1 answer
Marley
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
495 views
What classes can I take if I want to study welding, but my goal is to become a professional soccer player?
I’m an 8th grader and have been doing soccer for almost two years, I’ve been considering going professional since elementary school. But I don’t know how to begin with it nor what major to take while trying to focus on soccer. I have considered welding but I don’t know how that’d affect my soccer career. I care deeply about this sport and want to create a big future with it.
If any retired or currently working soccer players answer or see this, any tips could really help in building my dream career.
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1 answer
Ed Wheatley
Project Manager
14
Answers
Festus, Missouri
Updated
Ed’s Answer
Hi, Marley. It’s amazing that you’ve been thinking seriously about your future and are already passionate about soccer—that kind of motivation is a big deal, especially at your age. Let’s break this down and look at both your soccer goals and your future options like college and welding.
How to Start Working Toward a Pro Soccer Career
You're in 8th grade, which is a perfect time to get serious. Here's how:
1. Join a Competitive Club Team
If you’re not already, try to join a club or academy team (not just school soccer). These teams usually have better coaching, more intense training, and more scouts watching.
Look into MLS Next, ECNL, or USYS National League—these are top youth leagues in the U.S.
2. Get Extra Training - Work on skills every day, not just during practice. Focus on Ball Control, Passing and First Touch, Fitness and Endurance, and Position-Specific Skills. Play pickup games and watch pro soccer to learn positioning, movement, and decision-making.
3. Attend ID Camps & Showcases - As you get into high school, attend college ID camps or scouting events where coaches can see you. If you're really serious, start recording your games for a highlight video—this is huge for being noticed.
4. Set Goals - Set short-term goals (like making your varsity team or improving your weak foot) and long-term goals (like trying out for a pro academy or playing D1 college soccer).
What About School and a Major? Should You Go to College?
Many pros either skip college or go to college for a year or two before going pro. College is a great backup if the pro route takes longer or doesn’t work out as planned.
What Major Should You Choose?
Choose something you're interested in outside of soccer in case soccer doesn’t work out. If you like welding, that’s 100% okay! Welding is a solid, well-paying skill, and it doesn’t stop you from chasing soccer. Welding won’t hurt your soccer career—as long as you prioritize training and stay physically ready. You can even go to a trade school with a flexible schedule or work part-time as a welder while pursuing soccer.
Plan A and Plan B
Plan A: Go pro in soccer (through academy, college soccer, or getting scouted).
Plan B: Have a solid skill or trade (like welding) to support yourself while pursuing or if you move on from soccer. Lots of pros had jobs before they made it big. Some even worked construction or coached kids’ teams to support themselves.
🧭 Next Steps (Action Plan)
Here’s what you can start doing now:
Try out for a good local club or academy team.
Train every day, even if it’s just juggling, shooting, or dribbling.
Talk to your school counselor next year about high school soccer + trade classes or college tracks.
Follow pro players, their journeys, and learn what they did (watch interviews).
Stay focused on your grades too—it matters if you want to play college soccer.
How to Start Working Toward a Pro Soccer Career
You're in 8th grade, which is a perfect time to get serious. Here's how:
1. Join a Competitive Club Team
If you’re not already, try to join a club or academy team (not just school soccer). These teams usually have better coaching, more intense training, and more scouts watching.
Look into MLS Next, ECNL, or USYS National League—these are top youth leagues in the U.S.
2. Get Extra Training - Work on skills every day, not just during practice. Focus on Ball Control, Passing and First Touch, Fitness and Endurance, and Position-Specific Skills. Play pickup games and watch pro soccer to learn positioning, movement, and decision-making.
3. Attend ID Camps & Showcases - As you get into high school, attend college ID camps or scouting events where coaches can see you. If you're really serious, start recording your games for a highlight video—this is huge for being noticed.
4. Set Goals - Set short-term goals (like making your varsity team or improving your weak foot) and long-term goals (like trying out for a pro academy or playing D1 college soccer).
What About School and a Major? Should You Go to College?
Many pros either skip college or go to college for a year or two before going pro. College is a great backup if the pro route takes longer or doesn’t work out as planned.
What Major Should You Choose?
Choose something you're interested in outside of soccer in case soccer doesn’t work out. If you like welding, that’s 100% okay! Welding is a solid, well-paying skill, and it doesn’t stop you from chasing soccer. Welding won’t hurt your soccer career—as long as you prioritize training and stay physically ready. You can even go to a trade school with a flexible schedule or work part-time as a welder while pursuing soccer.
Plan A and Plan B
Plan A: Go pro in soccer (through academy, college soccer, or getting scouted).
Plan B: Have a solid skill or trade (like welding) to support yourself while pursuing or if you move on from soccer. Lots of pros had jobs before they made it big. Some even worked construction or coached kids’ teams to support themselves.
🧭 Next Steps (Action Plan)
Here’s what you can start doing now:
Try out for a good local club or academy team.
Train every day, even if it’s just juggling, shooting, or dribbling.
Talk to your school counselor next year about high school soccer + trade classes or college tracks.
Follow pro players, their journeys, and learn what they did (watch interviews).
Stay focused on your grades too—it matters if you want to play college soccer.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day and answering my question, I will use this as my motivation and will work hard everyday to achieve my goal. Thank you very much, I am forever grateful.
Marley