Do you want to attend an international soccer academy in England? Well, get ready: you may find yourself in over your head. The English game is very fast and physical compared to American and European football. If you are not in peak physical condition, you may not be able to keep up.
However, with the proper preparation, you can be head and shoulders above the rest of the players who haven’t taken the time to prepare for the trials they will face. Here are some tips to prepare you to play English soccer!
Tip #1: Work on your upper body strength.
British players are much stronger physically than North Americans, and we have seen many players struggle to keep up. At some international soccer academies, the first few weeks are spent doing a lot of physical training on the court and in the gym, to build stability and core conditioning.
Start working on your abs and upper body strength now. Core stability is important for any athlete, and a strong upper body will help you hold your own against other players. Gambling in the UK can be very fast and furious, so you have to be strong first and foremost.
We have seen many footballers fail in England because they don’t have the strength they need to compete there. If you’ve already started building your upper body before starting a soccer program in the UK, then you won’t be one of them!
Tip #2: Increase your speed and stamina.
As we mentioned earlier, soccer matches in English are faster and more physical than soccer matches in other parts of the soccer world. In addition to building your strength, you should also work on your speed, agility, and stamina.
If you can, train with obstacles, poles, and ladders, as well as sprints and endurance runs. The more you practice your fitness beforehand, the more prepared you will be for the fitness program you will undergo at a UK based international soccer academy.
Tip #3: Regulate your sleep schedule.
One of the main adjustments we see players have to make is adjusting to the rigid schedule of an international soccer academy. When you’re doing a 9 to 5 program that includes academic and physical discipline throughout the day, it’s important to get into a routine.
Before you step foot on the plane, start getting your body used to the schedule. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. That way, your body won’t have to go through the same adjustment period when trying to get used to all the other things that come with attending an international soccer academy.
Bonus tip: this is what English coaches are looking for.
There are four things that most English managers ask us when it comes to players: attitude, athleticism, football ability and commitment. They are looking for players who are not only talented, but have the right attitude and discipline to succeed in club soccer.
Players who are consistently late to practice, have poor academic performance, and have disciplinary issues will not be chosen for pro tryouts, no matter how talented they are. You have to bring more to the table than just talent.
Follow these tips and you will excel not only at English international soccer academies, but also at any international soccer academy you wish to attend.
