Inside the Mind of a Top Coach: How Talent is Identified at Elite Youth Soccer Tournaments
Shaun Tsakiris, one of the most respected figures in American youth soccer, has spent years identifying and developing some of the nation’s top talent. As the former head coach of the U.S. U16 and U17 Boys’ National Teams and the Technical Director of Los Gatos United, Tsakiris understands what it takes to spot a future professional.
In this exclusive SoccerToday interview, Tsakiris shares his perspective on scouting talented youth soccer players, the evolving role of tournaments like the Surf Cup, and what sets elite players apart. A two-time U.S. Soccer Development Academy Coach of the Year, Tsakiris has deep roots in the game, from coaching with De Anza Force to leading national youth teams.
For parents, coaches, and players looking to understand what scouts are really watching for—and how events like Surf Cup fit into the modern player development pathway—this interview offers valuable, real-world insights from a top-level coach who has helped shape the future of American soccer. 
SoccerToday Diane Scavuzzo’s Interview with Shaun Tsakiris:
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you think of Surf Cup as a youth soccer tournament for recruiting talent?
Shaun Tsakiris: It’s clearly one of the best youth soccer tournaments in the country.
BEHIND THE DA SHOWCASES, SURF CUP IS STILL A GREAT TOURNAMENT.
Diane Scavuzzo: How would you compare the level of play between the Surf Cup and the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Showcase?
Shaun Tsakiris: The U.S. Soccer Development Academy (DA) has created a pathway and a level that is higher.
While it is clear that the level of play is not as high as it used to be, I think there is always going to be a place for a tournament like Surf Cup.
Diane Scavuzzo: Did players at Surf Cup catch your eye? Is this a good tournament for scouting youth soccer talent?
Shaun Tsakiris: Absolutely. I am always looking for top players.
Diane Scavuzzo: Where do you scout youth soccer players?
Shaun Tsakiris: As the YNT Coach, I went to all the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Showcases and to the important youth tournaments.
Diane Scavuzzo: How do you identify elite youth soccer players in a country as big as the USA?
Shaun Tsakiris: It’s all about creating relationships with scouts and coaches throughout the country as the size of the United States makes it difficult to look everywhere to go look for top talent.
Diane Scavuzzo: Are youth soccer coaches occasionally overly exuberant when describing their players?
Shaun Tsakiris: That is why scouting sometimes is a relationship based business. If you trust a coach, that makes all the difference.
THE SOCCER COMMUNITY IS PRETTY SMALL. YOU LEARN WHO YOU CAN TRUST.
Diane Scavuzzo: When you scout youth soccer players, what do you look for?
Shaun Tsakiris: I like to use the term footballers. How much do they love the game?
IS THE PLAYER STRONG TACTICALLY, HOW WELL DO THEY UNDERSTAND THE GAME?
The question usually us, “Do they really want to become professional soccer players and understand what it takes?”
WE CAN ALWAYS DEVELOP ATHLETES – WE WANT TO DEVELOP FOOTBALLERS.
Diane Scavuzzo: If you change one thing in youth soccer today, what would it be?
Shaun Tsakiris: Youth soccer players are not creative enough. Youth soccer has become so structured, the value and art of creativity has suffered.
I THINK WE’VE CREATED MORE GOOD PLAYERS AND LESS SPECIAL PLAYERS.
It is our responsibility as coaches to help our players develop the creative aspects of the game.
Diane Scavuzzo: Do you believe the better quality youth soccer players are in the MLS Development Academies?
Shaun Tsakiris: Yes, that is the funnel we have created and the direction for most of the top players. And not all the MLS DA’s are equal either.
