What Do Football Scouts Look For In 11 Year Olds To Stand Out?

What Do Football Scouts Look For In 11 Year Olds?

When a player is 11, scouts look for kids they can help develop. They want to see a child who can control the ball, knows the basics and is eager to keep learning.

When they watch an 11 year old, they think about a few important things. Does the player control the ball most of the time? Do they look up and make smart choices? Do they know where to be on the field in different situations? Do they keep trying even when they are tired or things aren’t going well? These qualities matter more than scoring a great goal or making flashy moves. National associations describe something similar, with scouts assessing young players across technical, tactical, physical and psychological areas rather than just goals or size, as explained in an FA interview with their head of talent identification.

You can use this simple checklist when you watch your child play.

At Alicante Football Academy, we focus on teaching the basics through short drills and practice games. This helps our players build strong habits that scouts notice whenever the ball is in play.

What Do Football Scouts Look For In A Pre-teen Goalkeeper?

Scouts know that 11 year old goalkeepers are still developing their skills. They watch for signs that a player might become reliable, brave and easy to coach in the future.

The first thing that scouts notice is how a young goalkeeper stands. A good keeper stays on their toes, with knees bent and hands ready. This position lets them move quickly in any direction, rather than reacting slowly if they stand flat footed. Scouts also watch keeper’s footwork. Do they use quick, small steps to get in line with shots, or do they take big, awkward steps that throw them off balance?

Handling the ball is another key skill. By age 11, a keeper should catch most shots against their chest and use safe hand shapes for high balls. Mistakes are normal, but scouts want to see good technique. They also look for bravery in one on one situations, like coming out to block a shot instead of staying on the line and good timing when going for loose balls or through balls. Scouts pay attention to what goalkeepers do after making a save. Simple, accurate throws or passes to defenders and midfielders are better than big kicks that give the ball away.

What Do Scouts Look For In A Pre-teen Attacker Or Striker?

When scouts watch young attackers and strikers, they want to see players who make a difference throughout the whole game, not just those who score a single great goal.

Scouts pay attention to a few key qualities:

• Movement across the line: Does the striker look for open spaces instead of just staying close to a defender?
• Quick finishing: Can the player score from simple chances quickly and using both feet?
• Pressing: Does the player start pressing, work hard without the ball and block passing lanes or do they stop trying when their team loses the ball?
• Scanning: Do they often look over their shoulder and scan where the defenders, teammates and open spaces are before getting the ball?
• Quick decisions: In tight spaces, can they quickly choose to pass, shoot or dribble, instead of waiting too long?

A striker who scores just once but keeps creating chances, works hard to press, connects with teammates and shows confidence in one on one situations usually impresses scouts more than someone who scores three easy goals but does little else during the game.

Technical Skills?

Good technical skills help 11 year olds stand out to scouts. When a player’s technique is solid, scouts can better see their potential for growth.

Scouts pay attention to these skills:

• A good first touch that lets players control the ball in different situations.
• Accurate passing matters more than fancy tricks. Scouts like to see short and medium passes and players who can use both feet.
• Simple, effective moves in one on one situations help players change direction and protect the ball.
• Players should feel comfortable receiving the ball with different parts of their body, such as the inside of the foot, laces, sole, thigh or chest.

We suggest these ways for young players to build these skills:

• Practice short ball control drills like toe taps, sole rolls and inside-outside touches.
• Try passing against a wall, using one foot to pass and the other to control the ball.
• Play small sided games, such as 1vs1 or 2vs2, to practice quick control and passing instead of only dribbling.

Game Intelligence?

Game intelligence is about using your skills at the right moments. Scouts know that 11 year olds are still learning, but they watch for players who notice simple patterns during the game.

One clear sign is scanning. Players who look around before they get the ball often make better decisions. Scouts also watch to see if a player helps keep the team organized. Do they always run toward the ball in crowded areas or do they know when to stay wide or drop back to help?

Game intelligence also appears during changes in play. When the team loses the ball, does the player react quickly by pressing, moving back or getting into position or do they just stop and complain? When the team wins the ball, do they move into space to help or stay hidden behind others? These small choices help scouts see if a player understands the game or just chases the ball.

Psychological Attributes?

By the time players are 11, scouts also start to focus on their mindset. They know that having talent isn’t enough to succeed in academy football without the right attitude.

These are some of the main qualities scouts look for:

• Coachability: Does the player listen, ask questions and try to use feedback they receive?
• Curiosity: Are they interested in learning?
• Resilience: How quickly do they bounce back after making a mistake or a bad decision?
• Intrinsic motivation: Do they play because they really love football or just for praise and rewards?

Scouts also notice things like:

• A player running back quickly after losing the ball.
• Trying again after being corrected.
• Still putting in effort even when the team is losing.

In a 20 month study tracking 111 academy players in England, those who eventually earned scholarships scored higher for coping with pressure and regularly working on weaknesses than players who were released, which shows scouts pay close attention to mindset and resilience at a young age.

Our coaches always tell players that mistakes are just information, not signs of failure. Players who see errors as chances to learn often stand out to scouts.

How To Get Scouted At 11

You can’t control when a scout will appear, but you can help your child be in the right places and develop good habits for when the chances come.

The most important step is to put your child in a strong football environment. This usually means joining a grassroots club or a school team that plays real matches against good opponents and has coaches who care about player growth, not just winning. Development centres, good camps and academy style programs like ours also give players new challenges and chances to learn from different coaches.

Governing bodies like FIFA also stress building long term talent pathways, highlighting regular age appropriate training, competition and coaching opportunities as the foundation for players who eventually reach elite level.

A simple highlight video can help when your child is ready to get noticed. Use real match footage, not trick clips. Scouts want to see touches, passes, movement and reactions in real games.

At Alicante Football Academy, we offer skill assessment to see how a player’s level matches what academies expect for their age. This lets us give honest feedback to families.

How To Impress A Scout In Football?

When a scout is watching, clear and simple actions can make a big impression.
Before the game:

• Get a good night’s sleep and stick to your normal eating routine.
• Arrive early and greet your coaches and teammates.
• Warm up with purpose by making sharp passes, doing dynamic stretches and running a few sprints.

During the game:

• Work rate is about sprinting back during transitions, pressing smartly and always staying involved.
• Show good body language, head up and not complain to teammates or referees.
• Communicate by giving clear instructions, encouraging your teammates and calling for the ball when you need it.
• Be consistent by making good choices throughout the whole game.

After mistakes:

• Do they drop their head or do they respond right away with effort?
• Do they blame others or do they take responsibility and move forward?

What Is The Best Age To Be Scouted For Football?

There is no single “best” age to be scouted. Some players enter academies very young, others are picked up around 11 to 13 and some join even later when they grow or change position.

At 11, scouts can see enough to make reasonable predictions about a player’s potential, but they also know that children develop at different speeds. One child may look dominant because they are physically ahead of their age group, while another may be smaller but technically better and mentally tougher. Both can become excellent players with the right guidance.

It is more helpful to think in terms of windows of opportunity rather than one make or break age. As long as your child keeps improving, enjoys their football and trains the right way, chances to be seen can appear at several points in their journey.

How Do Football Scouts Contact You?

Reputable clubs and scouts follow clear safeguarding rules when they contact 11 year olds.

Usually, most of the time, scouts and clubs reach through your child’s current coach. A scout may introduce themselves after a game, ask about your child and then have the club contact you with a formal invitation to a training session. Sometimes, especially at tournaments, a scout might speak to you directly at the pitch. Any real opportunity should always include official contact details and clear information. Remind your child not to agree to trials, sign anything or go anywhere based on private messages or conversations unless you are involved.

Can Football Scouts Approach Parents Of 11 Year Olds?

Scouts can speak with parents of 11 year olds, but they should always be professional. They should clearly state which club they represent, what their job is and what they are inviting your child to join.

If a scout comes to talk to you, try to stay calm. Ask for their name and contact information and talk to your child’s current coach before you make any decisions. A legitimate scout or academy will never pressure you for an immediate decision.

How Important Are Social Attributes For Young Footballers So They Get Scouted

Social skills are more important than most people realize. Coaches and scouts look for team players, so they watch closely to see how each child gets along with others.

They notice if the child encourages teammates or blames them, how they handle being substituted and whether they show respect to opponents and referees even when things don’t go their way. Coaches also pay attention to how players behave on the bench. Are they still involved and ready to play or do they seem upset and withdrawn?

At Alicante Football Academy, we mix up groups and give players different leadership roles and shared tasks. This helps them learn to communicate, work as a team and adapt to new situations. These skills also help them fit in better with any academy group later on.

Do Scouts Look At Creativity And Flair In Young Players?

Scouts like to see creativity and flair, especially from attacking players, but they value it most when it is paired with smart decision making.

The best kind of flair is the kind that really makes a difference in the game, like clever turns to escape pressure, a pass that creates chances, or a confident 1v1 move at the right moment. These actions show both bravery and creativity while helping the team. But using tricks in dangerous areas, dribbling too much or skipping easy passes just to stand out can actually hurt your chances.

We encourage our players to show their personality and try new things but also teach them to read the game. Sometimes the best option is a simple pass and other times it is better to try something different. Scouts notice players who know when to do each.

How Do Scouts Assess A Young Player’s Resilience And Determination?

You can’t measure resilience in just one moment. Scouts watch for patterns that show up over time.

They notice how players respond in different situations, like these:

• Falling behind by a goal.
• Giving away a penalty or making a big mistake.
• Being taken off the field or asked to play a new position.
• Getting direct feedback from the coach.

Signs of strong determination:

• They keep asking for the ball even after a mistake.
• They maintain high intensity late in the game.
• They show up consistently to training and matches.

Do Scouts Consider Parental Support And Home Environment For 11 Year Olds?

Scouts know they cannot control what happens at home, but they also know that an 11 year old can only handle academy demands if their family gives them balanced support.

Scouts notice whether parents are calm and encouraging or often shout instructions and criticism. They also see if a child is afraid to make mistakes or feels free to try and learn. Sometimes, they quietly ask coaches about things like punctuality, commitment and communication, since these often show what is happening at home.

As a parent, you can help by keeping football in perspective. After games, talk about effort, learning and enjoyment rather than just the result or the number of goals. Make sure your child keeps up with schoolwork, gets enough sleep and eats well so they have energy to train. If you are not sure how to support them at any stage, ask coaches you trust for advice.

At Alicante Football Academy, we see parents as partners. We give clear feedback, realistic options and long term views so decisions about trials, moves and next steps are informed, not rushed.