What does it take to become a professional soccer player?

Hi Alex,
I recently just finished my 4th year of college soccer and loved it. I'm happy to hear you have a goal and are searching for answers to reach your goal. Becoming a professional soccer player is very difficult, I won't lie to you. Sacrifice is huge if you want to make it to the next level. You have to be willing to do what others aren't. That may require skipping fun events, It's important to train on your own, maybe even pay for one to really grasp what you need to improve on. Fitness is also huge, make sure you're doing your best to stay in shape and can last a whole game. Wishing you the best of luck. Don't forget to have fun and don't burn yourself out.

Hi Alex,

The best thing you can do is play soccer throughout school, make your interests, skills, and talents known to your coaches, attend camps, play on soccer leagues, teach/volunteer to assist younger players, for example Rec. councils, keep your grades up and investigate colleges with strong soccer programs and make contact with the coaches, and look for scholarships, follow/make contact with professional/semi-professional soccer players, and be the best you can be!

Ask your coach for a mentor that can work with you off season. See if there are any local charitable organizations or businesses that support young athletes to go to summer soccer camps at the local universities or sponsored by sports teams. Visit a local university that has a soccer team and ask for a talk with the soccer coach or head of the athletic program to see if there are any development opportunities. It takes a lot of work, but that's how you get what you want! Best wishes.

Time, dedication, and a bit of money. Regardless of the sport, it seems that the training and leagues that are available for those working towards a college scholarship (evolving into a professional career) are not very cheap. whether it is equipment, training facilities, travel leagues or gym memberships, the costs add up. Furthermore, a lot of time a effort needs to be put forth. You must desire to be a professional athlete entirely, and focus all available time towards that. a good coaching network of strength, agility, speed and conditioning is a plus. Along with a good soccer coach and work ethic. I am sure a bit of luck has to come into play as well.