The numbers show the competitiveness of the professional game. Out of the children who enter academies at the age of nine, less than one percent will make it as a professional footballer at any level. In terms of playing Premier League football, just 180 children of the 1.5 million who play organised youth football at any one time will go onto a career in football. That’s just 0.012 percent.
With chances so limited, how can a young a player give themselves the best chance of being in that one percent? The answer is that it takes far more than talent. We’ve put together a list of some of the other traits needed to succeed as a professional footballer.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER
Clubs and teams have ever rising demands and are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the selection processes used to find players. Although the expectations may change depending on the professional club or academy, some are looking for more than natural talent. This means that they may expect players to demonstrate an understanding of the dedication that is required to become a professional footballer.
Positive signs that can help with this are displaying the right attitude and a determination to be the very best. By showing they are aware of the long journey ahead and are prepared to work as hard as possible for it, a young player will stand out above those with the wrong attitude.
MOTIVATION TO PLAY
The dream of playing football professionally in front of packed stadiums for a living should provide motivation enough – but even the most passionate young player can lose sight of why they want to become a professional soccer player.
Focusing on being the best, never losing sense of why they started playing football in the first place, remembering to keep smiling and enjoying the game are helpful motivations. Combining diligence with having fun is always essential to remaining motivated.
“The only thing that matters to me is playing, I do it because I love it” is one of Messi’s great quotes which highlights how building an enjoyment, love and passion for the game over the years is fundamental to the success of a player.
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CONFIDENCE AS A PLAYER AND IN THEIR FOOTBALLING ABILITY
If a young player wants to become a professional footballer, it’s vital that they are confident in their abilities and have the desire to always improve them. If they don’t have a belief in what they can do, then chances are that an academy won’t either. Self-belief in footballers comes in many forms, from body language, communication and positive thinking, to preparation that ensures they are ready for any situation.
Belief is the key to success. When a player possesses self- confidence, they are more likely to play creatively and stand out in the crowd. They need high confidence levels on and off the ball, but also on and off the football pitch. The ability to learn from the past is vital to player development.
AN ATHLETE’ HEALTHY AND BALANCED LIFESTYLE
To be a professional, a player needs to be much more than a footballer – they must become an athlete as well. That derives from lifestyle. A healthy and balanced diet will help keep the body physically and mentally fit, which will reflect in performances on the pitch.
Getting into the best possible shape by working on stamina, leg power, core strength, agility and raw pace will improve a player’s effectiveness. This is a hard part of becoming a professional and can often require strong levels of determination and will-power.
