For ambitious footballers, the dream is simple: get noticed by top clubs and earn a shot at the next level.
But the question is — how do you know if you’re ready for a trial, or even on the radar of a scout?
The truth is, scouts aren’t just looking for talent — they’re looking for measurable performance. That’s why benchmarking your skills against Premier League academy players is one of the smartest ways to track your progress, prove your ability, and stand out from the crowd.
In this post, we’ll explain:
1. What Football Scouts Look For
Scouts don’t just watch for flashy skills — they’re looking for players who excel in the fundamentals, have game intelligence, and can maintain performance under pressure.
Some of the key attributes they assess include:
- Speed – both sprinting and with the ball
- Agility – quick changes of direction in tight spaces
- Ball control – dribbling and turning under pressure
- Decision-making – knowing when to pass, dribble, or shoot
- Consistency – performing well in every situation
You can read our breakdown of the 5 key football skills every player needs to impress scouts for more detail
By focusing your training on these areas, you’re aligning yourself with what scouts are actively looking for.
2. Why Benchmarking Your Skills Matters
You can’t improve what you don’t measure.
Benchmarking your performance against academy-level players:
- Shows you exactly where you stand compared to elite youth players in your age group
- Highlights your strengths so you can play to them
- Pinpoints areas to improve, helping you train with purpose
- Builds a performance record you can share with coaches and scouts
Without benchmarks, you’re training blind — with them, you’re training smart.
3. How to Compare Your Skills to Premier League Academy Players
One of the most effective ways to get an accurate comparison is through the Soccer Skills Challenge.
Here’s how it works:
- Set up the drills – sprinting, dribbling, running with the ball, shooting, and agility
- Complete the challenge – each skill is timed or measured
- Submit your results – these are added to the Scouting Hub, monitored by Premier League scouts and top UK clubs
- Get your feedback – receive a detailed certificate with your scores, star rating, and pro-level feedback
This gives you real data that scouts trust, and a clear plan for improving your game.
4. Real Opportunities to Get Noticed
Players who’ve taken the challenge have caught the eye of clubs including:
- Arsenal
- West Ham
- Aston Villa
- QPR
- Tottenham
Our guide on how to prepare for a football trial covers everything you need to know before the big day.
Your performance is reviewed by professional scouts, and if you’re showing the right level, it could open doors to invitations for training sessions, trials, or further assessment.
5. Taking the First Step
If you’re serious about getting scouted, it starts with knowing where you stand.
The Soccer Skills Challenge is:
- Accessible – can be set up anywhere
- Accurate – benchmarked against real academy data
- Actionable – gives you targeted feedback
It only takes an hour, but the results could change your football journey.
Final Thoughts
Football scouting isn’t just about being in the right place at the right time — it’s about being ready when your opportunity comes.
By measuring your skills against Premier League academy standards, you’re not just guessing at your ability — you’re proving it.
Ready to see where you stand?
Take the Soccer Skills Challenge and get on the radar today.
Soccer Skills Challenge
If you're a player hoping to break into the world of professional football, the Soccer Skills Challenge could be your gateway to success. Take the first step towards improving your game and getting noticed by professional clubs.
Anadi James Taylor
CEO - iSportsAnalysis Ltd
I am expert in helping sports clubs and universities with their Sports Video Analysis and their GPS Performance Analysis.
I developed iSportsAnalysis.com with top sports scientists, coaches and trainers to help maximise training gains and to optimise the performance of athletes and teams.
I have developed an online system that has helped over 120 universities, private schools and clubs to reach their true sporting potential; whether that has been from them using the online video streaming services, the online sports video analysis or the GPS performance analysis, the results speak for themselves!
We help you win matches!
You can find out more at iSportsAnalysis.com.
