Question Number: 13448

Other 8/6/2006

RE: high school Under 18

Soumaya of Rowlett, TX USA asks...

I'm going to try out for soccer soon in high school and this is officially my first time playing soccer...could i ever be good at it at the age of 17 , when most of my peers started at the young ages of 4 or five? I've always loved soccer and want to go far.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

While you are getting a late start, I would encourage you to try. There are professional basketball and football players I know of that never played their respective sports until their later teens. Educate yourself as to the rules. Get in shape!! Soccer is a tough,demanding,physical game. It's non-stop action and you need to be prepared both physically and mentally. That said, it's incredibly enjoyable and I wish you the best of luck!!

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Sure it is very possible. Start practicing now. Make sure you are physically fit. Most kids come into practice with little to no summer running. I suggest you start running a few miles before practice that will give you the edge over a lot of players. A lot of soccer is just being physically fit. Even though there is a lot more to it, being fit will make everything else easy. Good luck and have fun.