What Pro Scouts Actually Look For | Chris Robinson, Former Chelsea FC Academy Scout
From The Inside Scoop with Anytime Soccer Training - Discussing Youth Soccer from Around the World by Neil Crawford
May 17, 2026 · 7 min
About this episode
Neil Crawford interviews Chris Robinson about what professional scouts look for in youth soccer players.
What does it really take to get noticed by a professional scout? In this episode of The Inside Scoop, Neil Crawford sits down with Chris Robinson — Director of The Scouting Game and a veteran of over 30 years in professional soccer, including nearly a decade recruiting for Chelsea FC's academy. Chris breaks down what scouts are actually evaluating when they watch your child play, the traits that get players noticed, and the hard truths most parents aren't ready to hear. If your kid has dreams of playing at the next level, this conversation could change how you see the entire process. Chris is also the author of The Scouting Game: An Insider's Guide to Talent Spotting Football's Next Stars — a must-read for any serious soccer family. 🔗 Grab the book: https://amzn.to/4tKC44H 🌐 Learn more: https://thescoutinggame.co.uk
People in this episode
Host: Neil Crawford
Guest: Chris Robinson
Topics covered
- youth soccer
- scouting
- player evaluation
- soccer academy
- parenting in sports
Keywords
- professional scout
- youth soccer
- Chelsea FC academy
- player traits
- scouting process
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Chelsea FC, The Scouting Game
Books & works: The Scouting Game: An Insider's Guide to Talent Spotting Football's Next Stars
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