Prepare to Play Pro: May 30/24

Dedication and Commitment to Improvement

Becoming a professional soccer player in Europe requires an enormous amount of dedication and commitment to improvement. It is not enough to simply have natural talent; hard work and a willingness to learn are just as important.

We have been training and training players who wish to successfully achieve professional playing contracts in Europe for 20+ years.

The players who have succeeded have all demonstrated the following attributes. Yes, players have to have a foundation of ability to push on and play at the professional level.

However, when you hear that players such as Harry Kane (Spurs) and Trent Alexandra (Liverpool) were considered middle of their respective academy groups? it is clear that the final decisions on players cannot be made - until we see how they transition at ages 16-18+ from youth football to men's football.

I read last week that Arsenal U18's academy staff are loaning their players out to a Non-League club at the 6th level of professional football in England. The objective is to help them experience this level and support them with the transition.

Our philosophy is to expose North American players to full-time training at professional clubs in Europe. There is no point for our players to model their standards on MLS or other leagues in North America - if their goal is to succeed in Europe.

Review the attributes below and see how you can introduce these to your daily training and team environments.

Listen to Theo's Journey Here https://www.ianmcclurg.com/podcast/episode/3add7f04/theo-corbeanu-my-journey-from-from-hamilton-ontario-to-wolves-fc

Mindset is Everything

Having the right mindset is crucial for any athlete looking to improve their performance and reach the next level. This means having a positive attitude, even in the face of setbacks or failures. It also means being open to feedback and criticism, and using it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

To develop a growth mindset, it is important to focus on the process rather than the outcome. This means setting small, achievable goals and working towards them every day, rather than fixating on the end result. It is also important to embrace challenges and see them as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than as obstacles to be avoided.

Consistency is Key

Improvement in soccer, as in any sport, requires consistent effort and practice. This means showing up to training sessions and games ready to work hard, even when you don't feel like it. It also means putting in extra work outside of scheduled training sessions, such as practicing skills or doing conditioning exercises on your own.

Consistency is key because it helps to build muscle memory and solidify techniques. The more you practice, the more automatic your movements become, and the less you have to think about what you're doing. This allows you to focus on the game and make split-second decisions, which is crucial in high-pressure situations.

Continual Learning and Development

Professional soccer players are always looking for ways to improve their game, even after they have reached the top level. This means continually learning and developing new skills, techniques, and strategies.

One way to do this is by studying the game and analyzing the performances of other players, both in your position and in different positions. This can help you to identify areas for improvement and come up with new ideas for how to improve your own performance.

Another way to continue learning and developing is by seeking out feedback and guidance from coaches, trainers, and other experienced players. Don't be afraid to ask questions and take advice; everyone has something to offer, and even small pieces of advice can make a big difference in your performance.

Embracing the Grind

The path to becoming a professional soccer player in Europe is not an easy one, and there will be times when you feel like giving up. However, it is important to embrace the grind and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.

Remember that setbacks and failures are a normal part of the process, and that every great athlete has faced them at some point in their career. Instead of letting them discourage you, use them as motivation to work harder and come back stronger.

With the right mindset, consistency, and commitment to learning and development, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams of playing professional soccer in Europe.

Good luck and if you require help on your journey do not hesitate to book a FREE consultation here https://calendly.com/ianmcclurg/preparetoplaypro