Dreaming of becoming a professional soccer player? Whether you’re 11 or 18, the journey to playing soccer at a professional level is exciting but challenging. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help young players and their families navigate the path to a professional soccer career.
Develop a Passion for the Game
The foundation of every great soccer player is an undeniable passion for the game. Success in soccer isn’t just about training hard—it’s about loving every moment spent on the field. The more you enjoy playing, the more motivated you’ll be to improve.
A 2012 study found that passion is key to success in young soccer players. Psychological traits like grit and a positive mindset were more common in those who had a deep love for the sport. Passion drives progress, so whether you’re in a formal practice or just kicking a ball around at home, enjoy it—it will fuel your journey. Learn more here: Study by H. Sigmundsson et al.
When Should You Start?
Many parents wonder when their child should specialize in soccer. Research shows that early specialization can lead to burnout and injuries. Athletes who play multiple sports as kids tend to avoid these risks and develop a better overall athletic base.
However, between the ages of 9-12, known as the “golden age for learning” in soccer, players should begin honing their technical skills. FIFA’s Chief of Global Development, Arsène Wenger, emphasized this in a 2022 interview, noting that from ages 11-13, “it is important to have a relationship with the ball as if it were your friend, controlling it and bringing it down to the ground, welcoming it into your home and having fun together.” Read the full interview here.
Consistent Training is Key
Consistency is what separates the good from the great. While motivation comes and goes, establishing a routine of consistent training ensures progress over time.
Dutch soccer legend Johan Cruyff once said, “I trained 3-4 hours a week at Ajax when I was little, but played 3-4 hours every day on the street. So, where do you think I learned football?” In today’s world, it’s harder for players to spend that much time on the streets, but the lesson remains the same: train outside of formal practice sessions.
During the pandemic, I launched an online training initiative to help players continue their development at home. What we found was that players who spent more time on individual skill development saw significant improvement. The program has continued, and players who train 30 minutes a day, five days a week, now add 10 additional hours of training per month using my app. You can learn more about this program here.
Our online training focuses on:
Technical Skills: Dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control.
Physical Fitness: Strength, endurance, speed, and agility.
Tactical Understanding: Position-specific strategies and tactics.
Psychological Resilience: Daily habits and coping strategies to handle the modern game’s demands.
Join a Competitive Team
To truly develop as a player, it’s essential to test your skills in competitive environments. Soccer is a dynamic and unpredictable sport—experience in real games is the best way to prepare for the unpredictable challenges that come with it.
Joining local, regional, or national leagues will help you gain exposure and experience. Participating in tournaments and high-level matches challenges you to think quickly, make decisions under pressure, and improve as a player.
Seek Professional Coaching
One of the biggest differences between Europe and North America in youth soccer development is access to qualified coaches. In Spain, there is one UEFA licensed coach for every 27 youth players, compared to one for every 1,000 players in North America. This disparity affects the quality of training players receive.
If you want to elevate your game, seek out UEFA licensed coaches. These experts provide the high-quality feedback and guidance necessary to help you reach your potential. Attending soccer academies or player identification camps, like our Pro Trials ID events, also offers exposure to top coaches and scouts. This is a key step for anyone hoping to secure soccer trials in Europe.
Maintain Physical Fitness and Health
The physical demands of soccer are higher than ever. Players cover up to 12 kilometers in a game, with frequent high-intensity movements. Staying in top physical condition is essential for anyone aspiring to play at the professional level.
Our training programs incorporate strength and endurance workouts to keep players in peak condition. We also focus on proper nutrition, speed, and agility training to ensure players meet the modern game’s physical demands. To see FIFA’s 2022 World Cup analysis of the physical requirements by position, check out their research here.
Understand Professional Pathways
The path to professional soccer in Europe differs from North America. In Europe, top amateur clubs compete against professional clubs, creating opportunities for young players to prove themselves. For example, at our Pro Trials ID events, we place players train at clubs in Madrid that compete with Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid’s youth academies. This exposure to high-level competition improves our players’ abilities and helps them get scouted by professional clubs.
While it’s natural to aim for top European clubs, many professional soccer players start in lower leagues. Clubs in Europe scout these leagues, offering young players a realistic path to rise through the ranks. Be open to starting in lower-tier clubs—it could be the first step toward a professional career.
Prioritize Education and Have a Backup Plan
It’s crucial to balance soccer with education. Professional soccer careers are often short, and only a small percentage of players make it to the top. Excelling academically ensures you have other options if your soccer journey doesn’t go as planned.
Interestingly, many English Premier League (EPL) clubs now prioritize signing players who are also successful academically. Why? Because these players demonstrate the discipline, time management, and mental sharpness needed to succeed both on the field and in life. EPL academies even have staff dedicated to helping players excel in school, knowing that only a small percentage will make it to the professional level.
Build a Strong Support System
Behind every successful player is a strong support network. Family, friends, and mentors play a crucial role in helping young athletes manage the pressures of soccer and life. Surround yourself with people who encourage your dreams and offer practical support when needed. This backing will be invaluable as you pursue your goal of becoming a professional soccer player.
Becoming a professional soccer player isn’t easy, but with passion, consistency, and the right support, the dream is achievable. Focus on your development, train hard, and keep your options open. The path may be long, but with dedication, your efforts will pay off.
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