Jose Campos, academy lead scout for Orlando City, attended the OPSM NextGen combine and shared his expertise on how players can build their portfolio.
“It’s important to have a highlight video, and it’s important to have a good highlight video,” says Jose Campos. Players need to be able to present themselves in a unique way that grabs the attention of coaches and scouts.
Everything starts with a player doing their research to prepare themselves to look professional. “Highlight videos have to look professional since we are a professional team. You are not a professional player, but you will be treated as a young professional,” says Jose Campos
“First impressions matter. So your highlight videos are your letter of recommendations, your presentations, your resumes, your everything,” says Jose Campos. It’s important to take the time to invest in yourself and build your portfolio early.
Coaches want to see what players can bring to the table and highlight videos will help show what a player is capable of doing during a match. When coaches are looking at highlight videos of potential recruits, they want to see the players stick to their strengths. If they’re a center back they need to make sure that you’re good in the air. If they’re a forward they need to show a lot of clips of themselves scoring some pretty nice goals. This will help players build their portfolio while capturing the attention of scouts and coaches.
Scouts are looking for players that are true to their playing style and are confident when they are playing. ”We want to sign the player that we’re seeing here. The player that we’re seeing here has to match the player that you were before and the player that you’re going to be after,” says Jose Campos. Consistency is key when it comes to playing. Players need to demonstrate to coaches or scouts that they can make the good passes that they usually do rather than trying something new that has not been practiced.
Scouts and coaches are looking for players that can play on offense and defense. This is critical since it shows that players are willing to work hard for their team on both sides. “Typical Orlando City players are hardworking players and very good in one versus one situations. Also, winning their duels, both defensively and offensively,” says Jose Campos.
Demonstrating proper manners and good sportsmanship is important for building your portfolio. “Shake everybody’s hand, introduce yourself to coaches, to the other teammates,” says Jose Campos. These simple acts will go a long way for players and help them get noticed by coaches.
Players being themselves is important. It may be nerve racking especially when players are performing at a high level for the first time. However, staying true to themselves while playing confidently on the ball is crucial. “Normally, on the first day they are a little bit nervous and we understand that. But from day two or three we do expect them to be performing at the level that we want them to perform,” says Jose Campos.
“The level of play is going to be a little bit faster than what players are used to so try to adapt that quickly while bringing all the intensity,” Says Jose Campos. Performing at a high level will help players develop overtime.
To listen to Jose Campos’ interview with OPSM, visit the OPSM Network Instagram Page.
It’s important for young players to take action in becoming a better player if they want to play at the highest level. Staying focused and eager to improve their game is essential to take that next step in their chapter. For those that are willing to commit to the work needed to excel on the field and in the classroom, speak to one of our OPSM Collegiate Advisors to help pave the way into your next chapter.
