A Guide for U18s in Their Second Year

Being Released: What's Next?

After receiving the news of your release from the club, the reality may be far from what you had hoped for. Perhaps the club had been hinting at your son or daughter's precarious position for some time. Regardless, it's essential to recognize and celebrate the achievements they've made in youth football. They've excelled in a highly competitive field, demonstrating tremendous character and skill development through regular performance assessments.

Understanding the Decision

Questions may arise, such as "Why them? What did they or I do wrong?" In truth, it's likely that neither you nor your child did anything wrong. The club's perspective involves evaluating players in age groups both older and younger, seeking those with the greatest potential to turn professional. If an international player in the same position is present in the age group above, it may just be a case of bad luck. Maturity, both physical and mental, plays a significant role, and not all players are ready to progress in the fast-paced world of modern football.

The Subjectivity of Football Decisions

It's vital to understand that, much like in the world of music, football decisions are ultimately subjective and can be incorrect. Many talented artists and players have been initially turned down but later found a second opportunity and achieved remarkable success.

Player Welfare and Club Responsibility

The aftermath of being released can be challenging for some players, exacerbated by inadequate parental support and sub-par club player welfare systems. This issue has led higher-level clubs to appoint player welfare managers to provide pastoral care and ensure players are aware of their future options. Players are encouraged to create highlight clips for their football CVs, which can be shared with other clubs seeking talent. National trials, held in different regions of the UK offer scouts a chance to identify potential prospects. Additionally, scouts from USA universities and commercial* football academies often attend. The commercial ones look to develop and sell players to clubs.

We have received very good levels of care with former coaches reaching out to check on our son. Even the coach who has moved into first team coaching stays in touch. He is an excllent example of what excellent looks like.

A Word of Caution*

It is strongly advised to research commercial* academies thoroughly, as some have faced complaints due to operational practices that do not meet the expectations set during presentations made to parents. Our evidence for this claim is the football authorities contacting us to investigate claims made by other parents.

Planning for the Future

If your child has kept their educational performance up, they still have other options open. If football isn't their future, they should consider the opportunities that lie ahead in other career paths. Over their working life, former academy players can potentially earn more than many players in football's lower divisions. University, especially in the UK, offers a credible route into high paying careers, with BTEC qualifications facilitating admission to good universities. Another option is pursuing a university scholarship in the USA for football (soccer). These scholarships can cover up to 100% of university fees, saving you from the expenses and "debt" associated with UK university tuition.

Two Warnings

1. There is a small industry developing that offers a service to help secure USA university placements, but children involved in Premier and English Football League academies do not need to pay for this service.

Note: The organization, League Football Education (LFE) provides this service free of charge through a company called First Point USA. You can also receive at least £1,200 (correct in 2023) per year from LFE towards your Univeristy living costs whilst in full-time education.

Exploring Opportunities in the USA

As the USA's passion for soccer grows, it's attracting players from around the world. Apply early to secure the best deals and funding, as places are taken quickly. Note that the game of soccer in USA universities is played differently. There are roll-on roll-off subs which means you can spend your time on, off and back on the pitch again during the same match. In the most competitive clubs first year students, known as Freshmen, might only get 10 mins per match.

On the plus side, there is the possibility of being drafted into Major League Soccer in the players first year. However, it's essential to be realistic if your only getting 10 minutes per match.

Two Cautionary notes about playing for universities in the USA.

1)   Player Intermediary Representation

If you qualify for a place at a US university, be aware that most universities are averse to players having intermediaries (agents). Terminating any existing agreements with agents might be necessary before applying. However, consider maintaining a discreet, informal understanding with the agent for potential professional offers during your time at university.

2)   Conditional funding?

We are hearing anecdotal evidence that USA university scholarship funding can be adjusted at the discretion of the university after year one, leaving you to pick up the balance. Some university fees in the USA are up to $80k per year in total. Should this happen, it is possible to switch universities using First Point USA but there might be a fee to do so.

We will be investigating this point further and publish our findings in 2024.