How To Be A Professional Soccer Player

So you love football, but do you know how to be a professional soccer player? Sure, it's crossed everyone's mind at one point in time; after all, a professional soccer player gets all the money, all the babes and all the fame doing something he loves. Now, we're not here to put down anyone's occupation, but professional soccer players rank up there on list of most enticing right next to demolitions expert. It's time to make something more out of your hobby: become a jugador de futbol!

Here's what you will need to be a professional soccer player:

• Passion for association football (soccer)
• Cleats
• Shin guards
• Socks
• Teammates (friends who play soccer)
• Uniforms and workout clothing
• Dedication

1. Seriously assess your love for soccer. Football is an excellent hobby for many, but a great career choice for few. Are there any other occupations you would like to do? Could you see yourself without a soccer ball in the future? If your answer to both is a resounding "no," continue on, my friend!
2. Know association football rules inside out. What is off-sides? How large is the goal box? Who is the forward for Manchester United? Knowing the rules of soccer is more than just understanding what is in the rule book, it's also seeing how others play the game from inside out. Spend weekends viewing the games at a local pub with friends, notice who is good and how they play.
3. Determine which position "fits" you best. Taller people will love the goalie position, while the speed devils will enjoy making a run for the ball as a forward. Which are you? Mid-fields run a lot, be warned, and defenders often have to get quite aggressive blocking shots. Assess your skills and choose wisely.
4. Train and get in shape. Knowledge and wisdom is one thing, but being in shape is another. Your body must be able to deliver all of that talent stored inside of your head to the ball, giving you that edge. Workout five days a week and run six days until you get that rear of yours in gear. A personal trainer is also recommended.
5. Join a club team. This is the first official step towards becoming a professional soccer player. All you've done before now is prepare and get yourself mentally ready for the challenge ahead: becoming the best. Don't just join a club team; excel at what you do, when you do it. Scouts like this.
6. Encourage the scouts. "If you build it, they will come." Unfortunately, building yourself up physically and mentally isn't enough to get a scout's attention. There is a different kind of "build" and that is of networking. Building connections to local teams (such as the MLS in the United States) is very possible with some clubs. However, don't be afraid to switch clubs to a more "noteworthy" one (in order to attract attention). Try out to bigger teams or ask their scouting parties to come watch you play.
7. Understand what the scouts want to see. Scouts want a professional soccer player who shows team spirit (optimism), a level head (calmness) and dedication (hard work). If you can meet these three big criterions while a scout is watching the game, you'll be a professional soccer player in no time at all!

Sadly, it isn't enough to just be good at football to become a professional soccer player. Networking, practice and a little common sense will go a long way in the world of a professional soccer player. Hopefully with this guide, your wits and those powerful legs of yours, you'll be a professional soccer player faster than Cristiano Ronaldo takes off his shirt.