Starting from Scratch
What would I do with zero connections if I were a player starting from scratch way back when? I want to preface this by saying that I would primarily look to work with someone like me at Elite Football because this is what we do—we help players get to where they want to go. But this is for players who maybe can't afford our services and have to go it alone. If I had zero connections, this is what I would do with the knowledge that I have today.
Step 1: Create a Standout CV and Highlight Reel
First, I would start by making a CV and make it as creative as possible. You need to catch people's attention. Better yet, create a highlight reel if you have clips.
I know a lot of players struggle with getting clips, but if you do have something good to show, focus on that. Make it catchy and attention-grabbing. People who see your CV should instantly think, "This is cool, this is interesting, this is different." The same goes for your highlight reel—don’t make it too long. People at these clubs won’t watch a 10-minute video. They might look at the first minute or first 30 seconds, so make it interesting enough to keep them engaged.
Step 2: Get a Visa
Next, I would think about getting a student visa or any visa that will allow you to stay in Europe for at least a year. This will give you the flexibility to move around Europe.
Step 3: Hit Up Social Media and Emails
This part is going to be tough. You need to send as many emails and DMs as possible. Hit up the DMs on Instagram, TikTok, or whatever platform you use. Go through every club in every country one by one. Pull up a page with all the clubs from the leagues on one side and use your phone to find and message them. Write something no longer than 100 words—short, sweet, to the point, funny, or creative to get their attention. Attach your CV or highlight reel. People see so many messages, so if something catches their attention, they will open it.
Step 4: Free Trials and the Illusion of Value
When you do get responses, aim for a free trial. During conversations, tell them that you’ll be staying in the area trialing with a big club like Real Madrid or Barcelona and that you’re reaching out in case they aren’t interested. This will pique the interest of greedy clubs. Clubs get jealous and interested if they think you might go to a big club.
Step 5: Be Cautious with Paid Trials
There’s nothing wrong with paying for a trial, but only if you’re going through an agency or someone you trust. Make sure it covers food, accommodation, and is directly with the club. Clubs will inflate prices if you don’t have someone backing you, and you might get scammed. Always be cautious of clubs that buy the rights to professional club names but don’t have the power to sign you. They might charge a lot but offer nothing substantial.
Step 6: Pretend to Have an Agent
If you don’t have a team behind you, create the illusion that you do. Have your dad or someone you trust pretend to be your agent. This person can haggle prices, suss out the situation, and create the illusion of value. Clubs will be more open to discussing certain things with an agent than with you directly.
Step 7: Focus on Smaller Clubs
If you’re over 18, avoid any clubs in Division 1 or Division 2. Focus solely on clubs in Divisions 3 to 5. Top clubs won’t give you a free trial, but you might get lucky with lower division clubs.
All of this is tough, and going without connections is hard. But if you focus on messaging these clubs one by one and trying to get those free trials, you might get lucky. For those who can financially back themselves or have parents who can, working with an agency like Elite Football is a better option.
But for those who can’t afford it, I hope this video helps you have the best shot at making your dreams come true. This is why I make these—to help players who need to be as creative as possible to make their dreams happen.
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