Playing sports for a living is a dream that many people have growing up – but for many, this prospect is simply a pipe dream because they are unsure of the best steps to take.
Have you ever had visions of sprinting over the finish line and waving to adoring fans in the stand or traveling the world and showing off your sporting skills? If one thing’s for sure, getting started as early as possible is the key to success when it comes to competing as a professional athlete, as you’ll have to be at the very top of your game.
This article provides a useful guide on what you need to know about becoming a professional athlete:
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Soft skills
If you wish to compete professionally, you’ll not only need to be physically skilled but also have a range of soft skills to enhance your success as a sportsperson. Some vital soft skills to work as a professional athlete include:
• Communication
• Decision making
• Hand-eye coordination
• Teamwork
• Self-motivation
• Determination
Keep your body in good condition
Every professional athlete is forced to stick to a rigid training scheme to keep their body in good shape and retain good physical stamina. Athletes are expected to train from a young age every day around their other responsibilities to become the very best in their field. It’s also essential to maintain a well-balanced diet. If you’re serious about becoming a professional athlete, it would be wise to speak with a dietician to understand more about the foods you should and shouldn’t be eating and book training sessions with a coach to enhance your physical ability and endurance.
Go to university
Although it’s not essential to attend an academic institution to become a professional athlete, it would be an advisable route to think about. Although you may on the off chance get spotted and picked up while training, it shouldn’t be a possibility to rely on if you’re hoping to make it in the elite sports industry.
You must have a broad understanding of your sport and thoroughly understand how it is played to be successful. In fact, professional athletes have endured practical and theoretical study at a respected university to reach their high position. While university can be a considerable expense that you may not have thought about before, some of the most talented applicants may be granted Cross Country Scholarships; providing they have above-average times and have competed at a national or regional level.
Find an agent
Securing an agent is one of the most important factors when it comes to taking the leap from a student sportsperson to a professional athlete. Their job is to scout fresh talent at sports matches, source big breaks for their clients and represent their clients when it comes to the media or answering queries on their behalf. While it can be tough to find an agent, it’s an essential component of turning your amateur hobby into a professional career.
