For Aspiring Footballers
by Roger Verdi

All young people have dreams and I believe all great things are born then. Dreams are the picture makers of your imagination. Some of you may want to become doctors, architects, engineers, and lawyers - I had a dream to be a professional footballer. But, before I could make that dream come true, I had to turn my dreams into goals and my goals into plans. My love for the game became my great passion and I lived and breathed football.

My dreams, goals, and plans have always been based on commitment, self-discipline, hard work, and most of all, "attittude". I believe attitude is a habit of thought that can predict and perpetuate one's performance. We aren't born with it, it is acquired.

So the first steps for the aspiring footballer (after assuming the above qualities) is to master the basic techniques of football. Technique is of the utmost importance in the modern game today; your first touch, ability to turn with the ball, dribbling and so on - the more arsenal you have in your technical ability with the ball, the better the player you will be. Although some individuals may be born with natural skills, it is regular and consistent practice that will provide the necessary techniques and the ability to play the game at the highest level.

Practice, practice, and more practice - I cannot emphasize this enough. Developing correct attitudes, habits, and movements at an early age are of crucial importance. It is also wise to understand that maintaining correct eating habits are important so that your body can meet the demands of the modern game today. Another thing a young player must remember is that you do not need other players to practice; any player can practice on his own by using a wall and a ball. I believe in many instances, youth coaching has become too regimented. Working on your own enables young players to develop individuality, flair, creativity, and imagination. These qualities are the hardest aspect of football to acquire. Defending becomes the easiest aspect of football because it's primarily concerned with destroying.

Finally, I encourage players not to worry about failing; failing is the first step to success. Learn from your mistakes and use them to propel you forward. "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently."