Soccer player development and talent identification program
What is a Talent Identification Program (Residency Program)?
Established in 1997, the Talent Identification Program (residency program) is a structured soccer player development program, emerged from a partnership between ISM International Scouting Center and A.C. Perugia Calcio SPA (a former Serie A club), with the goal of discovering and nurturing young football talent.
From 2020 and 2022, ISM International Scouting Center has established an official cooperation with AC Perugia, taking on the official role of managing international scouting for the U17–U19 categories and providing players with the opportunity to be recruited by the club.
Starting in 2023 ISM broadened its technical partnerships to include additional professional football clubs, positioning itself as a central hub for scouting and the development of emerging football talent.
Established in 1997, The “Talent Identification Program”emerged from a partnership between ISM International Scouting Center and A.C. Perugia Calcio SPA (a former Serie A club), with the goal of discovering and nurturing young football talent.
Talent Identification for Young Football Players
The Soccer Player Development and Talent Identification Program is created for young football players who want to improve their game, be professionally evaluated and experience a football development pathway in Europe. It is more than a training camp. It is a complete soccer talent identification program focused on discovering potential, developing skills and helping international players understand what is required to compete at a professional level.
For international players, families and academies, the program offers a clear answer to an important question: how can a young footballer be evaluated in a professional environment? Through structured training, match observation and detailed football assessment, players receive feedback on their current level and their future development needs.
The Soccer Player Development and Talent Identification Program is created for young football players who want to improve their game, be professionally evaluated and experience a football development pathway in Italy. It is more than a training camp. It is a complete soccer talent identification program focused on discovering potential, developing skills and helping players understand what is required to compete at a higher level.
For international players, families and academies, the program offers a clear answer to an important question: how can a young footballer be evaluated in a professional environment? Through structured training, match observation and detailed football assessment, players receive feedback on their current level and their future development needs.
This football residency program is suitable for motivated international players who want to test themselves in Europe, especially Italy, improve their football intelligence and receive guidance from experienced coaches and football professionals.
Technical and tactical player assessment
A key part of the program is the initial player assessment. Coaches analyse each player to understand their strengths, weaknesses and potential. This process is essential because every young footballer has a different profile, and effective development starts with a clear evaluation.
The assessment covers technical, tactical, physical and mental areas. Coaches observe how players control the ball, pass, shoot, read the game, make decisions, react under pressure and adapt to instructions.
Area evaluated | What coaches analyse |
Technical skills | Ball control, passing, shooting, first touch |
Tactical understanding | Positioning, decision making, game reading |
Physical profile | Speed, strength, endurance, agility |
Mental attitude | Discipline, resilience, coachability |
Match performance | Behaviour under pressure, consistency, teamwork |
This evaluation helps answer questions such as: How are soccer players evaluated? What do scouts look for in young football players? How can a player improve their chances of being scouted?
The answer is never based on one single action. Coaches and scouts look at the complete player: talent, mentality, tactical understanding, consistency and ability to improve.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
1st Year
Players join the Talent Identification Program (TIP) at an ISM International Scouting Center.
At the start, each participant undergoes a technical and tactical assessment by professional coaches and follows a tailored training plan.
2nd Year
Players enrolled in the first year may be selected by a Professional Club Partner based on age and performance.
Selected players will receive official membership—and, when applicable, a professional contract.
… and the future
We hope your dreams come true
Measuring Performances:
Comparing with Professionals:
Individual training plan and performance report
The Talent Identification Program mirrors the intensity and structure of a professional club’s training model. Participants follow a daily schedule designed to develop technical and tactical skills just like professional players.
After the assessment, each player follows an individual training plan designed to support their development. The plan focuses on the areas that need improvement and helps players work with more purpose during the program.
An individual football training plan may include technical work, tactical education, physical preparation and match-specific objectives. This gives players a clear direction instead of generic training. The objective is to help each footballer understand what they need to improve and how to do it.
| Monday-Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
| morning | education | education | spare time |
| 1:00 p.m. | lunch | lunch | lunch |
| afternoon | training | spare time | spare time / stadium |
| 8:00 p.m. | dinner | dinner | dinner |
| 11:00 p.m. | rest | rest / social activity | rest |
The program established for the soccer players who attend the Talent Identification Program is developed to put them in the best situation to follow a period of athletic and educational preparation oriented to reach the final goal of the project.
The course also includes weekend activities, such as watch Serie A and B matches.
SOCCER EQUIPMENT
- 1 Soccer Bag
- 1 Tracking suit
- 2 Training kits (jersey, shorts and socks)
- 1 Training sweatshirt
- 1 Polo shirt
- 1 Rain jacket
- 1 Winter coat
- 1 Soccer Bag
- 1 Tracking suit
- 2 Training kits (jersey, shorts and socks)
- 1 Training sweatshirt
- 1 Polo shirt
- 1 Rain jacket
- 1 Winter coat
Soccer player development in Italy
Italy is one of the most respected football environments in Europe, known for tactical education, technical discipline and intelligent player development. The program gives young players the chance to train in this environment while following a structured soccer player development process.
The goal is not only to improve individual skills, but to help players become more complete footballers. Training activities focus on technical quality, tactical awareness, physical preparation, decision-making, attitude and match performance.
Player development requires consistency. For this reason, the program is available in different formats, including a full season pathway and shorter monthly options. This allows players to choose the experience that best fits their goals, school calendar and football ambitions.
| Period | High school & University |
| 9 months | € 19.000 |
| 6 months | € 12.900 |
| 3 months | € 8.500 |
| 2 months | € 5.900 |
| 1 month | € 3.000 |
| Period | High school & University |
| 9 months | € 19.000 |
| 6 months | € 12.900 |
| 3 months | € 8.500 |
| 2 months | € 5.900 |
| 1 month | € 3.000 |
*Discounted rates are provided based on sporting merit and the achievement of ISM or Professional Club Partner scholarship.
Football scouting opportunities in Italy
The program also creates football scouting opportunities in Italy. Players are observed during training sessions, friendly matches and development activities. This allows coaches, scouts and football experts to evaluate their potential over time, rather than judging them from one short trial only.
A serious football scouting program in Italy should not promise a professional contract to every player. Instead, it should provide visibility, honest evaluation and realistic guidance. This is exactly the purpose of the Talent Identification Program.
Players may have the opportunity to train with Italian professional club environments or take part in friendly matches where they can showcase their skills. These experiences help young footballers understand the level required by professional clubs and the standards expected in European football.
For players who want to be noticed, scouting is not only about talent. Scouts look for discipline, coachability, tactical intelligence, consistency, personality, physical readiness and the ability to perform under pressure.
Pathway to professional football clubs
The program is designed to support a possible pathway to professional football, but this pathway can be different for every player. Some players may need more technical development, while others may need match experience, physical improvement, tactical education or more time to adapt to the European game.
The Talent Identification Program is structured for two main player profiles: High School students and University students. High School players, usually aged 14 to 18, follow a September-to-June pathway that combines football development with school support and accommodation at the Convitto Nazionale di Assisi, with meals, transport and Italian language courses included. University players, usually aged 19 to 22, can also join the program from September to June, with accommodation in an apartment or hotel, transport and Italian language courses included, while meals are not included.
This distinction allows the program to support young footballers at different stages of their academic and athletic journey. High School players can grow in a more supervised residential environment, while University players can experience a more independent setup while continuing their football development in Italy.
The Talent Identification Program helps players understand their current position and the next step in their football journey. For some players, the next step may be a trial with a club. For others, it may be continued academy training, a semi-professional opportunity, a youth football pathway or a longer development plan.
The purpose is to create a realistic pathway to professional soccer, based on performance, attitude and potential. Professional football requires much more than talent. It requires daily discipline, strong mentality, tactical understanding and the ability to compete consistently.
| High School | University | |
| Intended Audience | 14 – 18 Years old | 19 – 22 Years old |
| Period | September – June | September – June |
| Accomodation/Schools | Convitto Nazionale Di Assisi | Apartment – Hotel |
| Meals | Convitto Nazionale Di Assisi | Not included |
| Transport | YES | YES |
| Course Italian Language | YES | YES |
Frequently asked questions about Talent Identification Program
What is soccer talent identification (Residency Program)?
Soccer talent identification is the process of evaluating young football players to understand their current level, potential and development needs. It includes technical, tactical, physical and mental assessment, match observation and feedback from coaches or scouts.
What do football scouts evaluate?
Football scouts evaluate technical skills, tactical understanding, physical qualities, mentality, attitude and match performance. They look for players who show talent, discipline, intelligence, consistency, coachability and the potential to grow in a competitive football environment.
Is the program only for elite players?
No. The program is not only for elite players. It is designed for motivated young footballers who want to improve, be evaluated and understand their potential. Players should have a good football background and a serious attitude toward training and development.
Will I receive a performance report?
Yes. Players can receive a performance report that helps identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. The report supports the individual training plan and gives players and families a clearer view of development progress.
Can the program help me join a professional club?
The program can create scouting opportunities and help players understand the pathway to professional football clubs. However, joining a professional club depends on performance, level, age, potential, attitude and club requirements. No professional contract can be guaranteed.
Where is the TIP Program located?
The TIP Program is based in Perugia and Assisi, in the heart of central Italy. High school students live and study at the Convitto Nazionale di Assisi, while university-aged players attend courses at the University for Foreigners of Perugia.
How long does the TIP Program last?
The program runs each season from September to June. High school-aged players can join for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 9 months. University-aged players can join for a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 9 months per football season.
What age do I need to be to join the TIP Program?
The program is intended for boys from 14 to 22 years old.
What is included in the TIP Program?
Each player has full board, accommodation, and private transport included in the program. Players also receive a complete training kit including a football bag, sweatshirt, sport tracksuit, 2 sets of training uniforms (shirt, shorts, and socks), polo shirt, rain jacket, and winter coat. In the University TIP Program, meals are an extra cost.
What documents do I need to enroll?
To enroll in the TIP Program you need to prepare:
– Last school report card
– Copy of the student’s passport
– Copy of parent’s passport (for minor students)
– Registration fee payment receipt
Our staff will then send you the registration forms and payment details (bank transfer) by email.
