Here's the thing. I'm not a begginer. Soccer is what I played as a kid. Pretty much from the age of 7 or so to the age of 13. Well things kinda got rough on me, long story short I was a mess for quite a while. But well, head's been screwed on straight for a long while now and this soccer thing has been buggining me greatly. For some reason, I just can't get it out of my head. What bugs me is the "what could've been". I know now that I messed it up but anyway, it's not a matter of life or death or anything but damn, I'd want to give it another shot. Feel obligated in a way sinceit would be kinda liberating. I know also it's something a lot of people say about the sport they played as kids and how they could've been this or that and it doesn't always work out, I get that too but it's just bugging me, I wanna give it a shot. Not like depending on it or anything, college would come first but hey, what's there to lose? I believe I have great natural talent and feel for the game without being braggy. Come to think of it, nothing in the world comes easier to me than soccer and I see that rather clearly now. When I was a kid, I was an attacking midfielder with good technique, great kicking ability as well as crossing. I believe I also always had a good IQ for the game. I was soft however. Well, what has changed is that I'm not soft anymore. Quite the opposite actually, my built right now is closer to that of a football player than a soccer player. Guess Jaap Stam or Sol Campbell would be a good comparison. So that's one positive thing if there's any. And damn, I'd really work hard. Can you envision a project like myself, a late bloomer, pretty much what would be the soccer version of Rocky Balboa, can you envision it happening or is it impossible to make up for the lost time? I feel great athletically and stamina wise, haven't played in a while but I'm pretty sure it would come back quick, the ball control, like 200 juggles, even some fancy moves. I do realize it seems like a very long shot but guess what I really wanna know is, can a gift be lost? Or better yet, is there such a thing as a natural talent in soccer or is it more important to actually play all the time and upgrading yourself like that? Know it sounds pretty crazy but I'm pretty warmed up for it, to achieve my best from where I am right now, without crying for the lost time so wherever that takes me. Weird I know but hey, it's one guy trying to beat the odds. Would be helpful if someone can envision the situation somewhat and shed some light on this inner debate I'm having of natural talent vs consistency etc. BTW, anyone know of any other late bloomers? Something that would inspire me by thinking that it is possible lol. The way I see it, I'm 21, I start playing now and in 4 years I'm 25. 4 years is a lot of playing. And 25 isn't old. Especially for a late blummer. Thx in advance.
Its not your age that is the problem. Its just that most 21 y.o. can't make the commitment that kids can make. Kids generally are able to devote most of their time to a sport, music or other interest. Adult responsibilites, commitments, and interests all compete for your time. If you are willing to put in the time, then its not too late. Start playing as much as you can at as high a level as you can. After two years of hard work you ought to know how high a level you can play. The biggest difference between U14 ball and adult ball is the fitness requirement. No more unlimited subs. You need to be 90-minute match fit. Your ball skills are not going to be where they would be if you had played the last eight years, but your fitness can be "professional" level in 3-4 months. Six months at most even if you are in horrible shape. Good luck.
I'm traveling back to London at the age of 20 to try and play professional soccer. Played as a youngster and then quit when I was 14 to around 18...started playing seriously again then. You'll have to try harder to be looked at, and your game needs to be close to flawless. So get to work perfecting your game and find as many trials or tryouts as you can.
No chance. Without even seeing you play you're not good enough as you're asking if you can make it as a pro on a messageboard.
To the op, you will hear that advice countless times from strangers, friends and maybe even family. To succeed you have to be determined to make it and never quit improving. Professionalism is an attitude.
Certainly if you are good enough Ian Wright was I think 23/4 when he turned pro also there is a player who played for Hayes and Yeading last season and he is 22(I think) and he has just moved to Dagenham and redbridge a pro team. Its definately possible. Does have alot to do with the first answer.
Hmm, thanks everyone for your input but I don't think anyone got the essence of what I wanted to ask all of you. So here it is. Consider all of these 1. I believe I'm a natural talent and I have played a lot as a kid 2. I haven't played in a long time though So, basically given that, what I want to know is, is soccer more about the natural talent or is it about constant developement? I get my odds are slim but I still personally feel there's a chance, for whatever the reason. So basically the question is, is natural talent such an overwhelming factor and something you just can't learn that if I got into it again, I could catch up, OR is constant development something I just can't get back anymore no matter the natural talent? Because when I look at myself, I see things coming easy. And I even see myself picking up new skills easily. But on the other hand...it's something kids play from an early age, every day of their life and constantly improve and with that, this layoff I had, is just inexcusable and well, fatal. And well, other people are talented too but they practiced all the time. Now, how do I compete with them? So basically, those are the questions my mind is occupied with. So, I'm quite confused, honestly. It's an odd situation, one way or another. On one hand, I see my upside as something still very high and on the other, with so much time wasted, I see myself being just an average Joe. Weird lol.
Well, there are too many variables to say for sure. If you have the make up of the real Ronaldo (not the one at RM now) sure you could make up for it but it's hard to say. Your competition at the higher levels will have years of practice both in drills and matches that you'll be missing. I was in the same boat where I didn't have access to playing as much as I would have liked (I'm older) but had a lot of success in college soccer but would have maxed at today's semi-pro level. So, the concise and clear answer is that you obviously want to try so work on it when you can and try out as only they can tell you whether you have it or not. Touch and tactical awareness take a long time to get good at for the high majority of players so that's obviously what you'll need to work on.
Natural talent is good, but won't get you anywhere at the higher levels without hard work. The star professionals you see got their skills by years of hard work. Two suggestions. 1. Read Mia Hamm's book "Go for the Goal." 2. Find a training partner/coach (or two assuming you are going to work twice as hard as anyone else).
When you are young the main things they look for are speed and stamina as technique and awareness can be learned, if you have good technique and awareness then yes but you still need some pace, also many people think they are good but... doesn't mean they are top class.
You can easily make it as a pro when your 21.. But don't be expecting to be playing in the premierleague, what i did was emailed about 40 clubs in europe. Eventually most of them got back to me.. i trialed in tunisia, and now i'm playing for an academy in the UK. Impossible is nothing it's just how you go about it.. You can either sit down and think wow i could have made it, or you can make it happen! I worked so hard and gave up a bunch of stuff just to be at this level i am at now. I hope you can do the same, get your self out there! make videos of your skills.. never give up do it around 5 hours a day none stop think breath sleep football.. thats all the advice i can give you the rest is up to you Good luck
Try to play at the both the college level and PDL if possible. Didier Drogba's story should be pretty inspirational to someone in your situation. Work hard and play as much as you can.
There have been plenty of players who haven't played Pro until they reached their twenties. A lot of English lower league players start out in Non-League and Semi-Professional sides and work their way up. Probably one of the most famous examples is Stuart Pearce, who started out at Wealdstone and ended up becoming one of England's greatest International's. He was 20/21 by the time he signed professional forms with Coventry City. Ian Wright, who became one of the most revered Strikers of the 90's in English football went from Sunday League to Crystal Palace at the age of 21, signing his forms three months short of his 22nd birthday. He's even spent time inside, it was only 14 days but still, it shows just how far he climbed up. Miroslav Klose, who now plays for Bayern and the German National Team didn't turn pro until he was 20/21 and never even had trials at Professional clubs in his teens. He is now one of the most feared strikers in Europe and is heading towards his century for National caps. I could go on all night, but I think those three alone show that talent is talent and if you've got it you'll get there. I wish you all the luck in the world because if what you say is true, I would love to have the chance to use your talent.
If you think you have the talent to compete at a high level, then go for it. But you really need to have the determination to do it. Talent alone will make you stand out, but the determination will make you a better player.
A few years ago there was a keeper in the Prem who had spent his early 20s in the army. Can't think of his name right now. I think he was with Birmingham City in one of their earlier trips to the Prem. Oooh, oooh...was it Maik Taylor? Something like that.
Which academy do you play for in the UK? Ian Wright was 22 or something before he turned pro so it's definitely possible as long as you have the talent. As EnglishFootballer said, you may not play at the very top level but being paid to play football full time is attainable! Keep the faith and work hard! Ian N
He was born into an Army family I believe but wasn't in the Army himself, although I could be wrong, however he didn't turn pro until he was about 24 when he signed for Barnet, thus making him relevant to this thread.