3 answers
Jackson
Student
Frankfort, Kentucky
1
Question
Updated
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How did you actually become a professional soccer player?
My dream has always been to become a professional soccer player. I fell in love with the sport from a very young age and it's helped me relieve stress, connect with all sorts of different people, and overall become a better, more disciplined, individual. I've always been considered a good/talented player, even from a young age, and I've always known that this is what I wanted to do, but I never understood the process that it takes to make it there. Especially from where I live, soccer isn't as popular or acknowledged as other sports. As I've grown older, I've developed a fear of, "what if it's too late." I still don't 100% understand the process it takes, and as more days pass, I see more and more people, younger than me, making it such as Cavan Sullivan. I'm very disciplined with experience in many different positions and under many different tactics, and I understand the game very well, but I worry that no one will truly get to see and invest in my potential.
3 answers
Rakotoarison Lalaina Arnaud
Digital Freelancer | Virtual Assistant | Data Entry Specialist | Graphic Designer | Video Editor | Web Writer | Community Manager | Audio & Sound Specialist
6
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Antananarivo, Antananarivo Province, Madagascar
Updated
Rakotoarison’s Answer
Hey Jackson, thanks for sharing your story you can really tell football is a core part of who you are.
To answer your question: the path to becoming a pro is almost never a straight line, especially when you're from a place where football isn't the top sport. Here's what has worked for a lot of players in your situation:
1. Look for existing structures near you. Even in places where football isn't well developed, there's often a local club, an amateur league, or a regional academy. These are usually the ones with connections to higher levels, even if they seem small at first.
2. Film yourself and show your level. Nowadays, a huge number of scouts and clubs discover players through videos posted online. A highlight reel of your best plays, sent directly to clubs or posted on social media with the right hashtags, can get you noticed far beyond your city.
3. Sign up for open trials. Many professional clubs and academies run scouting sessions, sometimes even internationally through summer camps. Look into which ones are accessible to you.
4. Don't let the fear of "too late" hold you back. Your worry makes sense, but football history is full of players who broke through later than average or through an unconventional path. What matters is the trajectory, not just the age.
5. Your discipline is an asset, but it needs to be visible. You say you're versatile and disciplined that's exactly what scouts look for. But it's not enough if no one knows about it. Be proactive: reach out to clubs, sign up on sports recruitment platforms, and play in competitions that attract scouts.
The potential you describe has real value it just needs to reach the right people. Keep grinding on your game while you wait for the opportunity.
To answer your question: the path to becoming a pro is almost never a straight line, especially when you're from a place where football isn't the top sport. Here's what has worked for a lot of players in your situation:
1. Look for existing structures near you. Even in places where football isn't well developed, there's often a local club, an amateur league, or a regional academy. These are usually the ones with connections to higher levels, even if they seem small at first.
2. Film yourself and show your level. Nowadays, a huge number of scouts and clubs discover players through videos posted online. A highlight reel of your best plays, sent directly to clubs or posted on social media with the right hashtags, can get you noticed far beyond your city.
3. Sign up for open trials. Many professional clubs and academies run scouting sessions, sometimes even internationally through summer camps. Look into which ones are accessible to you.
4. Don't let the fear of "too late" hold you back. Your worry makes sense, but football history is full of players who broke through later than average or through an unconventional path. What matters is the trajectory, not just the age.
5. Your discipline is an asset, but it needs to be visible. You say you're versatile and disciplined that's exactly what scouts look for. But it's not enough if no one knows about it. Be proactive: reach out to clubs, sign up on sports recruitment platforms, and play in competitions that attract scouts.
The potential you describe has real value it just needs to reach the right people. Keep grinding on your game while you wait for the opportunity.
Jon Runge
Education/Advisor
9
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jon’s Answer
If soccer is your dream, remember that the path in the U.S. varies by location, and Kentucky isn't a big soccer hub. This can make things seem slow or confusing. It's normal to worry about timing, especially seeing younger players succeed, but your chance isn't gone. Your discipline, versatility, and game knowledge are strengths that matter at any age.
Here's what you can do:
Join the most competitive leagues you can find, like UPSL, NPSL, USL League Two, or strong adult amateur leagues in Kentucky or nearby states. Coaches and scouts often look for talent in these places.
Make a highlight reel that shows your decision-making, athletic skills, and ability to play different positions.
Go to open tryouts for USL clubs or semi-pro teams. Many players from smaller areas succeed this way.
Contact coaches directly with your reel, positions, and experience. Being noticed is more important than where you are.
Train with purpose—focus on specific skills, conditioning, and watching game footage to improve.
Remember, being in Kentucky isn't a limit; it just means your path is different from those in big soccer cities. Many players succeed later because talent is discovered everywhere. You're not starting from scratch; you're building on experience and discipline. Stay consistent and put yourself in the right places, and the right people will notice your potential. Your path may be unique, but it's still open.
Here's what you can do:
Join the most competitive leagues you can find, like UPSL, NPSL, USL League Two, or strong adult amateur leagues in Kentucky or nearby states. Coaches and scouts often look for talent in these places.
Make a highlight reel that shows your decision-making, athletic skills, and ability to play different positions.
Go to open tryouts for USL clubs or semi-pro teams. Many players from smaller areas succeed this way.
Contact coaches directly with your reel, positions, and experience. Being noticed is more important than where you are.
Train with purpose—focus on specific skills, conditioning, and watching game footage to improve.
Remember, being in Kentucky isn't a limit; it just means your path is different from those in big soccer cities. Many players succeed later because talent is discovered everywhere. You're not starting from scratch; you're building on experience and discipline. Stay consistent and put yourself in the right places, and the right people will notice your potential. Your path may be unique, but it's still open.
Donna Hull
Engineer
118
Answers
Columbia
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Jackson;
I admire those individuals who have the fortitude to take risks to do what they absolutely love to do as a career, professional athletes, dancers, singers, artist, authors, etc.....Yet most of these fields only have about a 10% rate of notoriety and ability to earn a living wage.
I can't give you a roadmap to becoming a professional soccer player, but I encourage you to have a plan B alternative is a professional career doesn't come into view in a timely manner.
Injuries are also something to consider, a terrible accident or injury could dash any hopes of a professional career.
Many individuals seeking a professional athletic career have a plan B in sports medicine, physical therapy, or maybe business management.
I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
I admire those individuals who have the fortitude to take risks to do what they absolutely love to do as a career, professional athletes, dancers, singers, artist, authors, etc.....Yet most of these fields only have about a 10% rate of notoriety and ability to earn a living wage.
I can't give you a roadmap to becoming a professional soccer player, but I encourage you to have a plan B alternative is a professional career doesn't come into view in a timely manner.
Injuries are also something to consider, a terrible accident or injury could dash any hopes of a professional career.
Many individuals seeking a professional athletic career have a plan B in sports medicine, physical therapy, or maybe business management.
I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
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