Not content with the minutes you play? Are you itching to play more on match day?
As a soccer player, coaches and scouts open the door for the next opportunity, but how do you give yourself the chance to earn these opportunities?
You must play consistent, significant minutes for your club team and stand out above your teammates.
That being said what are some things you can do besides ‘working hard’ and ‘playing well’ that will earn you those minutes?
Whether you like it or not, being part of a soccer team means constant competition, and to be in the starting XI and playing competitive minutes you must find a way to gain an edge on your teammates, whether before, during, or after a competition.
Earning your spot in the starting XI on match day can depend on several factors, and that’s why we’ve put together a list of 12 things youth soccer players can do to stand out above the rest of their teammates to give themselves the best possible chance of playing the minutes they desire.
Pre-Match/Pre-Practice
1) Arrive To Games & Training 30 - 60 Minutes Early
Arriving at matches and training early illustrates your eagerness to play and compete. If a coach notices you consistently arrive early, they’ll know you’re always ready and wanting to play.
2) Prepare With Mobility & Activation Exercises
Having an organized pre-match/pre-training routine that you do on your own will demonstrate your willingness to prepare for competition. Come up with a 10-15 minute routine that includes a multitude of stretches and activation exercises to physically prepare yourself for the upcoming activity.
3) Greet Every Player & Coach When They Arrive
This is a regular habit in most professional locker rooms that you can start now. Be sure to approach each teammate and coach upon arrival and greet them with a handshake or fist bump, a smile, and a short greeting.
4) Lead The Warm Up
Leading the warm-up shows initiative and leadership, so be at the front of the line and lead your teammates through the warm-up.
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Match/Training
5) Communicate and Be Vocal
A seriously underutilized skill that youth soccer players must master when it comes to standing out amongst the rest. Be loud, concise, and consistent with your communication with your teammates, because being vocal shows a willingness to lead and can make the game easier for you and your teammates.
6) Take Responsibility
Too ‘take responsibility’ can have a variety of different meanings and can depend on position and role within the team. It means completing your passes forward, communicating with teammates, tackling with aggression, and winning your headers and duels. Above all else, be the player who makes a positive impact on your team, and someone who your teammates can always depend on.
7) Support & Encourage Your Teammates
Encouraging your teammates is most important when your team is losing or not playing well. Be the player your teammates can look to for support, constructive positivity, and leadership.
8) Don't Give Up
This is easier said than done, especially when your team is losing and/or not playing well. That being said, stand out by working even harder and continue to look to make a positive impact on your team. This is one of the best scenarios in which you can stand out because it shows resilience, perseverance, and dedication to the cause.
Post Match/Training
9) Post Activity Food & Drink
Once your session or match finishes, you must immediately start preparing for the next opportunity as soon as possible, starting with your post-activity food and drink. Your willingness to take care of your body demonstrates professionalism, so always have a snack (carbohydrate and protein source) in your bag that you can pull out as soon as you finish the competition.
10) Ask For Game Footage
Whether you watch your game footage is up to you, but asking your coaches for access shows your desire to analyze your game to improve and perform better for the team.
11) Offer To Clean Up Equipment
Offer to clean up equipment between exercises at training or after matches. Going out of your way to do this shows respect, thoughtfulness, and appreciation for the work they put in.
12) Say Goodbye To Every Teammate & Coach
After each session and match, take an extra second to go out of your way to say goodbye to each teammate and coach. This doesn’t have to be anything special, but like your pre-match/session greetings, offer a handshake or fist bump and let them know you’re happy to be part of their team and appreciate their presence.