Professional Soccer - Am I Too Old?

by alex mihailov
(Moscow, Russia)

Hello, my name is Alex Mikhailov and I’m 15 years old. I’m going to turn 16 in March! I would really love to have a soccer career but I’m not too sure whether I’m too old or if I still have a chance!

I have only played in my school team for U16s. I also try to spend most of my free time to play soccer but I have studies in school so I feel like there is not enough time.

I always liked soccer and played it since I was quite young but I never got the chance to play for a club! Any suggestions to what I should do?

THE ANSWER

Hello Alex, the first thing you need to do is to find a club to play for. Ask the coach about your qualities and if he believes whether you can make it. You should know that becoming professional in soccer is probably most difficult comparing to other sports.

There are so many soccer players around the world which means that the competition you are facing is enormous. Especially if you are playing on a soccer position that requires goal scoring skills (e.g forward or striker). I can’t tell you whether you will make it or not as I have never seen you play. Even if I had, it would not be possible because I have not the qualifications and education for making such decisions.

So, my recommendation would be to first find a club you can join (e.g Spartak, Locomotive or Dynamo Moscow), play for them a while and then ask the coach whether he believes you can make it into professional soccer or not. Wish you all the best. /Mirsad