What Scouts Are Looking For

Whether you’re aiming for a high school team, a college scholarship, or a professional academy, understanding what scouts are truly looking for can give you an edge.

Different Scouts, Different Priorities

High School Scouts look for potential, athleticism, and attitude. They want players who are coachable, work hard, and bring a good attitude to both practices and games.

College Scouts are looking for more complete players—technically sound, tactically aware, physically fit, and academically eligible. They’re also scouting character: do you lift your team? Are you mentally strong? Can you handle pressure?

Professional & Academy Scouts are focused on elite potential. They’re not just building a team—they’re investing in future professionals. They look for:

• Top-level technique
• Speed and physicality
• Intelligence and creativity
• Maturity and consistency
• Professional habits, even off the field

Are Scouts Looking for Flashy or Smart Players?

It depends on the type of scout and the role they need to fill. Some are searching for that explosive winger who can beat defenders with flair. Others are hunting for the quiet, intelligent midfielder who controls the rhythm of the game. Many want players who combine physical strength with mental sharpness.

That’s why it’s important not to just focus on being “flashy”—scouts often say they’d rather take the player who makes the right decisions consistently over the one who pulls off highlight moves but disappears for long stretches.

How Long Does It Take to Be Noticed?

Not long.

Most experienced scouts will tell you that they can spot a special player within the first few minutes—sometimes even in the warm-up. They watch:

• Your first touch
• Your body language when you make a mistake
• Your awareness and ability to read the game
• Your work rate without the ball
• How you interact with teammates and coaches

What they’re evaluating isn’t just talent—they’re assessing your soccer IQ, attitude, discipline, and potential. Many say they’re not just choosing a player—they’re choosing a future teammate, student-athlete, or professional. That means who you are on and off the pitch really matters.

Still have a question?