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Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the United States. It’s also a great way to exercise, stay fit and meet new people. If you want to get involved with soccer but don’t know where to start or how to become a scout in Illinois, this article is for you.
If you’re passionate about soccer and want to help young athletes achieve their dreams, then becoming a soccer scout may be the perfect career. In Illinois, there are many opportunities to become a scout for a professional or amateur team. Here we will outline the steps necessary to become a soccer scout in this state.
Table of Contents
Pro Soccer Teams In Illinois: The A-League, NPSL, And USL
There are even fewer pro teams in Illinois. The A-League, which is the highest level of professional soccer in the state, has three teams: Chicago Fire (MLS), Chicago Red Stars (NWSL), and FC Dallas (MLS).
Several lower divisions have some pro teams. The NPSL has five teams: AFC Cleveland, Columbus Crew SC 2nd Team, Dayton Dutch Lions FC, and Indy Eleven Reserves 1st Team/2nd Team, respectively, and two USL counterparts: Saint Louis FC 1st Team/2nd Team, respectively, for example.
And then there’s NASL – North American Soccer League, which has seven total clubs located across America, including Minnesota United FC (NASL), New York Cosmos (NASL) with Miami FC 2nd Squad during their inaugural season last year before moving into their new stadium opened by 2020 summer break just like other MLS teams did recently too.
How to Scout for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club
The A-League is a professional soccer league with teams in Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri. However, you’re not scouting for them. You’re scouting for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club.
The Chicago Fire is one of Major League Soccer’s most successful franchises, with several titles. In their history, they’ve won four Lamar Hunt US Open Cups (the oldest continuously contested domestic American soccer championship), two MLS Cups (the highest honor in North America), and three Supporters’ Shields (shared by all 16 MLS teams).

Sessions from the likes of Xavi and Graham Potter.
Visit The Coaches' Voice NowHow To Scout College Soccer Players?
You’re looking for college players.
- This is the most important thing to remember when scouting college soccer, and it’s also one of the most overlooked factors by scouts.
- College players are often overlooked because they’re cheap, which can be a good investment for your team.
- They’re also more likely to come from the area where you scout (if not from inside) or at least from close enough that it won’t take much time on their part to get used to new surroundings if needed.
- Also, remember that many colleges have multiple teams playing in different leagues throughout the country.
- So, if you decide your client needs someone who plays for one of those programs but doesn’t play for yours, try finding another option before giving up entirely.
The NCAA Recruiting Calendar: Evaluation Period, Campus Visit, and Official Visit
The NCAA is a governing body for college athletics. It sets rules for recruiting and bans players from participating in any other sports or activities besides their chosen sport. The NCAA recruiting calendar comprises several stages: initial interest, evaluation period, campus visit, and official visit.
During the evaluation period (or “conversation”), coaches can talk with recruits about their plans for college life after high school graduation. They may also schedule unofficial visits if they want more information on a particular college program or feel that it would be beneficial to do so before making an official decision later on down the road.
Finally comes another conversation phase between coaches who want more info on how certain players handle themselves off-gamely (like academics) before signing them up officially.
How to Become a Soccer Scout: Tips for Coaching Experience?
If you want to become a soccer scout, it’s important that you have some coaching experience. This will help your resume and clarify how much time and effort you’ve put into coaching. You can get this experience by volunteering at your child’s school, local YMCA, or soccer club.
You’ll also need some coaching experience to be taken seriously as a scout. You can get coaching experience by volunteering at your kid’s school, local YMCA, or soccer club. Either way, it’s important that you have some experience so that people know how much time and effort you’ve put into coaching.
Soccer Scouting in Illinois: How to Become a Scout and Find the Best Talent
- If you want to find soccer talent, you have to go where they are. Soccer scouting is a long-term process that can take years of dedication.
- You need to be a good judge of talent and know how to spot the best players and where they play so that you can evaluate their skills and communicate with them properly.
- If you’re interested in becoming a soccer scout in Illinois, this article will teach you everything about becoming one.
Soccer Scouts: What They Look for, How to Succeed as One
To become a soccer scout, you must know what you’re looking for. It’s not enough to be good at evaluating talent. You also need to know how to communicate with coaches and players. You should be able to talk about the game in real terms so that people can understand your perspective.
A good soccer scout should also have some experience working with other scouts in their region or state; this will allow them to learn from others’ mistakes and successes and share their knowledge and wisdom.
A successful soccer scouting career requires dedication and flexibility; there are many different types of jobs within this field (including coaching), so it pays well but doesn’t come without its challenges.
To Sum Up
If you want to become a soccer scout, there are many opportunities for young players in Illinois. You don’t need any special training or experience, but you do need to keep up with the recruiting rules. Also, ensure your coach has enough time to help and give you pointers on scouting the best talent. Thanks for reading!
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Sessions from the likes of Xavi and Graham Potter.
Visit The Coaches' Voice Now