What Football Coaches Really Look For in Young Players

Many young footballers believe coaches only care about goals, assists and standout moments on match day. While performance matters, academy and professional coaches look far deeper than highlights.

Understanding what football coaches really look for helps young players focus on the areas that improve their chances of progressing through academy football and beyond.

Attitude in Training Matters

One of the first things football coaches notice is attitude in training. How a player trains often mirrors how they perform on match day.

Players who arrive prepared, listen, work with intensity and maintain high standards every session stand out quickly. Coaches value players who are willing to learn, take feedback and show commitment to improving their game.

Just as important is willingness to go above and beyond. Players who stay behind to work on their game, ask questions and take responsibility for their development often progress faster over time.

Technical Ability Under Pressure

Technical ability is essential in youth football development, but coaches are not looking for skills in isolation. They want to see technique that holds up under pressure.

First touch, passing quality and ball control at speed are key areas coaches assess. Being comfortable on both feet and able to execute actions quickly is vital at academy level.

This is where one to one football training can play an important role, allowing players to improve specific technical areas alongside team sessions.

Game Understanding and Positioning Off the Ball

Football coaches place huge value on game understanding. What a player does off the ball often says more than what they do in possession.

Good positioning, movement to receive the ball, awareness of space and understanding team shape all demonstrate football intelligence. Players who consistently get into good positions and support team mates are highly valued in academy football.

Decision Making in Match Situations

Decision making is a key factor in how coaches assess players. Coaches look for players who recognise situations early and choose the right option consistently.

Knowing when to play forward, when to keep possession and when to keep things simple helps players stand out and earn trust within a team.

Body Language and Response to Mistakes

Mistakes are part of football at every level. Coaches pay close attention to body language and how players respond after errors.

Players who recover quickly, stay positive and remain focused show mental resilience. This is a key trait coaches look for when assessing long term potential.

Consistency and Work Rate

Talent alone is not enough to succeed in academy football. Coaches look for consistency over time.

Work rate in and out of possession, repeat efforts and the ability to maintain performance levels across training sessions and matches are essential for progression.

Doing More Than the Minimum

In a competitive football system, small details matter. Players who invest extra time into their development often gain an edge.

Extra technical work, physical preparation, recovery and one to one football coaching all contribute to long term improvement. These habits, built consistently, often separate players aiming for elite football.

At Conor Thomas Academy, our focus is on developing players in line with what football coaches actually look for. Through elite football coaching and individual development, we aim to help players improve the details that matter and prepare properly for the next level.