Start Getting Scouted
MLS is a league that has exploded over the last few years, attracting some of the most high profile players from all over the world. However, the increased growth makes it that much harder for young players to break into the league.
MLS Tryouts are very difficult to be invited to unless you are drafted out of college from the MLS Superdraft or the MLS Supplemental Draft. If you are not invited to the MLS Combine the likelihood of you getting a chance to tryout with an MLS team is very limited. There are opportunities to attend an MLS team’s open tryouts to try and get noticed but it can be very difficult with tryout numbers often exceeding 250+ players.
The MLS is improving dramatically year after year making it increasingly more difficult for young players to get the quality minutes needed for increased development.
"I know the fans are always excited about a new player and a high Draft pick, and as well they should be," Bliss explained. "But as we've seen in the past couple of years the quality of the League has gone up significantly and that's been partially because of Designated Players and partially because of team's doing better homework in terms of guys they're bringing in. Cracking a roster at a younger age has been more difficult, not only with the Crew, but at other teams. Sometimes if you're really in need of something, it may be better to trade and know that you're going to get a proven starter. Obviously, it depends on each individual team's needs." - Brian Bliss (Technical Director of the Columbus Crew - Jan 11, 2013)
Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem and it exists in the opportunities offered by access toEuropean Leagues in Scandinavia. In Sweden, Norway, and Denmark there are several different tiers of professional soccer and you have the chance to be seen by larger clubs from all over Europe.
Start getting exposure in front ofEuropean Coaches at one of our Pro Soccer Tryouts.
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Start Getting Scouted
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FAQs
Key Points to having a Great Try Out:
- Be prepared! ...
- Make friends once you get there! ...
- Don't try to do too much! ...
- Be confident and Believe in it®. ...
- Be a good pro! ...
- My extra good advice for you is to communicate loud and clear when playing by saying "Man On", "Turn", "Switch It", etc.
MLS Tryouts are very difficult to be invited to unless you are drafted out of college from the MLS Superdraft or the MLS Supplemental Draft. If you are not invited to the MLS Combine the likelihood of you getting a chance to tryout with an MLS team is very limited.
How to get scouted by MLS teams? ›
Attend ID camps and combines: MLS teams frequently organize identification (ID) camps and combines to discover new talent. Research and register for these events to showcase your skills directly in front of club coaches and scouts.
What not to do at a soccer tryout? ›
Quite often when players feel nervous -- which is totally normal in a tryout situation -- they may hide on the field. Don't make the mistake of trying to avoid mistakes. Soccer is a game of mistakes, and coaches and evaluators know and expect players will make them.
How do I prepare for tryouts? ›
THE TOP 5 TIPS YOU NEED TO PREPARE FOR YOUR HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS TRYOUTS
- Eat Well, Train Smart, and Sleep Plenty. ...
- Get a Head Start by Showing Up Early. ...
- Let Your Voice Be Heard. ...
- Do What You Do Well. ...
- Positivity Never Goes Unnoticed.
In 2023, Toronto FC had the highest average player salary in Major League Soccer (MLS) at nearly 1.1 million U.S. dollars per year. At the other end of the scale, the average player at Orlando City SC earned just over 321 thousand U.S. dollars per year.
What does MLS pay? ›
Chicago Fire attacker Xherdan Shaqiri is the highest-paid player in MLS at $8,153,00. The average MLS salary is $530,262 in 2023, up 3.5% from $512,287 in 2022. Toronto FC has the highest salary spend in MLS, with a total guaranteed compensation of $25,741,930; CF Montréal is the lowest in MLS at $10,511,926.
Do you get paid in the MLS? ›
If we cross check the salaries with the list of MLS 2023 rookies, we can see, according to the data, that the base salary for a rookie sits at $67,360.00, which is what players such as Duncan McGuire and Stephen Afrifa, who moved to Orlando City and Sporting Kansas City respectively in 2023, are currently earning.
What is the best way to get into the MLS? ›
The American sports system use the college route as a pathways to the pro game. Each year the best College/University Soccer players from the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA are signed by clubs via the MLS Draft / NWSL Draft. Up to 90 men's players and 36 women's players are drafted by MLS and NWSL clubs every January.
How do you qualify for MLS? ›
Qualification. Eighteen teams qualify for the playoffs: the top nine teams from the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference that had earned the best points per game record during the 34-game regular season. The top seven teams in each conference get a first-round bye, advancing to the conference quarterfinals.
So if you want a shot at making it to the MLS the most common path would be to catch the attention of MLS scouts based on your performances on your university team. Basically, you have to be one of the best college soccer players in the country.
Should I be nervous for tryouts? ›
Team tryouts can be mentally and physically challenging for young athletes. Kids may feel nervous, unsettled or feel pressure to perform well. This anxiety and nervous energy can have negative effects on an athlete's performance. Many kids and teens are crippled by a fear of failure or embarrassment.
How do I stop being nervous at tryouts? ›
Calm Confidence
Trust in the effort that you have already put in and believe in yourself as you head into the tryouts to help eliminate some of those nerves. “Confidence is the biggest thing you must have before tryouts,” said O'Leary. “Don't worry about the evaluators and what they're thinking.
How can I be confident in soccer tryouts? ›
7 Ways To Feel Confident and Play Your Best When College Coaches Are in the Stands
- Preparation is key. First and foremost, you need to prepare your mind and body for the game. ...
- Practice positive self-talk. ...
- Visualize success. ...
- Take a deep breath. ...
- Stay present and play to your strengths. ...
- Keep it positive. ...
- Have fun and be yourself.
To get scouted in soccer you have to impress the football scout with your abilities and performance in the field and be in the right place at the right time to be seen. Soccer scouts look for technique, tactical awareness, physical attributes, competitiveness and good behaviour.
