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Student
Lillington, North Carolina
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What level of education should you have if you want to be a professional athlete?
If I want to become a professional soccer player, do I have to of had a really good education, or is it more about the skills you have as an athlete?
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8 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
There is really no level of education required to become a professional soccer player. Skills are definitely a necessity, if you want to play any sport professionally.
Success depends on your level of development. I knew one player, who came out of high school, and immediately had the skills to play for the Seattle Sounders.
With others, development takes longer. I always emphasize, that if you have the opportunity to gain a college scholarship, you should accept it and try and develop your abilities as much as possible.
It is rare that you see young players coming out of high school and immediately going professional in the United States. If you have the chance to play at an NCAA university, than your physical development and skills are excellent. Plus, you will have an opportunity to get a college education and degree, which will help you after your playing days are over, and will assist if you want to become a soccer coach or administrator.
Success depends on your level of development. I knew one player, who came out of high school, and immediately had the skills to play for the Seattle Sounders.
With others, development takes longer. I always emphasize, that if you have the opportunity to gain a college scholarship, you should accept it and try and develop your abilities as much as possible.
It is rare that you see young players coming out of high school and immediately going professional in the United States. If you have the chance to play at an NCAA university, than your physical development and skills are excellent. Plus, you will have an opportunity to get a college education and degree, which will help you after your playing days are over, and will assist if you want to become a soccer coach or administrator.
Thank you for giving me advice.
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Brandon Akuoko
Security Consulting Engineer Intern
4
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
For a professional Athlete i think it is great if you are able to get your high school degree and maybe a portion of college. College isn't just about school it is also teaching you how to become an adult in ways
Thank you for taking the time to help.
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Anthony Colombino
advisor
7
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Unless you are the next phenom and get recruited international at age 14 like Messi. You should play college soccer and get a degree. Just incase if it doesnt work out. You get a free education and can still have a successful living.
Raven Gerald
College Basketball Coach
18
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Raven’s Answer
It is very important to work hard on your soccer skills in order to consistently improve and become a great player. However, having solid grades and a strong education definitely increases your chances of being recruited to play sports at the college level. And once you get recruited to be a college student-athlete, you have to maintain a certain GPA in order to remain eligible to compete in your sport. Therefore, education is crucial when it comes to your sports career because competing in college is usually the most common path to playing professionally.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
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James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello There!
Level of Education Required to Become a Professional Athlete
When considering the path to becoming a professional athlete, particularly in sports like soccer, the emphasis is predominantly on athletic skills, physical fitness, and performance rather than formal education. However, there are several factors to consider regarding education and its role in an athlete’s career.
1. Athletic Skills and Training: The primary requirement for becoming a professional soccer player is exceptional athletic ability. This includes technical skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and tactical understanding of the game. Most professional athletes begin training at a young age, often participating in youth leagues or academies that focus on skill development. The dedication to training and competition is crucial; many players train for several hours each day to refine their abilities.
2. Educational Background: While there is no specific educational requirement to become a professional athlete, having a high school diploma can be beneficial. Many athletes complete their secondary education before pursuing sports full-time. In some cases, athletes may receive scholarships to play at the collegiate level, which can provide both educational opportunities and exposure to professional scouts.
3. Importance of Higher Education: For those who do pursue higher education while engaging in athletics, it can serve as a valuable backup plan. A degree can provide alternative career options should an athletic career not materialize or if injuries occur. Some professional leagues encourage or require players to have completed certain educational milestones before entering the league.
4. Networking and Support Systems: Education can also play a role in building networks within the sports industry. Attending college or university often provides access to coaches, mentors, and connections that could lead to opportunities in professional sports.
5. Mental Preparation and Life Skills: Higher education can help develop critical thinking skills, discipline, time management, and resilience—qualities that are essential for success both on and off the field.
In summary, while formal education is not strictly necessary for becoming a professional soccer player, it can enhance an athlete’s prospects by providing skills that are useful beyond sports and serving as a safety net for future career options.
Conclusion: To directly answer your question: If you want to become a professional soccer player, it is more about your athletic skills than your level of formal education; however, having at least a high school diploma is advisable for personal development and future opportunities.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)
The NCAA provides guidelines on eligibility requirements for student-athletes wishing to compete at the collegiate level while emphasizing the importance of balancing academics with athletics.
2. FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association)
FIFA offers insights into player development programs worldwide and highlights how youth academies contribute significantly to producing skilled athletes ready for professional careers.
3. Sports Illustrated
This publication frequently covers topics related to athlete development pathways and discusses how education impacts long-term success in sports careers beyond just playing professionally.
God Bless You!
JC.
Level of Education Required to Become a Professional Athlete
When considering the path to becoming a professional athlete, particularly in sports like soccer, the emphasis is predominantly on athletic skills, physical fitness, and performance rather than formal education. However, there are several factors to consider regarding education and its role in an athlete’s career.
1. Athletic Skills and Training: The primary requirement for becoming a professional soccer player is exceptional athletic ability. This includes technical skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and tactical understanding of the game. Most professional athletes begin training at a young age, often participating in youth leagues or academies that focus on skill development. The dedication to training and competition is crucial; many players train for several hours each day to refine their abilities.
2. Educational Background: While there is no specific educational requirement to become a professional athlete, having a high school diploma can be beneficial. Many athletes complete their secondary education before pursuing sports full-time. In some cases, athletes may receive scholarships to play at the collegiate level, which can provide both educational opportunities and exposure to professional scouts.
3. Importance of Higher Education: For those who do pursue higher education while engaging in athletics, it can serve as a valuable backup plan. A degree can provide alternative career options should an athletic career not materialize or if injuries occur. Some professional leagues encourage or require players to have completed certain educational milestones before entering the league.
4. Networking and Support Systems: Education can also play a role in building networks within the sports industry. Attending college or university often provides access to coaches, mentors, and connections that could lead to opportunities in professional sports.
5. Mental Preparation and Life Skills: Higher education can help develop critical thinking skills, discipline, time management, and resilience—qualities that are essential for success both on and off the field.
In summary, while formal education is not strictly necessary for becoming a professional soccer player, it can enhance an athlete’s prospects by providing skills that are useful beyond sports and serving as a safety net for future career options.
Conclusion: To directly answer your question: If you want to become a professional soccer player, it is more about your athletic skills than your level of formal education; however, having at least a high school diploma is advisable for personal development and future opportunities.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)
The NCAA provides guidelines on eligibility requirements for student-athletes wishing to compete at the collegiate level while emphasizing the importance of balancing academics with athletics.
2. FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association)
FIFA offers insights into player development programs worldwide and highlights how youth academies contribute significantly to producing skilled athletes ready for professional careers.
3. Sports Illustrated
This publication frequently covers topics related to athlete development pathways and discusses how education impacts long-term success in sports careers beyond just playing professionally.
God Bless You!
JC.
Craig Clune
Equity Plan Administrator
10
Answers
Brick, New Jersey
Updated
Craig’s Answer
Hey,
As mentioned previously, there is no correct answer to this question. I would get the highest level of education as you possibly can. This is because it is extremely difficult to play professional sports for a long long period time unless you are the next (Lebron James, Messi, Tom Brady etc.) So you will eventually have to work. With that being said, it is much easier to find a career that is well paying if you have a college degree or even more compared to if you only have a high school degree etc etc. The higher the level of education that you receive, means that more doors will be open for you in your work career.
As mentioned previously, there is no correct answer to this question. I would get the highest level of education as you possibly can. This is because it is extremely difficult to play professional sports for a long long period time unless you are the next (Lebron James, Messi, Tom Brady etc.) So you will eventually have to work. With that being said, it is much easier to find a career that is well paying if you have a college degree or even more compared to if you only have a high school degree etc etc. The higher the level of education that you receive, means that more doors will be open for you in your work career.
Joe Forte
Manager
3
Answers
Foxborough, Massachusetts
Updated
Joe’s Answer
In the short run it is easy to feel like soccer is life, but your playing career will hopefully be much shorter than your work life. It's great to focus on the skills you need to chase your dream but understand that in the long run, more is needed to succeed in life.
Education is not something you do for a brief period, it really is a life time pursuit.
Education is not something you do for a brief period, it really is a life time pursuit.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Light
This means a lot that you answered my question, so thanks Joe.
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Sikawayi Williams
Counselor
227
Answers
Hampton, Virginia
Updated
Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello Light, thank you for your question. To my knowledge you don't have to have a degree to play professionally. But even though the rules don't say you need to have a college degree to play professionally, I would suggest you complete your education. If you want to continue to play professionally while you're in school, you may want to consider going to school online. Best of luck