The competition, physical demands, mental toughness, financial constraints, injuries or maybe the limited opportunities?
For the majority of footballers, there is not a single constraint that will lead to your success or downfall in this game.
It will most likely be the ladder.
For the past couple of months the concept of time has been on my mind.
When I think about it, my experience of time while going though football and playing this game reminds me of a car rolling down a hill and jumping off a cliff.
Let me explain…
Throughout my playing career I have experienced many different playing styles, coaching strategies and player personalities.I have seen, from my limited American perspective, what traits make up a successful high school, club and college program.
What is the single word that ends the majority of football careers? Pain. It can come when you least expect it. It can last a day, a week, maybe even a year. The physical pain from being a footballer is experienced by all. Injuries happen. It’s part of the game. Sometimes it’s out of our control. Even physiological pain is usually understood by most footballers. The pain of being benched. The pain of being mocked by your coach. The pain of suffering a humiliating loss or blown lead. The pain of a long recovery after a devastating injury. We accept the reality of playing the game we love makes us vulnerable to extreme discomfort. What is rarely spoken about...
