In the UK 1.5 million footballers play organised youth football, only 0.012 per cent make it into the professional game. Even in the most advanced football markets some players will not get a fair chance of getting scouted as a lot of scouting is based on hearsay and personal connections. Unless players have the opportunity in a professional academy, it is very difficult to find and seek access to professional training and to gain valuable advice, guidance and tutoring in order to improve their game.
Notwithstanding, existing platforms such as Transfermarkt reduce the chances of ‘hidden gems’ getting the chance to sign. Everything is digital now and by numbers, very little talent spotting really persists nowadays with the availability of data at our fingertips, while the pandemic has also caused disruptions to the process. Ellevate is here to help players that fall out of academy systems. We offer all players a valuable source of education, insight, community, personalised training programmes and opportunity on and off the pitch and to help all users prepare for life in and out of the game. During the biggest pandemic this world has faced, the football industry has been adversely affected, with teams dropping their academies, players, and clubs falling through altogether. However, throughout all of the uncertainty a tale of miracles and manifestation has arisen.
Amir Feratovic, 18, is a budding young football player who began his career with Slovenian side NK Bravo. When the pandemic hit, it effected his team’s training programme and his chances of become a footballer started to dissolve. With the help of Ellevate, Amir was able to continue his personal training by utilising the Ellevate App’s functions such as skills school, drills and at home workouts. By posting regular content of himself, he was able to significantly increase his exposure on the app whilst marketing himself to agents, clubs and scouts in the hopes of finding a new club and agent. Fast forward a few months and Amir’s hard work and dedication has truly paid off. His silent adherent and guardian
angel, Dr Nusret Jashani had been keeping a close eye on him for months watching his content via Ellevate. This consequently led to Dr Nusret making an offer that Amir could not refuse – a new club, and not just any club… the coveted A.S. Roma. As a platform and global community that helps young footballers take their game to the next level, Ellevate, the revolutionary football network is set to make a huge impact in 2021. As PSN’s official aftercare partner, Ellevate is the next level for learning and development within the football community. U For more information contact Akshay Lugani at akshay@e11evate.co.uk or visit www.e11evate.co.uk
OTFF ISSUE 14 ★ FEBRUARY 2021 | 49