Baller AIHow to go pro in soccer at 16 to 19
To go pro or play at a higher level as a 16 to 19 year old: film your games and cut a three minute highlight reel, train speed and strength three times a week, become genuinely two-footed, contact academies and semi-pro clubs every month with your highlights, and look after sleep and nutrition. Track every session so you can show progress.
Very few players are discovered by accident. The ones who move up make themselves easy to find and hard to ignore.
Make yourself seen
Coaches watch highlights before they watch players. Put your best clips in the first 30 seconds and label your position, age and contact details.
Be an athlete
Scouts notice speed and strength first. Train them three times a week alongside your technical work.
Go to trials prepared
Read our guide on what coaches look for at trials, arrive early, communicate constantly and do the simple things quickly.
Common questions
Is it too late to go pro at 17?
It is late for elite academies but not for semi-professional, college or lower-league football, where many players make their first step in their late teens or early twenties.
Get this built into your week
Baller AI turns drills like these into a training plan around your position and the days you can actually train.