This thread is somewhat strange, but I get the feeling many could relate to the topic. How do you get your footall or teamsport fix, if you are no longer able to play football? I used to play soccer 6 days a week, often twice a day for school and club. I burst into my club's senior team at a young age. I was soccer mad. Unfortunately, the body stress took its toll, and I injured my groin. Long story short, I'm not going to play full-field soccer games anymore, and I get the feeling 5-aside might be too much groin stress as well. As somebody who was obsessed with football, it is hard to let go. It's been 3 years since I last played, and I have this anxiety when there are major tournaments like the WC or Euro's. I want to feel part of it, but feel like a fake, since I don't even play anymore. Watching football is fun, but a painful reminder at the same time. Keep in mind that I was usually watching to pick up skills and ideas...not just for pure support. Any ideas how I can get my fix? I was thinking of taking note of tactics in games more often. I even thought of playing Touch Rugby. I just want a sense of belonging! I gym everyday, but that just doesn't fulfill the team feeling.
You love the game. So try to always be around the game coach even officiate. Train players, scout for teams I did them all. When you get older being arounds players will help you think young.
You can still enjoy the ball when you can't play the game. You can still juggle and practice free kicks after you finish playing. Look at Maradona, he loves the ball as much as the game. You still find clips of him messing around with the ball 1o years after his last competitive game.
I've both coached and now referee. Both are ways to stay involved. If the groin can handle the running to referee higher level games, it's a good way to stay in touch with the game and you're on the field with the players! At higher levels it takes the ability to read the game and decide how to react to things, players often have this ability via their playing experience.
Thanks for all the points and advice guys. I don't actually think I've got enough tactical knowledge to coach much, but I would enjoy coaching youngsters at a later stage. I currently teach elementary kids in Korea, so managing kids on the field wouldn't be a huge jump. I think I'd be able to play 5 aside games every now and then...I really enjoyed that.
I always juggle outside inside I even do rainbows in the house. I have high ceilings my grand kids love it. I march on some of my old clubs parades. During the Norwegian day parade with Sporting Club Gjoa All the youth teams march and juggle. Guess who marches and juggles with them some old guy who just turned 70 me.
Heart-warming story. I really hope to use football as a tool to connect with others, while also allowing for me to enjoy it!
