Is 15 too late to start training to be a professional soccer player?

by Samy
(California)

Hello, my name is Samy and I am 15 years old turning 16 soon. I live in the United States. I just started playing soccer this year, and after watching matches and videos I am in love with the sport. I am a sophomore in high school and have started training with younger freshmen kids at my high school. Even with the younger kids I am terrible.

My shooting has to be the worst aspect of my game, my dribbling is not too good, and my passing is ok. I aspire to go pro, but I regret that I did not start at a younger age. I started playing baseball at the age of 6 or 7 until the age of about 13, so baseball pretty much took up my sports life and I am no longer interested in it.

I just have one question, and I want you to try to give me an honest answer, even if it is tough or harsh, if I worked really hard for years to go pro, is there any chance, even the slightest chance, that I could become a pro footballer (soccer). Also if I can, any tips you might have? Thank you, I know my chances are slim, but if I worked hard could I do it?

THE ANSWER

Hello Samy, whether you will become professional or not depends on several other things and not just about how skillful you are. You see, I know many young soccer players that were great at your age but once they become seniors and professional they totally failed. The reason for why they failed is that they couldn’t deliver when they were supposed to, as they psyke was too weak.

This is the sad truth about professional soccer and the only thing that counts is winning. Also, if you don’t perform well, you need to be prepared on a lot of criticism and if you can’t handle it, you’ll soon be remembered like a “the one that failed”. So, the question is, can you still become professional? Well, I don’t know Samy, as I have never seen you play, and even if I did, I would not be able to give you an honest answer.

However, if you work hard and don’t give up your chances would increase, and I’ve seen people becoming professional at the age of 25 so you have a lot of time to succeed. There is no winning formula for becoming professional only hard and focused work. I don’t know what position you are playing at but if you have time make sure to check out my soccer position book that will give you tips and secrets on how to succeed on any soccer position.

Wish you all the best /Mirsad