It takes hard work to reach the top. You've probably dreamt of winning the Premiership, scoring the winning goal in the Cup final or leading your country at the World Cup. But have you really got what it takes to follow in the footsteps of your favorite star?

We decided to find out what it takes to become a professional footballer. From getting spotted, to joining an academy, to coping with rejection - read on to find the information you need.

GETTING NOTICED

Some clubs still hold trials, or talent days, but these are becoming a thing of the past. Instead, most clubs now have a vast network in place that helps them pinpoint the best young talent in their area. Many run community schemes which allow them to keep in touch with the people who run the sport at grassroots level. They liaise with local schools and with the managers of county or district teams. They also have scouts who will be out and about watching matches all over the country and reporting back to them. If you're good enough, generally they'll find you.


WHAT ARE CLUBS LOOKING FOR?
 

It doesn't take a scout to pick out the best player on a pitch. Anyone can spot raw talent, but I'm looking for more than that. You'll rarely see me with my eyes on the ball during a match - I need to find out about a player's character. So I'll be busy looking at things like their position on the pitch, and whether they're prepared to get stuck in and help their team-mates out.
A player must have the right attitude. It's ultra competitive out there, and very few players make it at the top level. To succeed, you've got to have something special in your make-up that will help you rise above the rest. I'll often arrange to meet a young player's family and find out a bit more about his background before deciding if I'm going to recommend him to a club.
You should make sure you have every chance of being spotted by playing at the highest possible standard. You'll probably start off playing for your school team or local club side. If you're any good you should progress to your district or county team and maybe even represent your country at school or youth level.

A club invites you to join its Academy. What happens now?

 

Paul Holder, former assistant Academy director at Crystal Palace, explains the next stages.

MOVING UP THE LADDER
 

What exactly is an Academy?

Academies are special training schemes set up by clubs to help them develop young players. All Premiership clubs have them. Other League clubs run either Academies or Centres of Excellence, which are run along the same lines. Many non-league clubs also run their own development schemes or community projects.

Do I have to be a certain age to attend an Academy?
A player must be at least nine years old to join an Academy, but many clubs - such as Arsenal - have development groups which cater for even younger players.

Does it matter where I live?
Yes. Strict new rules have been brought in to prevent clubs signing young players who live outside their general area.  Under 12's must live within an hour's traveling distance from the club, or 90 minutes for players aged 13-16.

What happens once a club agrees to take me on?
Between the ages of nine and 16 you will be asked to sign "schoolboy forms". These will be renewed every year or two years, if the club is happy for you to continue. Once you're 16, the club will then decide whether it wants you to stay on and join its Youth Training Scheme.

Places are limited, though. For example, Crystal Palace take on about six trainees every year at this stage. Some clubs take on more, some less. If you are one of the lucky ones, you will be offered a scholarship. This can last up to three years, during which time you should progress from the Academy's Youth team to the Reserves. Premiership clubs also have Under-21 teams to bridge the gap between the reserve team and the first team. Technically, you can sign a professional contract at 17. But Wayne Rooney is the exception rather than the rule.
Most players will have to wait until they are 19 before finding out whether they have a future at the club.


LIFE AT AN ACADEMY
 

At the Crystal Palace Academy, youngsters train three times a week - one and a half hours on Tuesday evenings and Thursday evenings and an hour on Saturday mornings. On Sundays, they play matches against other Academy teams. That could mean up to 28 games a season. At Under-9s, 10s and 11s, the matches are eight-a-side, moving up to regular 11-a-side numbers after that. Academy players are given all-round assistance Players are given practical homework such as training drills they can practice at home. Their parents are also given advice on things like nutrition and mental preparation. Agility is very important too. So, while the players can practice their football skills at the academy, we'll ask their schools to make sure they take part in other sports such as gymnastics or basketball.

When he's approaching 16, the club will sit down with the player and his parents to decide the best way forward.  If the player is offered a scholarship, he'll more than likely move to live in housing near the club. He'll be expected to continue his education, though, and will be offered various courses local college.

He'll also be expected to do some jobs around the club, such as collecting dirty uniforms and taking them to the laundry.


WHAT IF I'M REJECTED?

You've got to be realistic. Just think. How many new young players does a club like Liverpool or Arsenal sign every season? The answer is very few. The fact is that most trainees will never make the grade. Trainees released from scholarship schemes are put into a central pool which allows other interested clubs to come in for them. And former Fulham scout Roger Skyrme believes there's nothing wrong with lowering your standards. "Never lose faith in your ability, but do be prepared to move down a level," Roger told BBC Sport. One example is Darren Peacock, who was rejected by Bristol Rovers, of the English first division, before being taken on by Newport County. He eventually went on to make some 200 Premiership appearances for clubs such as QPR, Newcastle, West Ham and Blackburn. "Now that's one player with real backbone," said Skyrme.