Bend It Like Beckham: How to Become a Pro Soccer Player

Bend It Like Beckham: How to Become a Pro Soccer Player
Bend It Like Beckham: How to Become a Pro Soccer Player. Image source: Pixabay

Sure, a lot of people dream about becoming a professional athlete. But, most of them don’t have what it takes to go pro and wind up giving up on their dreams.

Becoming a pro soccer player requires a little bit more than a love for the game; it takes a lot of hard work, patience, and determination.

If you think you have what it takes to make it in the big league, but aren’t sure where to begin, we’re here to help you chart your course.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to become a professional soccer player.

Be Ready to Dedicate Yourself

If you’re serious about becoming a professional soccer player, you’re going to need to be ready to give your life over to your sport.

In the years leading up to and during your pro career, you’re going to need to eat, sleep, and breathe soccer. Your body is now your most important tool, and you’ll need to do everything you can to hone it and mold it into a soccer-playing machine.

You’ll need to put together a strict training regimen, and spend a few hours every day practicing.

Outside of training, you’ll need to change your eating and sleeping habits to make sure you’re taking proper care of your body. That means giving up late nights and junk food.

If you think you can handle molding your life around your sport, you can begin to pursue your professional career.

Join a Club or a Team

You can’t walk up to a recruiter and insist you can play at a professional level. You’re going to have to prove it. And, the best way to show off your soccer skills is by joining a local team or a club.

Playing minor league or college level soccer is one of the best ways to get noticed on the field. That said, playing university sports can pose the additional challenge of balancing classes on top of your practice time.

If you make your university’s team, you’ll want to sit down with a college schedule maker to plan your classes and study time around your soccer career.

Joining a team will also help you work on your communication and teamwork. These skills are essential when playing a professional level sport.

On top of that, a team will have the resources available to help you get in touch with club owners and recruiters.

Train On and Off the Field

If you want a chance at going pro, you’re going to need to train outside of team practices.

Work with your coach or professional trainer to construct a good cross training program. You’ll also want to go over the best activities you can do to help your body recover on your rest days.

Sticking to a rigorous training program can be tough. But, all your hard work will be worth it the first time you don your pro uniform.

Build Your Network

Finally, like with most careers, it’s not always about what you can do, it’s about who you know.

Go to networking events, talk to your coaches about your goals, and prepare a highlight reel to send out to various clubs and recruiters.

Building a network is one of the best ways to bring your pro soccer dreams to life.

Becoming a Pro Soccer Player

If you want to become a pro soccer player, the most important thing you can do is maintain belief in yourself and your goals.

Reaching the professional level can take years. And during that time you’re probably going to face a lot of rejection. But, if you never doubt yourself and keep working toward your goal, you’ll eventually reach it.

Are you looking for more advice on how to take your game to the next level? We’ve got you covered.

Check out the rest of our website for more helpful articles today!