are organizations that operate sports teams at the highest level, where athletes are paid to compete. The video discusses how amateur players can potentially join these clubs and the different divisions within European football, such as Division One and Division Two.

💡Pathways

Pathways in the script refer to the different routes or methods that amateur players can take to become professional football players. The video outlines two primary pathways based on the player's age and ambition level, focusing on either high-level clubs or more realistic opportunities.

💡Division One/Two

Division One and Two refer to the top tiers of football leagues in many European countries. The script explains how trying out for these high-level clubs can provide a significant experience for players, with well-established training programs and infrastructure.

💡International section

The international section mentioned in the script is a part of professional clubs that caters to players from outside the country. It serves as an entry point for amateur players trying out at these clubs, where they can demonstrate their skills and potentially advance to the club's youth teams.

💡Youth team

A youth team is a junior version of a professional football team, typically for players under 19 years old. The script explains that for players under 18, performing well in the international section can lead to an invitation to train with the club's youth team, which is a step towards becoming a professional player.

💡Sister clubs

Sister clubs are smaller clubs that have a relationship with a larger, professional club. They may be owned or partially owned by the larger club. In the script, it is mentioned that if a player shows potential but is not yet ready for the C team of a high-level club, they might be signed and loaned to a sister club to gain experience.

💡Third/Fourth/Fifth division

These terms refer to lower tiers of football leagues, below the top two divisions. The script discusses how going to these lower divisions can be a more realistic and immediate pathway for amateur players, especially those who are older or have financial constraints, to gain professional experience.

💡Free consultation

A free consultation is an offer by the speaker's agency for amateur players to discuss their options and receive advice on their football career. The script provides a link for interested players to apply for this service, emphasizing the agency's willingness to help players navigate the complex process of becoming professional football players.

💡Risk tolerance

Risk tolerance refers to an individual's willingness to take on risk in pursuit of a goal. In the video, it is used to describe how players might choose between trying out for high-level clubs (with potentially higher rewards but also higher risks) or more realistic options (lower risk but potentially less prestigious outcomes). The script suggests that understanding one's risk tolerance can help in deciding the appropriate pathway.

Highlights

Alan Jared, a full-time football agent, discusses the pathways for amateur players to go professional in Europe.

Two primary pathways for amateurs: aiming high with top clubs or being realistic with lower divisions.

Players often want to go as high as possible, which is rare but not impossible.

Alan's company, Elite Football, offers free consultations for players unsure about their pathway.

Division One and Two clubs have extensive setups and can offer a great experience regardless of age.

International amateur players usually start in an international section of the club.

Players under 18 can potentially join the youth team after impressing in the international section.

For players aged 18 and over, the pathway involves training with the C team or lower.

Top clubs may have sister clubs where players can get game time if not ready for their C team.

Lower division clubs may not have an international section, so players go straight into the team.

Players over 18 in lower divisions often aim to make the first team directly.

There are pros and cons to both high and low division pathways, with the latter offering a more direct route.

Alan recommends that players under 17 aim high, while those 18 and over be more realistic.

Players' positions, time of year, and personal desires are factors in choosing a pathway.

Alan emphasizes that understanding a player's risk tolerance is crucial for choosing the right pathway.

Elite Football evaluates various factors including highlights and CVs to guide players.

A free consultation with an agent can help clarify a player's goals and the best approach to achieve them.

Transcripts

if you've ever wondered what going pro

might look like specifically as an

amateur player trialing overseas in

Europe with professional clubs then in

this video I'm going to talk about the

only two real Pathways for you but for

those of you who don't know me my name

is Alan Jared I'm a full-time football

agent and the founder of Australia's

largest player agency elite football we

work with over 25 professional clubs

across Europe South America and the

Middle East and already this year we've

already signed four players to

professional cont contracts and

scholarships with pro clubs so what are

the two Pathways set out for amateur

players when you're going overseas to

Europe to try right in my opinion every

player comes to me to say I want to go

pro right but there's a few conditions

that come with wanting that the first

being that usually everyone wants to go

as high as possible right it's very rare

someone comes to me and they says look

Alan I want to be as realistic as

possible there's different conditions

that obviously separate the two

categories and if you're someone that is

unsure and you're wanting to actually

chat about it with myself or one of the

other agents that work for me in my

company there's a link down below to my

website you can go on and apply for free

consultation where we'll just run you

down and answer all your questions right

my team is more than happy to help but

pretty much to separate them a little

bit it's you either go as high as

possible so we're focusing on your

Division One Division 2 clubs or you're

going to be as realistic as possible and

we're going to focus on your div 345

right professional clubs so I'm going to

talk about both and I'm going to

separate them by age as well so you

understand what that funnel and what

that pathway is going to look like

whether you're 15 16 17 18 or if you're

18 19 2021 2023 right so because both

experience going to be different for

both age groups let's start off with the

first going as high as possible so if we

focus on a Division One Division 2 Club

the majority of these clubs have huge

setups they run everything very well and

they're very very big clubs right you

know first second division you're

talking about clubs that have a lot of

money clubs that have a lot of

foundation and I think is going to be

really good so regardless of age you're

going to have really good experience

because everything is set out properly

now the way that the funnel works for

you fly over your land day one right the

way these bigger clubs separate for

international amateur players is they

have an international section in the

club so if you go into the right club

for example with us we send club we send

players directly to the club but they'll

be staying at the residency of the club

and they're triing at the moment that

they land with the international team

squad of the club and in there you're

going to have characters that are there

for trial from all over the world world

you're going to have people that are

there just to develop from all over the

world and it's going to be you know

morning sessions afternoon sessions now

your aim is to perform so well there

that you get invited to trial with in

this case just train with their youth

team right so if you're 18 and younger

you can still make it into the youth

team so what do I mean by that let's

just use Spain as an example Spain their

youth finishes at under 19s so the

caveat with it finishing at under 19s is

that if you're you're 18 you're

considered a third year H needed which

pretty much just means thirdy year youth

player and they're not wanting to sign

18y olds for their under 19s team

they're wanting 18yar ODS to be good

enough to be part of their senior squads

so if you're 18 is a bit tricky because

you're kind of like on the cuff where

technically depending on your date of

birth you might still be eligible for

the under 19s but realistically you're

going to be sort of focusing on the

senior team which I'll I'll get to in

the moment so 17 and 18 on the cup and

lower your aim is to perform in the

international area and get invited to

train with their use team and perform

there right and so it's a period of time

most of my players take a month just to

adapt some players hit the ground

running after 2 days they get invited

and they're already training with the

youth team some players unfortunately

just never do they never get invited to

train with the youth team so it's really

up in the air every play is individual

every play different there's a lot of

variables that go into it but that's the

funnel if you're going high div 1 div 2

you go the international area and you're

trying to prove yourself there to then

be able to go into their sort of Youth

teams and train there right if you are

18 and over right and you're wanting to

go as high as possible still your final

is a bit different you still have the

same international area to train out but

you can't make their under 19's team so

what happens you are now going to have

to make their C team so when you get

invited to train you're going to go and

you're going to train with their C team

right or if you're not good enough for

their C team because most clubs have

their a team you know the first division

team that you see you know on TV their B

Team you know if it's a first if their a

team is a first division club right

their B Team probably competing in like

the third division or something right

and then they also have a C team their C

team might be competing in like the

fifth division right so you've got CB

and a for most clubs that are in the

first second division that's the system

that they run some have a D team but

it's those are the pretty dodgy ones so

your aim is international area to be B

to the C team if C team doesn't work cuz

you're not good enough yet for the C

team these big clubs what they also have

is they have agreements to Sister clubs

in the region so what do I mean by that

there might be a fifth division club

right in the region that this first

division club actually owns maybe like

80% of or maybe the whole lot and they

work together so a club might go yep we

really like Tim is not quite ready for

the C team but we see potential in him

and he's 18 so we're going to sign him

for us and we're going to loan him out

to our sister club that competes in the

fifth division get him some game time

for a year see how he works see if he

performs well and then hopefully he'll

be ready to move into our C team and etc

etc so that is the funnel whether you're

young whether you're a little bit older

if you're going to div one and div two

clubs that's what to expect as an

amateur player trying to break through

in that system if you are wanting the

other pathway going as realistic as

possible you know third fourth fifth

division a few reasons why you might

want that is because you might be a bit

older you might be 20 you might be 21

you might not have that much time left

you might not have that much money you

know your parents or you you go it's

expens like these trips overseas are

expensive so we'll go okay let's reduce

our risk and just go as realistic as

possible to cuz you know sometimes

getting that scholarship getting that

contract is a difference from being able

to keep being overseas and keep

progressing year after year to damn I

got to come back now and I got to go to

Union because Mom's pressuring me to do

that so your age is going to play a

factor your financial situation is going

to play a factor but for the players

that are looking to go low third fourth

fifth division your funnel is a bit

different so these clubs aren't big

enough to have an international area so

you don't have the luxury of being able

to get eased in to the Waters of

training and playing and sort of even

just have like a backup area because you

know you can't get kicked out of that

International War you can get kicked out

because of disciplinary issues but you

always have a base of training right

assuming you're responsible player and

person you're always going to be able to

train mornings and afternoons with this

team when you go lower you don't have

that so if you're 15 16 17 you know 18

and younger when you go to like a third

or fourth or fifth division team you'll

just go straight into their under 19s to

train right they're not big enough to

care about you know whether you're good

enough or not they're going to give you

a shot straight away and so the cons is

if you go alone and this happens you

might just get kicked out after a week

or after the first session because you

might not be good enough if you're going

through an agent you know or whoever

then this is less likely to happen but

that's the cons is that there's pros

because you are avoiding that long

funnel of having to work your way up and

earn the spot but there's also the pro

of you know you go straight in but you

might not be ready to go straight in so

there's pros and cons to both situations

but if you're 18 for example you'd

probably go straight into the under 19s

maybe you're good enough to play there

and and you get signed and just easy

access but really 18 19 20 you're going

to be working for the first team and

unfortunately if you're 20 getting a

trial for f with these first division

clubs that are in the third fourth fifth

divisions it's really difficult it's

really difficult to to be seen and these

clubs are like they want established

players they want players have already

gotten contracts that have already sort

of competed so it's really going to take

a bit of magic from an agent like myself

or someone else to try and fit you into

that system but essentially what's been

the case with most players un had like a

20-year-old that has gone over and

wanted to go lower and he was training

with the under 19s and he'd also get

some trainings with the first team as

well so they'll gauge to see your level

and really your aim is to make that

first team cuz you don't really have

another option like there is no C team

there's no B Team there's nost club that

they're going to refer you to it's just

that so while you get the pros of you're

going direct and it might be easier for

some players like some players common

thing that they say to me is well I

struggle playing with worse players so

what I'm in the international areas I

don't perform so I guess for those

players they're going to find it easier

to just go into to like a high intensity

and a certain level but the cons is that

when you go high you've got c teams B

Teams sister clubs like youth categories

like there's more options within the one

Club than when you go lower but

essentially that's the two different

experiences the two different Pathways

in general like not going too deep out

of with everything but in general that's

what's going to be like whether you go

high or whether you go low that's the

final two experience for amateur players

in terms of what I recommend would be

better is that obviously striking

everyone with the same stroke if you are

17 and younger I'd say to go as high as

possible if you're 18 and over I'd say

to go as realistic as possible that's

just keeping it to the rule generally

but you know we work with players and

when we have those con St when people

come on B with our player of station

program we get an idea of what it is

that they want and what it is that

they're looking for and there's so many

factors like it's not just age you know

you've got positions you got time of

year that you're going overseas you've

got what the player wants as well

because at the end of the day you've got

to wake up and you've got to actually

perform and a lot of players that get

pressured into going super realistic I

try and run them through the the mental

game of let's just say you go overseas

you go to a fourth division team and you

you're there for a few months and spam

you get a contract or you get a

scholarship and they pay for everything

and you can be there for a full year

competing how would that make you feel

would you feel like that was success or

would you feel like damn I wish I tried

higher because depending on your answer

to that situation you're going to get a

better idea of what it is your risk

tolerance is and whether you should try

higher first or if you should go lower

so things like that and you know also

highlights CVS all the sort of things

that we evaluate with the team you know

some players that are older should go

higher so I don't want to brush everyone

with the same stroke it's more about

understanding what it is that you want

to do and what to experience so if you

are interested and you are wanting to

have a chat with an agent have a free

consultation link is down below go to

the website talk to me or one of my

agents that work with me it's fully free

and we'll be able to answer all your

questions