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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 07/09/2009 22:51:37
Posts: 5,
Visits: 9
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| I know this forum is primarily for coaches but I am a young player who has found this forum and the main site very useful in improving my game tactically. I hope there isnt any problem with me asking for help on this forum. I am a 16 year old lad who has been offered to play a friendly for the senior team of a local Sunday league side. Full sized pitch, 90minutes e.tc It will be my first senior game in football so I was wondering if there is any help or tips you can give me in making the step up? Is the pace faster or slower than U18's?
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Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 28/12/2011 10:26:46
Posts: 82,
Visits: 1,967
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| Hello mate, The main difference will be the physical side of it with fully grown experienced adult players. Its a good age to get into full football and as long as you stay sharp your be fine. The main problem with some sunday league is a very basic manner of playing and hitting long balls for everybody to chase although a lot more teams accross all age groups and standards do try and play more football these days. If you have pace & fitness this will benefit as it does at any age group but you could be facing players twice your age so show them a clean pair of heels. Some players may try to bully you as your younger/better than them which is just a fact of life in the game but if you have good team mates around you and confidence in your own ability then there is no reason you can not adapt quickly. Depending on the standard the chances are your have slightly more time on the ball although against older players depending on your personality & attitude this football can seem daunting but within a game or two you will adapt to the pace of the game and be able to utilise that extra time your age/fitness will provide. Keep your head up and take the knocks, because eventually you will have to go into full adult football so it can only be an advantage for you to do it at 16 as oppossed to any older. Good luck with it and enjoy!
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 07/09/2009 22:51:37
Posts: 5,
Visits: 9
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| Hey swift. Thanks alot for your helpful reply, I was aware of the difference in physicality but I am by no means small for my age so I think I can match them in that area. The only thing you mentioned that I think I may struggle with is just the fitness bit. But that will come in time as I think its because I've let myself go over pre season more than anything.
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Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 28/12/2011 10:26:46
Posts: 82,
Visits: 1,967
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| Trust me mate compared to people in their late twenties and into their thirties who dont maintain good fitness your natural fitness that will come simply from your age will be better than theirs and once you do get your fitness levels up after the pre season break you will find that your youth will be beneficial especially late on in matches. If you can handle the physical side then your be fine!
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Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 01/11/2011 01:01:22
Posts: 44,
Visits: 401
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| I gave up playing because of kids like you! I'll give you an old geezer's point of view... I'm 44 now. Played at many different levels in England, the US and here in Canada. The game's changed and, in my opinion, the teams with pace are the ones that are the hardest to play against. And older guys have to change along with the game too. I was a old fashioned #11 left winger and as I got older, slower and carried more injuries, I just moved to centre forward because I couldn't physically compete on the flanks anymore and had no speed (I became heavier somehow)! For me, by the time I stopped playing competetive league football at about age 38, I'd had 6 knee surgeries and playing every week against teams that would have a handful of kids half your age was too much! I play the odd "pick-up" game now for a laugh but I focus on coaching kids. My point for you really is that you may want to adopt the mindset that the older more rotund guys you will play against are more fearful of facing a young skillful whippet like you than you should be of facing a team of Vinnie Joneses.
Gav Coach - U8 Boys (Toronto, Canada)
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Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 14/02/2011 04:57:31
Posts: 15,
Visits: 81
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| My suggestion is more to do about how you should approach it rather than what you should do physically or mentally to prepare. When you play, be humble. Older players, don't like young hot shots who don't know how to be team players. Be a team player. If you are an offensive player or midfieler, do what is required defensively. Show the other players on the team that you are a worker as well as a player, and enjoy the game. Most importantly respect the game and respect the players on your team and your opponents and respect the officials. Definitely be fit, but be smart and play to the level of the players you are playing with and play in the style they are playing if you want to play for them and with them rather than just on the team.
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