Being a young footballer in the United Arab Emirates can be tough at times. Trying to break into the club system has its barriers and finding a reliable local team to play for can be tough as well. However, that’s not a reason to be discouraged. There are still avenues to making your dreams come true.

The first and most crucial step is to stay consistent and be persistent. Train how the pros train and you’re more likely to end up where the pros are. This includes everything off the field as well, including nutrition, conditioning and overall football IQ. Watch a lot of classic footballers play and the more you’ll realize there is always something new to learn.

The second step is to find someone to be accountable with. Football is a team sport and being great at football is a group effort. Healthy competition is always a great fuel to being better so helping a friend get to where they want to go while getting better is an excellent strategy.

The next step is exposure. If you aren’t playing for an organized team, try and do your research to find one that you can join. If transportation or finance is the issue, join your school team or even organize friends to play friendlies at a local park.

One very useful strategy to use is to film your matches. With this content, you can do one of two things; you can either send this footage directly to clubs or academies either in the country or abroad. Or, you can start your own channel on GoldCleats, ScoutmeOnline or Youtube.

The most important thing to keep in mind through the process is it is a process and it takes time to gain exposure. Use your leverage of being consistent and using good communication skills to be the best possible asset you can be for a club. Agents are looking for good players to join. Use the tools you have readily available to be the best you on the pitch and off the pitch.

Looking for a good way to get scouted? Neymar is currently for the five best players around the world to join his Neymar Jr’s Global Five Team! All you have to do is upload a video of your best skills to Instagram, #outplaythemall, tag Red Bull Neymars Jr Five and write your home country. Send us your videos on our StudentsEra IG page too!