Uncovering Gems In The World

6 September 2026

By M J Kocx

In modern football, smaller football clubs are increasingly having to be savvy in terms of player recruitment and scouting. 

Uncovering gems not only provides short-term success on the field, but also, long-term sustainability to a football club.

Sell an exciting gem of a player for upwards of 20-30 million euros. And you have the foundations to upgrade your training facilities, scouting networks, development pathways, backroom staff, nutrition, and club medical program.

So, there is an onus upon smaller football clubs to identify and nurture young talent. Increasingly, they must look to new landscapes and pathways not considered by the dominant football clubs of this world. 

Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador 

These countries are potential growth areas for identifying local prodigies and football talent pools.

Football is a main sport and part of life in these countries.

Football clubs would be prudent to establish scouting networks in these regions. 

And with the FIFA World Cup 2026 taking place in USA and Mexico, football clubs should be alert to developments regarding grassroots participation numbers in these regions. 

Kenya and Uganda 

These countries are renowned for having legendary athletic programs in both track and field. 

High-altitude training environments. Disciplined community-led training programs and facilities. Higher altitude has been reported to increase red blood cell production, improve maximum oxygen uptake, and ensure greater muscle efficiency.

This author believes that fitness and speed are crucial skills when assessing a football player’s profile. 

Jamaica 

Again, a global powerhouse in terms of world athletics. 

Jamaica holds an annual sporting event known as Champs, where school children compete in a five-day national athletic meet. 

Beyond Champs, Jamaica has a renowned Olympic program. 

This author wonders whether these skills of technical mastery, systematic training, and early exposure to competitive environments could be transferable skills to footballing.


Uncovering gems.

That is the secret formula for smaller football clubs. 


From

Yours truly,