Quite a few kids have this question. Firstly, they know football or they like football and they want to learn. The next big idea is becoming a professional footballer. At this point people say, “European football pays more! Find your way there!”. This is certainly true but there is more in this. You just can’t jump into European football from nowhere! You need to start off from square one and then make your way to the top.
The ideal age to start is between 6 and 8 years. The basic mantra is to join a local football club or play with your local gang of guys regularly. This puts you in a position to play with and play in a team. Team spirit is really important and this begins to cultivate from the beginning. Next comes the physical fitness and exercises. You must have guessed that you need to have strong legs to be a good footballer, but that is only the tip of the iceberg. Important aspects of being a footballer are stamina,speed and acceleration. How can Lionel Messi run from one end of the field to another in a counter attack and score? That is because he has exceptional amount of stamina and yes speed with acceleration. Building stamina, speed and acceleration takes a long time. You will need to work for long hours for that, but trust me, its worth every bit! If you have joined a local club, then your coach will help you in this with the routine that you have to go under as it differs from person to person. If everything goes right, you will soon be faster than you ever thought!
Next comes the selection into your starting eleven. You must have figured out that this is a difficult task as you have to please your coach by showing him the right moves and your skills. Once you get your place, you have to make sure that there is no turning back. This can be ensured by continuing your training and taking it to a higher level. After you have made it to the starting eleven, make sure that you cement your place with some good performances. Also, stay at that club for at least a couple of years before moving away. Many don’t like kids moving away after just a few months or a year.
Making sure that you have passed the first level, go forward to the next. By this time, quite a few scouts must have shown interest in you. After around two years with your club, look for a move. Preferably look for a better club or look for a club that is doing well. Complete your move and you have entered a new era! Your performances at this club will surely boost your chances of playing in the best leagues in the world. At this stage, it is recommended that you keep in touch with top coaches and try to secure a place in your junior national team. Once you secure a place in the junior national team, your are most likely to be on a plane for a trip to one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. Your journey doesn’t end there, you have many more trophies like the league title and the prestigious champions league to conquer. Hope for the best and step into the shoes of a modern footballer. I wish you all the best.
