Are you a young football fan that dreams to make a name for themselves as a professional player?
While some of you may think there is a lot of luck involved when it comes to becoming a professional footballer, know that there is more to it. You can certainly give yourself a better chance in pursuing a career in football in India by following several principles. It also presents the opportunity to be revered in your legacies that resonates with other young players for years.
However, just like the aphorism ‘all that glitters is not gold’, that’s not all the sport is about. Being a highly competitive industry, it requires players to dedicate themselves to the sport while maintaining consistency and making numerous sacrifices to get to the top. If you want to play professional football in India, but are unsure of the best ways to go about it, read this blog post prepared by experts at Aditya School of Sports with tips to guide you on your path.
How to Become a Professional Football Player (in India)
If you want to pursue a football career in India, this guide offers some useful tips.
Start Young
Although not necessary, playing football from a young age can help you polish your skills and learn how to play better than otherwise. Remember, developing skills to play at a national level takes time and effort.
For instance, if you started playing since you were seven or eight years old and practiced for 10 years, you would have the necessary knowledge base and skills required to succeed by the time you are 17 or 18. On the other hand, if you start later, say at 14-15, you would be 24 to 25 by the time you reached the same level.
But this doesn’t mean you need to worry if you do, indeed, start late. Many footballers that play professionally matured at varying stages in their life. So, trust your instincts and put your best foot forward to get where you want to be.
Join a Team
Football is a team sport so it’s advisable to join a team to learn the game and also get a feel of what it’s like to play with others. Furthermore, you need to regularly play games to be visible to scouts throughout your developing stage.
Don’t be afraid to switch teams as it’s a great way to learn new techniques and skills. While it’s recommended to stay loyal to your local team, it may prevent you from excelling at the sport as an individual, especially if you want to play at a high level. Keep in mind, to make it as a professional, you need to look for a suitable environment where your skills and talent can grow.
Pay Attention to Nutrition
If your body doesn’t receive adequate and proper nutrition, it might keep you from performing your best on the field. So, it’s important to focus on consuming healthy sources of energy to ensure you remain fit. Make sure you include proteins, healthy fats and carbohydrates in moderation. It will ensure you have the energy required to excel when playing matches and training. Along with this, adequate foods in the right quantity will also help your muscles recover and ensure your body stays in the condition necessary to play the sport.
Becoming a professional football player is something that many Indians aspire to be, but it’s a difficult goal to achieve. But, by having the dedication, passion and skills that are required, you will have what it takes to play at a state or national level. Stay motivated and enjoy the game to ensure it takes you where you want to be.
