Few are born superstars, the rest of us are not. We earn it! I was definitely not a born superstar. My youth soccer playing days had several unsuccessful events followed by several hard-earned successes. I did not make the first competitive club team I tried out for. I must admit, I was worried - could I have been washed up at eight? Fortunately, Mom and Dad were there to tell me, “Just do your best, work hard, and things will work out.” I did, and shortly thereafter, I made a good club team. I didn’t make the state pool the first two times I tried out. I didn’t make the state team the first time I tried out. I didn’t make region pool the first time I tried out. I didn’t make region team the first time I tried out. Eventually, however, I became a Region III player, which greatly enhanced my chances of playing college soccer and receiving some scholarship funds. So what’s the lesson here? Keep playing and work on those areas that you have been told need improvement. I played all the time, especially on my own time. There is no substitute. You have to play all the time, be it club, academy, high school, ODP, pickup or with your little brother or little sister in the backyard. If soccer is just a two-day-a-week training event with a game on the weekend for you, then I wish you luck. Help! No, leave me alone. Help! No, leave me alone. When it comes to the college soccer process, the player must take the initiative to actively market and advertise himself or herself. Contact the colleges in which you are interested, go to their camps, and talk to the coaches. Easy to say but hard to do when you’re a teenager. It’s a tough to deal with so many normal, “grown up” issues. I’m also telling you to take the lead in your college soccer preparation – and to do it sooner rather than later. How did I do it? I recognized that I needed my parents’ help, and I decided to work with them to help me on my journey. This may be tough to do when you are a teenager with the so-called “image” you have to uphold, but get your parents involved. They are smarter than you think. It will be worth it. My dad gives seminars on the college soccer process. He usually relates the story he calls The Turning Point in my recruiting process. After months of encouragement, suggestions and a little bugging by him, I made the big move. We were attending a college game between two Division I schools in which I had some interest. After the game was over, and the field was clearing, I walked up to one of the coaches, extended my hand and said, “My name is Jon, here’s my soccer resume. I’m very interested in attending your school and playing soccer for you. I’ll be attending your upcoming camp. Please give me a look and keep me in mind.” Not bad for a 14 year old! I still can’t believe I did it. Bottom line: after much procrastination and sweating on my part, coupled with the encouragement from my parents, I did it. The next personal introduction was a lot easier. I needed to do it, and you will need to do it. My parents helped me. Your parents can help you. The sooner you begin working as a team, the better. We discuss this relationship in more detail in Article 3.
Copyright 2010 Rich Rydarowski