Milestones to Accomplish by 16, 18, and 21 to Become a Pro Footballer!

[@matthew111-e8f]

This video is absolutely perfect for me Matt as a 17 year old. Thanks

[@notgood87]

Hi Matt a 17 year old

[@Rin99043]

@@notgood87Matt is the name of this channel

[@Rin99043]

Like the guy in this channel

[@kerednorsworthy6]

Great Video, I played NJCAA D1 soccer for two years and then transferred to a good NCAA D2 school to play soccer. Unfortunately, I had a really bad foot injury and only played a couple spring season games. I went to several doctors that all said I should stop playing. I thought I was done but I continued rehab, lifting, and conditioning for 2 years hoping to play again at 100%. I graduated this past spring and stumbled upon my old youtube channel with my old highlights. I decided to utilize the connections I built in college to see if I could train with any semi-pro teams. I was able to practice with a really good semi-pro team in Dallas, TX this summer and now I'm trying out for a UPSL team. I'm now 22 and way behind, but I enjoyed this video. Great work!

[@eastsideronaldo9493]

Do you have any tips for a 16 year old?

[@kerednorsworthy6]

@@eastsideronaldo9493 Strength training/lifting is something I ignored for a long time even though every coach told me that was something I could improve. No matter your path everybody is going to be good the higher you go. Creating that separation or a competitive advantage is key for new players in my opinion.

[@sasquatchrosefarts]

Train barefoot on concrete. Build your feet. Ask the Brasilians in the favelas if it works.....

[@benjaminchen4367]

How is your pro soccer journey going?

[@shanec8224]

Bro that’s an awesome story. And proof that we know ourselves better than any doctor. Keep on your path, 22 is still super young. I grew up playing in Dallas, Arlington, and Ft. Worth and the competition there is fierce! Keep at it, you can play this sport for decades more. I’m saying this at 43, still love it more than anything.

[@camrigby06]

Thank you Matt Im 16 and this video is exactly what I needed to see.

[@shanec8224]

I’m 43… so you’re saying there’s still a chance?

[@KickoffB]

😂

[@Unpuertoriqueñomas7272]

Yeah, if you're extremely talented

[@KickoffB]

@@Unpuertoriqueñomas7272 Lol

[@Hammxd-uq8xx]

​@Un.puertoriqueño.mas8 aint no way bro

[@shanec8224]

Nah, I know there’s no way, but I still play 2-3 games a week and have a lot of fun doing it. So all you young bucks out there, take care of yourself because you can play this sport well into your 40’s and 50’s and possibly beyond.

[@LtPrg-v7x]

Played academy at Bayern for a bit and had a few training sessions with the first team when Pep was there. NOTHING prepares you for the speed and physicality at the top level. The mental processing these guys have is beyond ridiculous

[@Vedran.zuvela]

Wait really? You trained with pep? Can you tell me what it was like (what you trained and drills you did)

[@Heroxyt0]

Same​@@Vedran.zuvela

[@hamidbabaali10]

This video is so true and accurate! One thing I noticed as well throughout my journey to pro was seeing where others around me were at. We’re they playing D1 college? Pro? National team? If you surround yourself with players reaching those levels, then you’ll develop into that level yourself if you apply yourself correctly. Whether I was in Brazil, USA, Latvia, Finland, I always tried to surround myself with the highest level possible. At D1 college I tried to learn from the guys going pro. At academy I tried to learn from the national team guys and first team players.

[@kipcritchlow2112]

Matt, I was the #12 on BYU in your clip at 18 seconds. So crazy that we played against each other back then. I've followed your channel for years and had no idea.

[@marioescobedo5854]

Man I remember when you didn’t even have 100k subscribers, good stuff. I used to watch your vids when I was competing, now I am retired and coaching. I always recommend your vids to these up in comers

[@totowolffstable4044]

Im hoping to be a late bloomer, I love playing but I never had the physical ability in my youth, since I hit 19 I changed a lot and and am a lot more technical ability and coordination with my body. I am able to adapt very quickly to any sport I pick up because I am able to coordinate my body so much better than before, I am joining a U23 league and hoping to prove myself on the field instead of having a CV. Its not realistic no but I would rather try and fail than not try at all

[@randomguy1401]

I’m 12 right now (I know i’m young i’m turning 13 later this year) but i’m devoting my life to achieving these goals whilst also working hard on my studies to have a backup plan

[@SVFYFOOTBALL]

We are the same

[@xardan.jordan]

Im 13 and every year ima make sure i come back to this video and ensure im hitting these goals

[@saadlazaar9760]

Thank u so much . I v been following you since you were in germany. I m now myself in germany just moved 5 months ago Im 19 and i am kinda doing what you were then doing. The goal for this year is to sign with a Regionalliga team and then we’ll see how it goes . Stay hard 💪

[@MoreEpicVenge]

“Stay hard” 😳

[@saadlazaar9760]

@@MoreEpicVenge You made me crack . not in that way 😂😂

[@MoreEpicVenge]

@@saadlazaar9760 😂

[@tkcontentproduction]

Viel Glück Bro🙏 wo spielst du aktuell?

[@saadlazaar9760]

@@tkcontentproductionDanke bruder I am currently vereinslos I am planning to play with a landesliga side just to get some games under my belt and put my name out there and then see what happens

[@thetoppercent9638]

18, 19 soon just in Pre season with my first semi pro team here in England

[@theofficialkc1483]

How did you get in a semi pro team bro

[@thetoppercent9638]

@@theofficialkc1483 found an open trial on Twitter

[@sudeisahmed4995]

I'm 16 this video inspired me to not give up thank you for this video

[@Fussballprinzessin18]

Don´t care if Im too old now. I will still try. Good luck to you all too! We will make it!

[@violent_4274]

I believe in you ❤️🫡 God bless you and your family keep up your great work ❤

[@Sergio-wm5du]

nah it’s too late ngl, regardless of what people tell you. (unless you have money)

[@_Chrollo10]

​@@Sergio-wm5duif hes below 31 years and still has technical and physical level of a pro he still has chances to go pro

[@chris_breezy4961]

@@Sergio-wm5duhelped a player get his first pro contract at age 27, it can happen.

[@Sergio-wm5du]

@@_Chrollo10 not in today’s world

[@Johan16o]

Matt I watched your last match against loudoun until it got delayed at half time you played excellent, I admire your hard work and dedication to be a KZbinr and a pro Soccer player keep up the great work!

[@rohanchoudhary243]

We need more people like Matt.

[@stephentackett4064]

Awesome channel! Matt is doing more for soccer in the US than probably anyone else.

[@wckvn]

That's the US route... in Europe if you're 21 and play at semi-pro, you're pretty much done. There are only a few examples of players making it to the big league after playing at amateur or semipro level. Vardi... and maybe a few others who made to the championship or League 1. You're still a pro at League 2, but you will need to think about the plan "B" eventually. Just think about it... most of the European players debute at pro level at the age of 16-18. A lot of them make debute at top level... some on loan in 2nd or 3rd tier, sometimes abroad, but still at pro level.

[@brodynichols9342]

nice mindset, keep working your 9-5

[@JamesZawoda-qw8ri]

Great video. Thanks Matt!

[@magamaga1827]

Fantastic video, again. I'm 51 years old and love looking back at my playing days wondering where I would land. At 16 (1988...lol), I was playing with a top level NY based travel team and also playing ODP. At 18, same thing. However in 1990 when I was 18 going into my senior yr of high school, the idea of playing "pro" soccer in America was unheard of. There was no sustainable real league. And going to Europe was a long shot. In fact it was the following Summer as I entered my freshman year of D1 college ball (1991) where I was meeting players from Ireland and England that had actually been in premiere league youth set ups yet couldn't get pro contracts at 18 so decided to play US college. It was quite an awakening. It really soured my attitude towards college, as well. By souphmore year I decided it wasn't worth the time/effort to continue to make the sacrifice. I was able to convert my soccer scholarship into an academic one. I then just played semi pro in the NY area until graduation in 1995. Sure enough, after I graduate and get a real job in the corporate world they then announce MLS and I'm like "wtf." I kinda regretted giving up the game when I did since now there was a real pro league in the US. So you players today really are fortunate to have lots of options to a pro contract. Don't give up. And Matt is right about certain players peaking when they are younger or older. I played with a kid on Long Island that eventually would play in a world cup (don't want to say who). But if you told him or I at 18 yrs old that someday he'd be in a WC, we both woulda laughed. There were 100 other players we thought were better at the time but went nowhere.

[@IanB22]

great comment sir

[@Aymandinho06]

I'm 18 and I'm still on bench in an u21 academy. I'll continue working hard for my dream💪🏾

[@nonstopprogress10]

Love the video, for years now u have help me make my game better and now I will be signing my first pro contract, thank u 🙏

[@eddiefordjour3455]

Good luck on your career

[@planatgame]

which team?

[@rs2.7.0]

My mentality really fucked up me becoming a pro . I know I have the potential to become a pro, because I‘ve played in the youth of Racing Strasbourg(France,Ligue 1)and Sc Freiburg (Germany, Bundesliga). But I was always scared of making mistakes and was also so afraid of the opinions from others. I just didn’t had enough confidence and just was really insecure about my potential, even though it was there. Now I’m 19 years old, just fell out of love with the game and realized I didn’t become a pro and that it is over now . I’m very disappointed in myself at this point and I can’t believe it that it all went like this , because I’ve promised myself to become a pro. My younger self would be so disappointed. Just wanted to get that from my heart right now. Love you guys

[@estherfrancois8952]

You still have time if your only 19 some people don’t go pro until the age of 21 or 25 so keep working at. I am kinda in the same boat but I am 17 I was really good when I was younger but during the ages of 14-16 my development years. I kept getting recurring calf strains and just fell out of love with the game. And my skill decreased a lot due to lack of training and fear or get injured again.But I’m am falling in love with the game again and hopefully I will be come pro and so will you.

[@liveanonymous846]

Bro don’t give up I have a similar story I grew up playing soccer my whole life and fell out of love for them game but my childhood dream was to become a pro footballer, and I don’t wanna let down that younger self. Im currently 21 looking to get back into it with a D2 college team. Nothing is impossible as long as you keep striving for that dream. Stay hungry and driven life is full of opportunities. You never know what god has in store for you , just give it your and don’t give up no matter how hard it gets! Good luck to all fellow footballers chasing that pro dream get up and get after it !

[@AS-gh1ge]

Are you nuts, you played at that level and your 19th, I was almost 30 when I finally gave up, go play in Dubai at least

[@thomasvillamil5]

this is so helpful

[@adesoye7743]

Thanks Matt this is so helpful 👍

[@hridayparyani3391]

amazing video! plus the quality is top notch 🥶

[@sainteven9244]

This video is terrific. Wished this was around when I was coming up!

[@TeddyLawhead]

Thanks for putting this one together!

[@KakuFooty]

Thanks Matt you are a huge help❤️

[@bbkalltheway]

Wonderful video, your content is always filled with informative videos.

[@Legend1581]

Please make a video about stretching after training

[@maz1071]

I really needed this especially as I am turning 16 soon, thank you.

[@Apexaspect772]

Just to remember this awesome video :D

[@jesusnavarro4031]

Love this video. Keep up the good work!!

[@Sergio-wm5du]

ngl matt these videos used to make me cry as a kid growing up because i knew i wasn’t gonna become pro, but i soon realized it was the truth i needed to hear. in the united states if you’re not at at least academy level by 16 there’s like no chance for you. but things like sunday league, indoor, and club are all great alternatives to play when you finally decide to hang up the boots.

[@brodynichols9342]

its never too late, ignore people like this most of the time its right but many footballers didnt even sign a pro contract till 25, jamie vardy was a non league player, then went on to win the prem

[@danestyn7167]

@@brodynichols9342I’m sorry but varidie is not your average pro he is a crazy player

[@juju92col]

Great vidéo, im 15 and im looking to achieve those milestones, I just wonder how can I compare the part of my game to pro's level.

[@Kianu15]

Thank you so much for this video

[@samdowthwaite6112]

This is a great video but for me and I’m sure a lot of people are in the same situation, it’s not too helpful since I’ve missed two years from age 17-19 with a ruptured ACL but this is a great video for people who are fortunate to not encounter any major injuries during their paths to success. I must add I’m not using the ACL injury as an excuse I’m saying it’s hard for me to relate to the video.

[@Chris-hq4qs]

Hello Matt, I've been following your channel for about 4 years now and I just want to let you know you've taught me so much! But unfortunately today I have officially quit pursuing football. I'm too old now (17) and being realistic with myself I don't believe I can make it. Just want to say thank for you everything :) GL this season!

[@aminnur11]

Bro this kind of things are happen in a football journey so you have to fight it not give up so where ever you are keep working and belive in your self one day you will be successful and achieve what you want . Never give up

[@leofreese1]

“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, either way you’re right”

[@Chris-hq4qs]

@@aminnur11 I hate making excuses, but I mean seriously what can you possibly do when you have zero connections, no club, no highlight tape, not a single second of game footage, no support from parents and entering your senior year of high school in about a month and half? I don't even plan on playing senior year bc of this. There's really no hope man, I'm just better off going to college and getting a high earning degree. Sometimes I get upset about it because it was my dream since a little boy, but I should move on into the real world.

[@Chris-hq4qs]

@@leofreese1 It's not even about that man. Moving on into the real world and going to college is just the more realistic option.

[@sarthak7116]

@@Chris-hq4qs just relax more on there are so maany things football gaved to you use it learn from it ... there are so much to do rather than football

[@masterchiefone5111]

great video man really been liking your videos im 14 and a CB in soccer

[@bharathgopal4314]

Can we still achieve these milestones even if we have not achieved them currently??

[@ikeepastick7978]

Ofc. Which just consistency.

[@letsplaysoccer1338]

Well yeah no shit 😂

[@datftbl]

Great advices as usual💪

[@cybersiddhu]

Very well-rounded advice, right to the point, one of the reason I favour this channel. Keep up the good work.

[@youssefibrahim1403]

Thank you so much Matt you really helped me progress in my career and push harder to sign a contract. I am 14 years old now I always try to work hard every single day and improve all the aspects of my game. Till now I am still trying to get into a team and play pro football one day.

[@jasonnshii7473]

What country do you live in?

[@youssefibrahim1403]

Egypt

[@fadibokinno3465]

​@@youssefibrahim1403 don't give up you might be the next salah

[@sx-stefan7215]

the most underated youtuber keep up

[@khojertw]

hey so i'm 20 rn and I don't have a highlight video. I never played for an academy and I was cut from club tryouts. They do film their games and they are pretty go The actual school team is d1. I'm thinking of doing soccer clinics in Europe over the summer. Paid academies in Spain/Netherlands etc. I'd say rn to a pro standard my weak points rn are my weak foot, and the mental game. The fitness comes with playing but I want to be a more professional setting so I can be up to that standard

[@silverophelian877]

Great video. Maybe if you have time you could make a video about the milestones of soccer coaching. From volunteer coach to pro club level coach to national team coach.

[@wassim9763]

wish i had this growing up. only trained 2x a week until 23 then stopped! was knocking at semi pro level in my 20s and had former semi pros in the amateur squad. physical stamina was top of team but cant get to pro with training 2x a week during the season and not training off season.

[@morganbridge6734]

I’ve just turned 17 and live in England but have singed a contract for an American scholarship (have to be 18 to go) ,really hoping could be promising to making it pro

[@milorisenhoover]

This is a class video

[@AlexanderCeylanJesus]

Yessssirrr! I pray for all of us!!✝️❤️ let’s get it, with a relationship with Jesus all is possible

[@GuitarKitchen]

Wise words! For someone who basically was (at best) a decent semi-pro guy in the early 2000s, the biggest thing that helped me overcome/catch-up was playing a lot of futsal/futbito/small-sided games (every day in Spain, then back in the US) in my early 20s. For better or for worse, I didn't really get past semi-pro, but I did have a lot of fun. (After the futbito, finding good teams to train with also helped a lot too). It's less true (than 10-20 years ago), and the top US players usually already have the touch/tactical understanding, but (imho) for a lot of the guys that are trying to catch-up (relatively speaking), I think playing a lot of futsal, small-sided games is probably the biggest missing component for a lot of US players. A lot of US youth/college team trainings may be more focused on team/tactical components, but I think a lot of US players don''t get that futsal foundation/culture that a lot of other players in other countries like Spain and Brasil usually get growing up. Depending a specific player's playing style, getting that more sticky, futsal-touch would usually need to be "remedied" at some point, depending on how they want to play the game, etc. In any case, best wishes everyone!

[@rememberme3762]

Wow alot of experienced ballers are recommending alot of small sided games

[@ismaeljrp1]

Absolutely. Not a soccer player, but I played basketball and played tons of 3v3 that helped me develop a ton very quickly. Played mostly 3v3 from 13-15, then 5v5 half the time and 3v3 the other half from 16-18. After 18 it was always 5v5 or solo training and a lot of 1v1 throughout for conditioning and 1v1 practice. I played so much it took me only 2 years to be playing basketball with the best players in my school. Compared to guys that were playing since 6-7 yrs old more casually. It all helps.

[@michaelmccain631]

im 16 and this is perfect for where I am right now

[@dimitrismarako]

Always to the point. ❤

[@sirprozzychannel9157]

Nice one man.

[@eddiefordjour3455]

Thank you Matt

[@aaronunroe5267]

Great info thank you

[@visessmukke]

The best coach❤

[@natheer7882]

Great video, thanks you ❤

[@christianvegito]

Ive been injured since I was 18 and now I am 20 and still injured probably gonna get surgery because I cant heal, I need to become a pro though, no matter what it takes even though right now the position Im in is that of a highschoolers.

[@shredded2.0]

I think by 15-16 you should already be playing on and against academy u18-19. No college or high school. Straight academy route and scouted . That is where the elite play. Players who play for free on academies because of their skill. You could go the route he said in the video. But the route everyone wants to go down is European, mls or South American- a good indicator if you will reach that level is being realistic with yourself, at 15-16-17 years old you should be on the u21 academy squad. You also need to be an expert at striking the ball , on target with power every single time. This is in the USA of course-England and European are levels above. A tier 5 teams is still levels above US leagues.

[@bigmoisture69]

Agreed. Assuming youre a Generational talent.

[@tobiaslundvalheim5594]

Thanks for the video. I have been injured for 6 months so I feel like I am behind the rest at 16 test old gk

[@antonibielecki3552]

GOD bless you are very helping!!!

[@kaloyan9814]

Thanks,i’m 15 but i think i’ll start from now so i have a higher chance.

[@Alosman_6]

Thanks matt

[@jamesypl]

I really love your content very inspirational and well informed currently just got out of the hospital after no food or drink for two days and this video helped me re establish my path 👊🏻

[@Scoobathystanker]

hi guys im 28 and i just started playing in div 2 social 5 a side. we played our first game and lost 7-3. I single handedly let 3 goals in as keeper and made 1 successful tackle in 40 minutes. My fitness is good though. Can I still go pro?

[@KevinSanchez90156]

Man am I the only that doesn’t get any of these anywhere? I try my best to do what I can which is to advance on my technique such as touches, passing, and shooting. And during this summer I came to SA to play in a soccer camp which was fun but idk I don’t have anyone to play with which is why am thinking more of myself practicing by myself and much more to improve.

[@shamsullahsadeqi9352]

I hope i will play for real Madrid someday😢❤

[@dovike7k]

I will remember your name Shamsullah Sadeqi. I target the same thing and I know we will do it 💯 good luck, keep fighting.

[@CasTro-ex6zi]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ogechimartina-ew7gb]

Same, just pray

[@Toasted_2-9]

I wish i got into this sport when i was more little butvmy family never showed me anything i just got into youtube and always wanted to be a youtuber and still do just hope i can play soccer to

[@ayan4184]

I’m currently 16 and want to attend trials for pro and semi pro teams before the 2024 season starts but currently have nothing on my football CV or highlights What should I do to have a good enough CV to try out for clubs during next pre season?

[@EmmaEdwards-w1z]

Could you do a video on your activation exercises

[@asrarhussain8760]

Iam 20 yrs old i just started football 6months back, is it possible for me to go pro And is there anyone who has gone pro a little late?

[@armandosemprit7015]

Even at 12 years old I do these things

[@yung_amr6056]

Thank you

[@wefinishthisnow3883]

Great video, but the most important part is how to find scouts/coaches who will vouch for you/watch your highlights video, etc at a young age. If you can't do that, you could be amazing but you'll never make it.

[@Amonitas8475]

Im 26 and Im right on track! By 23 I should be pro

[@MrPeperoni79]

Could you also explain a schedule for a 44-year old? I already can shoot a ball from the 16m line to the goal without the ball touching the floor.

[@houdiniface8687]

Do you think playing in an italian club as an american wil boost my chances of being signed?

[@Floozy..]

i dont want to play college or pro but i want to be the best i can be for my travel and high school team and this helps thanks.

[@osvaldoc6940]

I’m only 15 and I’ve checked out all of the 16 milestone

[@j_Kid99.]

Please can you come to Delta state in Nigeria for a football tournament against kids in warri , Delta state in Nigeria

[@Crippleddog]

What happens if you can only play high school soccer and can't afford nor afford transportation to join a league?

[@Keithems]

Wish I was 14-16 again so I could have some guidance. Any advice for 23+ years

[@nourabouemara2432]

This video is true, but I don't have any facilities or good coaches in my city, and in egypt, there are no high-school teams or collage team we play for leisure so unless I live in Cairo I ain't gonna get the evaluation I need as a 15 year old😢

[@wandy8762]

I am show this to my future 4 year old

[@Monkey-yr3os]

I haven't started football yet, I'm trying to atart soon (im 14)

[@robertalvestad6093]

Matt I am in a very bad situation right now and need guidance. I’ve been injured and suffered from a groin and hip injury the past year and a half, and I have no idea how to get back, because the exercises I am doing and the gym work doesnt work so well, still haveny played football since the injury, any advice?

[@alexubieta]

I wish I never gave up and stopped playing after my numerous ankle sprains and other life challenges. Ended up taking a break for like 1-2 years Now 23 and way behind but playing on D1 team. Still though I'm not really sure where to go from here or if it's worth it at the age that I am at.

[@adityayogesh8688]

Hey Matt! Love you content and you give so much insight into what a professional life should be like and you have definitely become someone I look upto. I have one question though: For a someone who is not from the US like myself, how much would you recommend US college football as an option to go pro compared to something in India? If I have good prospects here and am already playing for a good team, will college football in the US be that big of a jump?

[@Nolan.Gurule]

Building my CV right now

[@ogechimartina-ew7gb]

Praying for real madrid as my forever club

[@damudread]

What recommendations can you make for an 8 year old who already plays for a u9 team in Europe? (Borussia Mönchengladbach u9). Should I advise my kid to train 5x per week or more? More sprinting excersises or rather more ballwork? Many thanks for your videos.

[@Bossfootball2024]

I just turned 16 and will be starting my second year as a varsity player for my high school soccer team. I don’t do club anymore because of boarding school. Am I doing ok or not enough

[@destinyoduh8150]

What if we have been affected by covid. I was doing well at 18/19 and then due to the pandemic I gained a bit of weight, lost fitness. Now I’m 21 currently at semi pro level. With pro level attributes. But a lot of attributes I need to develop like speed of play and stamina. What my next step. I turn 22 at the of this year, finishing my university degree. I might go abroad to leap into the professional scene soon after I’m done. I need advice

[@teammeyers3249]

im not the greatest person idk if matt will see this tho but i would say try to work on the aspects u need

[@samaymeshram4699]

I have a similar story. I was going to join an academy at 17 after my 12th grade but then covid hit and they cancelled trials. I turned 18 and 19 when lockdown was in full effect and I gained weight. I am 20 now and I will turn 21 in two months. I am trying to find a a team too.

[@cinnamonpoptart.]

is it too late to try and start at 15? what exactly should I try to do as I have no knowledge of where to start.

[@huddlechannel2932]

I hate to say this but unless you know for certain that a clubs evaluation methods for u18 are sophisticated enough to understand and grade passing and that your fellow players have good enough touch to recieve it pays to be a selfish bastard and keep ball for yourself, trying different moves to show coaches you are "creative" and agressive. Yes, even when a short pass is available

[@markusmilan2069]

So i have to be good at shooting first touch and off the ball movement at 16 And what if im a goalkeeper? its whole different so the milestones are not realistic for me

[@masteryoda5004]

Hey Matt I love your videos and I am using your analysis matches to improve as I am also a right/left back or a right/left winger. I was wondering if you could advise me in what to do right now. I am 12y old and I have the level of the top league in my age group, however I dont play there. i could change to a team that plays there however my parents wont let my but my desire to change is quite big. What should I do?