Evaluation & Recruitment Pathway

At ECES, our process is designed to ensure every athlete receives a fair, thorough, and transparent evaluation — combining objective data, professional insight, and holistic understanding.

Each stage provides valuable feedback to guide the player’s development and determine readiness for academy or professional integration.

1️⃣ Initial Consultation (60-Minute Zoom Session)

A one-on-one meeting with the player and parents to define objectives and establish a complete player profile.

Includes:

  • Age group, position(s), and playing style fit

  • Technical, physical, and psychological traits

  • Family budget and support structure

  • Behavioral, academic, and medical/injury history

2️⃣ Game Video Review & Feedback

Detailed evaluation of match footage and highlight clips, with personalized feedback on:

  • Strengths and weaknesses

  • Tactical understanding and decision-making

  • Developmental focus areas and improvement plan

3️⃣ Background & Behavioral Screening

Comprehensive evaluation of player readiness and mindset.

Includes:

  • References from current coach or club

  • Assessment of coachability, motivation, and focus (via psychometric tools/interviews)

  • Review of medical records (if required)

4️⃣ Objective Testing

Scientific assessment across four performance domains:

  • Technical — ball control, passing, finishing, first touch

  • Physical — speed, endurance, agility, strength

  • Psychological — mindset, focus, adaptability

  • Tactical — in-game intelligence and positioning

5️⃣ Two-Week Preseason Camp – Crete, Greece

An immersive professional training experience led by top-level coaches.
Athletes participate in daily sessions, workshops, and internal matches to benchmark performance against academy standards.

6️⃣ Trial Period at Academy

Hands-on evaluation in a live academy environment.

  • Short-Term Trial (7 Days): Assess integration, training habits, and fatigue response.

  • Extended Observation (4–12 Weeks): For younger players; track adaptation and progression over time.

Cost: TBD

7️⃣ Decision & Offer Structure

Following assessment and trial outcomes, players may receive:

  • Full Acceptance — direct placement into an academy program

  • Conditional Offer — specific development plan and re-evaluation timeline

  • Extended Trial — continued observation and support

  • Decline — detailed feedback and recommendations for improvement

Legal counsel assists with youth contract drafting, letters of intent, and release agreements as applicable.

8️⃣ Onboarding & Individual Development Plan (IDP)

For accepted players, ECES creates a personalized growth roadmap designed for long-term success.

Includes:

  • Technical, physical, tactical, educational, and welfare goals

  • Assigned mentor, coach, performance analyst, and medical lead

  • Regular progress reviews (monthly or quarterly)

9️⃣ Monitoring & Performance Reviews

Continuous tracking of player development through:

  • Objective data metrics

  • Coach evaluations

  • Milestone-based advancement and release criteria

🔟 Continuous Improvement

After each recruitment cycle, ECES conducts a program review to evaluate:

  • Player success and retention rates

  • ROI and developmental outcomes

  • Refinement of scouting tools, testing standards, and evaluation benchmark

Our process ensures every athlete is seen, supported, and guided toward their best possible version — both on and off the field.