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What Are the Actual Odds of Making It as a Professional Footballer?



Becoming a professional footballer is the dream of millions worldwide, but the reality is brutally competitive. The journey to the top is filled with obstacles, requiring exceptional talent, relentless dedication, and a touch of luck. So, what are the actual odds of making it? Let’s break it down.


The Harsh Reality: The Numbers Behind the Dream


Statistically, the odds of making it as a professional footballer are incredibly slim. Studies suggest that less than 1% of youth players who enter academies will go on to play professionally.


  • In England, only 180 out of 1.5 million schoolboys become Premier League professionals—a success rate of just 0.012%.

  • In the United States, only 1.9% of NCAA players get drafted into Major League Soccer (MLS).

  • In Europe, fewer than 0.5% of boys who enter academies at age nine will eventually play professionally.


These numbers highlight the cutthroat nature of professional football. Even players who receive scholarships at 16 years old often fail to make it to the top tiers of the game.


Pathways to Professional Football


While the odds are daunting, there are multiple pathways to becoming a professional footballer:


  1. Academy System – The most traditional route, where young players are scouted and developed within elite academies. Clubs like Barcelona’s La Masia and Manchester United’s youth academy are renowned for producing top talent.

  2. College Soccer (USA) – In the U.S., college soccer serves as a stepping stone to the MLS Draft, offering another route to professional football.

  3. International Scouting – Players from less traditional football nations are increasingly being discovered through global scouting networks.

  4. Lower-League Progression – Many professionals start in semi-professional or lower-tier leagues, gradually working their way up.


What Separates Those Who Make It?


Talent alone is never enough. The players who succeed often possess:


  • Elite Technical Ability – Ball control, passing, shooting, and tactical awareness must be exceptional.

  • Physical Attributes – Speed, endurance, agility, and strength play a crucial role.

  • Mental Toughness – Resilience, confidence, and the ability to handle pressure are game-changers.

  • Relentless Work Ethic – The best players train beyond required hours, constantly refining their skills.

  • Strong Support System – Family, coaches, and mentors provide guidance and opportunities.


Quotes from Legendary Coaches on Making It Pro


Pep Guardiola – "Tactics are important, but determination is everything."
José Mourinho – "If you don’t believe you can win, you have already lost."
Bill Shankly – "A lot of football success is in the mind. You must believe you are the best and then make sure that you are."

These quotes emphasise that dedication, development, and intelligence are just as crucial as raw talent.


Final Thoughts


The odds of making it as a professional footballer are extremely low, but not impossible. Those who succeed are relentless in their pursuit, combining talent with hard work, resilience, and the right opportunities.


Steve Halls is an FA-qualified football coach specialising in talent identification, player development, and mentorship. With a deep understanding of the challenges young players face,


Steve provides expert guidance to help aspiring footballers maximise their potential and navigate the competitive world of professional football. Whether in Cheshunt or across the globe, Steve supports individuals and teams in achieving their footballing dreams.











End of the Season – So What’s Next?

Updated: May 18



As another grassroots football season comes to a close, the pitches across Hertfordshire and beyond fall silent—boots hung up (briefly), medals handed out, and the parents’ WhatsApp groups quietening after months of sideline buzz. But for many families, the question soon returns, often framed with pride but also uncertainty:


“My child’s been brilliant this season—they've played their socks off. Surely, they should be at a higher level! What’s next?”

It’s a question I’m asked every year, often by parents whose children have shown tremendous dedication and progress over the course of the season. And it’s an important one. Because while football at this age should be about enjoyment and development, it’s natural for ambitious players (and parents) to wonder whether a step up to a more competitive level—such as the Emerald or Premier League divisions—is the right move.


But before we look at what to do, let’s take a moment to reflect on the why.


⚽ Youth development is not a race


The football world is full of stories of early bloomers and late developers. Some children dominate at U9 but fade by U13; others struggle at U10 but go on to make academy breakthroughs at U15. The journey is not linear. The key is recognising that player development should be player-centred—focused on the long-term needs, confidence, and readiness of the child.


While promotions and accolades are great, they are secondary to confidence, resilience, skill acquisition, and—most importantly—a love for the game.


🔍 Is it the right time to step up?


A jump from a mid or lower-tier grassroots team to a top Emerald or Premier League side can be transformative—but it can also be damaging if the timing or environment isn’t right.


Here are some key considerations to help evaluate the next move:


1. Confidence vs. Competence

  • A player might be technically gifted, but are they emotionally ready to face tougher competition, higher expectations, and possibly reduced playing time?

  • Confidence is fragile at these ages. A move up should build it—not break it.


2. The standard gap

  • Going from Division 5 to Premier League can be a leap. Is the gap in physicality, speed of play, and tactical awareness too wide?

  • A gradual step up (e.g., from Division 5 to Division 2, then Premier) can be more manageable, allowing for adaptation without overwhelming the player.


3. Does the new team develop players or just collect them?

  • Some top-tier teams are well-structured and focused on development. Others simply sign the best players to win trophies.

  • Ensure your child is joining a club with clear developmental values: regular rotation, high coaching standards, and a pathway to progress.

4. Environment & enjoyment

  • Will the child still enjoy training, matches, and the social element of football in a more demanding setting?

  • A great player in the wrong environment can quickly become a disillusioned one.


🚀 When stepping up makes sense

With that said, there are certainly times when a move up is the right call. If your child is consistently dominating at their current level—technically, tactically, and physically—it may be time to challenge them further. Signs include:

  • Cruising through games without breaking a sweat

  • A visible hunger for more challenge

  • High levels of self-motivation and discipline

  • Leadership qualities and team influence


When you notice these attributes, and your child is expressing a desire to be pushed, it’s worth exploring higher-level teams. But again—do your homework. Not all Premier or Emerald clubs are created equal.


🧠 A word on mindset: “The parent-coach partnership”


Parents often want the best for their child—and that’s a good thing. But there’s a difference between supportive ambition and performance pressure. Here are a few tips to stay grounded:


  • Talk to your child – What do they want? Sometimes the child is content, even when parents are not.

  • Speak to current and prospective coaches – Ask about playing style, rotation policy, training quality, and ethos.

  • Avoid chasing prestige for prestige’s sake – A flashy team name or kit colour doesn’t guarantee development.

  • Stay humble, stay patient – Development takes time. Rushing the process can cause long-term harm.


🏗️ Alternatives to switching teams


Sometimes a change of club is the right call—but not always. Here are other powerful tools in the player development toolbox:


✅ Specialist Training


Join academies like Bows Soccer Academy, Elite Ballers, or one-on-one coaching providers. These environments can offer technical refinement, confidence building, and tailored feedback.


✅ Position Changes

A player may flourish by experimenting in different roles—perhaps moving from striker to attacking midfield or centre-back to full-back. Versatility can unlock new growth.


✅ Mentorship & goal setting


Help your child set development goals. For example: improve weak foot, increase speed, enhance decision-making. Progress is progress—even outside of promotions.


✅ Summer development plans


Don’t view summer as a ‘break’ from development. A focused off-season, built around small-group sessions, strength and conditioning, and game intelligence work can set a child up for a massive leap in September.


🧭 A path, not a ladder


Too often, parents treat grassroots football as a simple ladder: if you're good, you go up. But it's not that simple. Sometimes staying still—or even stepping sideways—can bring the biggest growth.


As a coach, I’ve seen players stagnate in top teams with no minutes, and others flourish in supportive environments where they play every week and build confidence. The true test of a coach or parent is whether they make decisions that are in the child’s best interests, not their ego.


👥 What does your player need right now?


So—what’s next?

That depends on the player, not the league.


Ask yourself (and them):

  • Are they thriving, or just surviving?

  • Are they learning, or just winning?

  • Are they challenged, or bored?

  • Do they love football more now than they did in September?


If the answers point to stagnation or unfulfilled potential—then yes, perhaps a move is due. But make it carefully, consciously, and with the long-term picture in mind.

🏁 Final thoughts

Every child’s journey is unique. Don’t compare your son or daughter to others. Compare them only to themselves last season.

As coaches, mentors, and parents, we must work together to keep football fun, progressive, and supportive. Whether a player ends up in the Premier League or just the local Sunday side, what matters most is that they leave grassroots football with:

  • Confidence in their abilities

  • A deep love for the game

  • A strong sense of character and discipline


And who knows? With the right development, the right environment, and a bit of patience—they might just go all the way.


But only if we don’t rush the process.


Have a great summer!


Best wishes,











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