How to get a trial at a professional football club and obtain a football visa?
The dream of becoming a successful footballer and competing in Europe’s top leagues inspires thousands of young athletes worldwide. Over 50% of players in elite European competitions are foreign nationals. According to the CIES Football Report (2022), foreign participants now outnumber local footballers in Italy, Spain, England, France, and Germany. Among those obtaining football visas, Brazilians lead the way.
Although more than 1,200 Brazilian footballers play abroad, making it to professional football is an incredibly tough challenge. The journey is long and requires several crucial steps.
How to Get a Trial at a Professional Club?
1. Meeting the Required Level
Securing a spot in a professional squad is only possible if the footballer has a clear advantage over local participants. Many countries impose age restrictions—for example, players under 16 years old cannot be officially signed, even from neighbouring cities. Statistics show that 99% of trialists fail to progress due to insufficient skill levels or unrealistic expectations.
How to assess your chances?
- You are a leading footballer in your current squad, scoring regularly or providing key assists.
- Your club is ranked in the top three in your local championship.
- Your physical attributes match professional benchmarks for your age group.
2. Club Trials
A Portuguese proverb states: “Who is not seen is not remembered.” This perfectly applies to football. The most direct way to join a professional squad is to attend official club trials. At these events, footballers are divided by age and position, before being evaluated on the following criteria:
- Technical skills and ball control
- Physical endurance and fitness
- Tactical awareness
- Teamwork and decision-making
- Performance in trial matches
The top-performing participants receive invitations for further assessment at an advanced trial.
3. Tournaments – The Best Opportunity to Get Noticed
Club trials often attract hundreds of footballers, making it difficult to stand out. Tournaments and championships provide a greater chance of being noticed, as scouts and sporting directors regularly monitor these events in search of talented players. Click here to find dates and details of youth tournaments worldwide!
4. Football Camps
Some prestigious clubs organise training camps for young footballers, offering a chance not only to enhance skills but also to gain the attention of club coaches. Why should you consider this option?
- Less competition compared to official trials.
- Opportunity to train under professional coaches.
- Direct contact with scouts and club representatives.
5. Football Agencies
Securing the support of an agent can significantly increase the chances of getting into a football academy or professional squad.
How to attract an agent’s attention?
- Create a strong portfolio – a highlights video showcasing your goals, assists, dribbling, and technical skills.
- Prepare detailed statistics – minutes played, goals, assists, and key performances.
- Compete in major tournaments where scouts and representatives are present.
Important! Be careful when choosing an agent. Not all agents are reliable, so it’s essential to do thorough research and only trust reputable professionals.
The best approach is to speak with players who have already signed with a club—ask them how they got their opportunity and who helped them. A good agency may first place you in a less elite squad to evaluate your abilities against other footballers or refine your skills to meet the required level. A strong agent’s influence can open doors to professional football.
6. Football Player Databases
There are numerous online platforms where top scouts, agencies, and clubs track player statistics, identify potential talents, and invite footballers for trials.
Popular platforms include:
- Transfermarkt
- Wyscout
- Opta
- StatsBomb
These platforms are essential for getting recognised. If your name is not listed on these platforms, it is likely that the squad you play for is not at a high enough level to be scouted by professional clubs.
Football Visas – What You Need to Know
Even if a footballer receives an invitation from a professional club, they still require a work permit or a sports visa. This raises many questions: How can a player obtain a football visa for Europe? What is the minimum age? How complex and lengthy is the application process?
There are several reasons why a player may need to travel abroad – signing a contract, attending a trial, participating in a training camp, or competing in a tournament. Each of these scenarios requires a specific type of visa.
Types of Football Visas
1. Tourist Visas
In Schengen countries, footballers from eligible nationalities can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Additionally, a sports visa is available for tournaments, trials, and training camps, allowing a longer stay of up to 180 days.
2. Long-Term Visas
In Spain, footballers who receive offers from local clubs can apply for a work visa (visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena). Similarly, in Portugal, a one-year sports visa is available, but it requires a contract with a club.
Important! A visa application must be supported by official documents, including proof of qualification from the football federation, national association, or sporting organisation.
3. Professional Visa for the UK
In December 2020, the UK’s exit from the European Union brought major changes to football regulations. Now, all foreign players must meet the criteria of a points-based system known as Governing Body Endorsement (GBE).
How to Obtain a UK Football Visa?
A footballer must earn at least 15 points, which are awarded based on:
- International caps (senior or youth level).
- Quality of the selling club’s league.
- Number of matches played in domestic and international competitions.
If a player fails to meet the required points, the new club must request an exception through the Appeals Committee.
How to Prepare for a Trial?
What should be done in advance?
- Prepare a CV – highlight your statistics, achievements, and awards.
- Create a highlights video – include 10-15 key matches showcasing your best performances.
- Ensure your club is listed in official player databases.
- Find a professional agent who can help organise a trial.
- Train consistently to stay in peak physical condition.
Now, everything depends on you! Dedication, discipline, and the right approach will bring you closer to your goal of becoming a professional footballer.
Good luck!
Find Football tournament
