When is the Right Time to Move to Europe for Football?
My Honest Take After Making the Jump to Europe…
Moving to Europe to chase my football dream has been one of the most intense, exciting, and life-changing decisions I've ever made. But if I’m being totally real with you, it hasn’t been easy—especially when it comes to timing. Looking back now, after being here for nearly a year, I can see how important it is to get the timing right if you're serious about this kind of move.
I came to Europe in the summer of 2024, just before starting Grade 11. I was 15, turning 16 that October. We left our home in Vancouver, Canada, and moved to Estoril, Portugal, so I could train at a professional academy linked to a top-tier club. That move took a lot of guts and planning from me and my family. It was 100% the right call—but in hindsight, I wish we had done it sooner.
Looking back, I honestly wish I had come over at 14 or 15, during my Grade 10 year. That extra year would have helped so much—not just for paperwork and logistics, but for adjusting to the European style of play. The level here is intense, and adapting to the speed, tactics, and physicality takes time. I would have benefited from that head start.
Here's what I’ve learned about the best age to move, what went well, and what I wish we knew earlier.
The Challenges You Don’t See Coming
At first, you think, "I’ll move to Europe, join a club, and start playing right away." But that’s not how it works. I ran into some serious delays because of FIFA rules for international players under 18. Even though I was registered with a local club and training full-time, I couldn’t play official league matches until all my documents were approved—and that took months.
Then there’s the visa situation. You can’t just show up in Europe and stay here indefinitely. Depending on the country, there are different types of visas you need for long-term residency. That means working with lawyers, getting school paperwork sorted, showing financial support, and more. That stuff takes time—and the season doesn’t wait for you to catch up.
If we had made the move a year earlier, in my Grade 10 year when I was 14 turning 15, we would have had way more time to get everything sorted. I could have started the season on time, played more matches, and had more chances to get evaluated by coaches and scouts. I also would have had more time to understand how the European game works—the positional expectations, the decision-making speed, and how to earn a place in a squad.
Why Coming Over at 18 is Risky
A lot of people in North America think about coming over to Europe after high school, at 17 or 18. But from what I’ve seen here, that’s often too late unless you already have serious connections, a trial offer, or a signed deal waiting for you.
By the time players here are 18, they’ve already spent years in academy systems. They understand the tactical systems, they’re used to the pace, and they’ve built relationships with coaches. If you show up fresh at 18, you’re way behind. It doesn’t mean you can’t make it—but you’ll need to be exceptional and have help from the right people.
Even at 17, I now realize it’s pushing it. You’re almost out of time for clubs to really evaluate you over multiple seasons. I’ve seen it firsthand—players arriving at 17 with so much talent, but not enough time to prove themselves or settle in.
What Age Is Actually Best?
From my perspective, and after talking with other players and coaches here in Portugal, the best time to move to Europe is probably between 14 and 16 years old.
Here’s why:
You're still young enough to develop and adapt
You get more time to settle into the culture and language
Clubs have more time to watch you grow and build trust
You can complete FIFA registration before you're eligible for pro contracts
You’ll be seen as part of the long-term development pipeline
You’ll have time to understand the European game and the level you need to reach
I know 14 sounds young, but if you're really serious about football, that extra time can make all the difference. It gives you at least 2-3 years before turning 18 to train, play, and be seen.
Why Early Trialling Helps Too
Even if you're not ready to fully move, trialling in Europe between ages 13-15 can give you a head start. You get to see the level, experience the training, and understand what coaches expect. Plus, if you make a strong impression, a club might invite you back for a longer stay or even help support your transition.
Trialling also helps your family get a feel for what life would be like abroad. It’s not just about football—it's about living in a new culture, being away from friends, and managing school from a different country. The earlier you test that out, the better.
What I’d Tell My 14-Year-Old Self
If I could talk to myself two years ago, here’s what I’d say:
Start building your highlight reel now
Talk to your parents early about what it would take to move
Do your research on academies, and apply for trials
Learn about the visa and FIFA requirements ahead of time
Be ready to work harder than ever
And most importantly: don’t wait too long. If this is your dream, you’ve got to take steps earlier than you think.
Final Thoughts
Making the move to Europe to play football has been the biggest adventure of my life so far. I’ve grown so much as a player, but even more as a person. I’ve learned how to live on my own, how to speak a new language, how to manage school and training, and how to keep chasing something even when it gets tough.
If you're reading this and wondering when to come over—my advice is to start looking seriously around ages 14-15. Don’t leave it until 18 unless you've already built a strong path. Seventeen might still work—but trust me, you’ll wish you had more time. I know I do.
This journey is not for everyone, but if it’s for you, go after it early.
Carson (CRJ Footballer)