In a word, it's TIPS.

And they don't mean a dead cert for the 3.40 at Aintree!

TIPS is Ajax's famous system for assessing their young players and stands for Technique, Insight, Personality and Speed.

Essentially, you need to be a very good player with the skills, understanding of the game, strength of character and out-and-out pace to shine in a very competitive environment.

Not much to ask!

But the club believes that the most important part of any young player's armoury is their ability on the ball.

"It's mainly ball skills," says coach Arnold Murhen.

"We don't ask the kids to run all day - it's all about skills."

In terms of actually spotting the talent, Ajax believe you're never too young!

De Toekomst is divided into age groups, with the youngest intake arriving at just eight-years-old.

But the club actually begin to search for players with six-year-olds!

Makes Wayne Rooney look like a pensioner!

They have scouts all over Holland as well as in parts of South America and Africa to keep an eye out for the best young players

It also hosts a three-day 'talent week' once a year where 1,400 children are offered the chance to showcase their abilities in a series of tests and drills.

Occasionally a player will be invited to join the academy after impressing during the week.

One player who made his mark at the event is Rafael van der Vaart, now rated as the most exciting player in Dutch football.