Train Online to Improve chances of Playing Pro in UK/Europe

Recently, Crystal Palace FC academy coach Yaser Kasim spoke about the importance of young players training individually every day at home - if they were serious about pursuing a professional playing opportunities.

You can watch the video of him speaking with our young players above.

Here is a clear breakdown of why North American players aspiring to play professionally in the UK or Europe should train online to match the training hours of academy programs at professional clubs in the UK and Europe:

1. Training Hours Gap

UK/Europe Academies: Professional academies in the UK and Europe typically train their players 4–6 times per week, often 10–15+ hours weekly, plus matches.
North America: Many youth players in Canada or the US may only train 2–3 times per week, often 4–6 hours weekly.
Result: Over a year, this gap can equal hundreds of extra hours of skill development, tactical learning, and physical conditioning for European academy players.

2. Online Training Bridges the Gap

Online training programs provide structured, guided individual work that players can do at home or in a local facility.
This means players can add extra technical sessions, strength & conditioning, tactical education, video analysis, and mental skills training.
Done correctly, online training can add 5–10 hours per week, helping close the gap with European academy players.

3. More Touches, Better Technique

The difference in training hours means European academy players get millions more touches on the ball by age 16–18.
High-quality online training focuses on ball mastery, first touch, dribbling, passing, and shooting, which players can repeat alone.
This extra repetition at home is key to matching the technical standard expected in Europe.

4. Tactical IQ and Game Understanding

Online video sessions and tactical modules teach players how to read the game, analyze matches, and understand different systems.
Players in Europe learn this naturally at pro academies — North American players can gain this knowledge through online webinars, game study, and coach feedback.

5. Flexibility to Train More, Whenever

North American players often can’t add extra in-person sessions due to cost, travel, or field availability.
Online training removes these barriers — players can train anytime, at home, without needing a field or coach present.

6. Competing Globally Requires Pro Habits

European academies expect players to take ownership of their development.
Adding consistent, self-directed online training shows dedication, discipline, and a professional mindset — traits scouts look for.

Key Takeaway

North American players who add online training to their regular club sessions can dramatically increase their total training hours, raise their technical level, and prepare more realistically for the demands of professional trials in the UK and Europe.