Dec 28, 20243 min read

Is It Too Late to Go Pro? The Truth About Age in Football

alan deriard from elite football on the surprising age truth — Click the image to watch the YouTube video.

Think you’ve missed your chance to go pro? Maybe you feel like the window of opportunity has closed. Here's the truth: age isn’t the barrier you think it is. While there are challenges, players at any age can still carve out a football career if they take the proper steps.

Before diving in, let me introduce myself. My name is Alan Deriard. I’m a full-time football agent and the co-founder of Elite Football, Australia’s largest player agency. Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of players with representation and worked with 25 professional clubs across Europe.

Does Age Matter in Football?

This is a question I hear all the time, and the answer is both yes and no. Age matters depending on the opportunities you’re pursuing and your goals as a footballer.

At Elite Football, we typically stop taking players over 23.

This isn’t because older players can’t make it—it’s because the payoff is smaller. Younger players have a higher chance of reaching bigger leagues, which makes them a better investment for agencies like ours.

For players over 19, there are some real challenges:

No More Youth Football: By 19, you’ve aged out of European youth teams. Trials will pit you against seasoned seniors in their prime, and it can be daunting if you haven’t trained at that level.
Limited Trial Options: Older players might not get trials with top-tier clubs, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. The key is aiming for senior teams in the fourth or fifth divisions, where there’s still exposure and growth potential.

Why Lower Divisions Are a Smart Move

If you’re an older player, targeting fourth or fifth-division teams can be an excellent starting point. These divisions often serve as talent pools for higher-tier clubs looking for affordable players.

For instance, clubs in Spain’s lower divisions, like Real Ávila (a fourth-division club), compete in high-profile tournaments such as the Copa del Rey. These matches against first-division teams offer significant exposure.

Here’s why lower divisions are a great option:

High Visibility: Matches often attract scouts from bigger teams.
Progression Opportunities: First-division teams frequently promote players from lower divisions to their B or C teams.
Affordable Transfers: Clubs prefer signing players from within the country to save on transfer fees.

The Path Forward for Older Players

If you’re 23 or older and still dream of playing football professionally:

Aim for Fourth or Fifth Divisions: These are realistic starting points for older players.
Focus on Playing, Not Money: Forget the fame and high salaries; concentrate on building your skills and reputation.
Stay Persistent: Knock on doors, send out CVs, and seek agents willing to represent you.

Even if agencies like Elite Football focus on younger players, there are still opportunities out there. Players like Jamie Vardy prove that it’s never too late to rise through the ranks.

Age doesn’t define your football career—your determination does. If you’re willing to start in lower divisions and focus on the game itself, there’s still a path forward. Whether you’re 19 or 27, the opportunities are there for those who refuse to give up.

If you’re serious about improving your chances of going pro, consider working with Elite Football.

With a proven track record and strong connections to 25+ professional clubs, we’re here to help you defy the odds and take your game to the next level.