Under 16s – Newmarket Aug 2022

Goalkeeper specific in general scouts look for good communication, handling, kicking, shot stopping, reactions catching, throwing, punching agility, balance, co- ordination, awareness, decision making, desire, concentration, command of area, communication, footwork, recovery personality, touch, control and passing on the ground, (size and athleticism as they get older)

As a Goal Keeper matures again with age, his actual height and potential height in full maturity do become factors in the modern game.

Some attributes can be developed through good coaching, i.e technical such as passing, shooting, heading, tackling, crossing the ball, striking the ball, dribbling, running with the ball, touch, control etc.

Scouts also look for a player which does or tries something that makes them stand out from the others, they have 1 outstanding attribute or show sufficient potential to be developed to a high level.

Younger players can easily get overlooked as they are normally smaller and less physically developed than children born in.the 1st quarter (sept-Dec) who normally stand out due to their advanced maturity and physical attributes, scouts recognise this birth bias as these are normally late developers and need more time and consideration so it is very important to consider this in any decision making whilst scouting to consider long term player development.

However scouts, coaches or parents can’t give players the heart, desire, high work rate, effort, dedication, good attitude, commitment and the determination required, this can only come from the player himself and has to be a given every time they pull their boots on if they wish to get noticed.

A successful trial with us can lead to a trial at a pro football club in the future.