"You're not good enough"
Every week, thousands of footballers hear these words in one way or another.
Left out of travelling squad
Left out of the match day squad
Left on the bench
Told to train with the second 11
Told to train with the reserves / U21
Sent on loan
Perhaps the worst - sent on loan and not even playing for that that team (imagine coming from a bigger club where understandably you might not quite ready to play, then sent to a club 1 or even 2 divisions down for experience and even there you aren't being picked)
It would be like a trainee surgeon told, "You can't operate on real people yet, oh and you can't even do it on cadavers in case you screw up".
Yes you can get your head down and keep working hard until you get your chance but the thoughts keep coming,
The anxiety builds
The tension intensifies
You start playing it safe
You don't express your best self on and off the pitch
The confidence drops
The faith in your ability diminishes
And then when you do get a chance - you make a mistake.
Back to square 1
This is the reality of what professional football is like.
Young men and women struggling with the pressure
Young men and women struggling with the loneliness
Young men and women struggling with the boredom of not playing
Young men and women struggling with the scrutiny
Young men and women struggling with the fear of not making it
Young men and women struggling with the prospect of not having their contract renewed
Behind every athlete is a human who may be struggling with all or some of the above
Here at Athlete Life Coaching we are here to support these athletes
Speak up and seek support and we will show you the care you deserve.
Love and warmth to all you athletes struggling out there.
Alex x
