The European Club Association (ECA) has released a comprehensive report detailing the significant challenges young players face when moving from academy football to the first team. This crucial step in a player’s career is often seen as the most challenging.
Considering the growing interest among ECA clubs in transitioning young players, the study identifies best practices that clubs of all sizes can implement to assist players in this critical phase.
Dennis Te Kloese, ECA Executive Board member and lead of the ECA Youth Football Working Group, stated: “Regardless of a club’s size, location, or strategy, we believe this new ECA study provides a valuable resource to improve first team transition rates, build a sustainable talent pipeline in Europe, and provide a competitive edge for those who implement the report’s best practices and suggestions.”
The report underscores that the transition from academy to first team is complex and varies greatly across clubs. It highlights the need for a tailored approach, balancing short-term strategies with long-term philosophical shifts.
Success metrics and case studies
The report analyses which leagues and clubs have been most successful in providing first team opportunities and managing transitions. The Premier League and English Football League topped the list with the highest number of debutants between 2018/19 and 2022/23. Notably, the first divisions of Italy, France, and Spain followed closely. When considering the population size and talent pool, smaller nations like Czechia, Serbia, Denmark, Croatia, and Norway also ranked high.
At the club level, Atalanta BC emerged as a leader in both debut and transition metrics, averaging at least eight debutants and seven transitions per season. Other top-performing clubs included FC Internazionale Milano, Manchester City FC, SL Benfica, Manchester United FC, Liverpool FC, and Arsenal FC, alongside prominent Eastern European clubs like FC Shakhtar Donetsk, GNK Dinamo Zagreb, and FK Crvena Zvezda.
Mind over matter
While the study thoroughly explored all aspects of the transition process, there was one crucial takeaway: mental challenges are the most difficult to cope with. Without players taking ownership of their own transition, even the best, most advanced supporting environment will fail. The responsibility of players includes: motivation, commitment, and realistic expectations.
But of course, players are not alone in their journey towards the first team. The study also cited another key factor to a player’s overall success.
Quality coaches create quality players
We all know the importance of good coaching for success on the pitch, but the ECA’s report emphasises how vital coaches are for sustaining player morale during the difficult transition period.
Passion within players is sustained through their coaches. And for clubs, having and nurturing talent is not only a key criterion for success in players but also in coaches. Taking it a step further: having a dedicated individual to manage the integration of various transition areas in a personalised manner brings significant value to clubs.
Enhance coaching with Eyeball
For clubs aiming to capitalise on these findings, many factors that lead to first team success are beyond their control. However, enhancing coaching techniques and strategies with an individualised approach is now easier than ever with Eyeball.
We breakdown match video to give coaches performance data and highlight clips for each of their players. With Eyeball doing the legwork, coaches can focus their time on the pitch and take an individualised approach to coaching. Plus with free access to the Eyeball Player App, players can track their matches and use their clips and data to learn and improve their game.
Learn more about Eyeball for Coaches: https://www.eyeball.club/coaches/