I won’t be talking about Australia’s broken system with non-existent pathways to the A-League. Instead, I will specifically address Australian footballers going pro or any players traveling to Europe and trying to make something happen with a club there.
The Challenge for Australian footballers going pro
Why is it so hard for Australians to go pro in Europe?
Let’s touch on the obvious. If you’re living in Australia, your life is pretty much better than 60% of the entire population, regardless of whether you’re middle to low class. While it may not feel that way, it is important to recognise this fact when trying to become a footballer. In Australia, you have the luxury to pursue whatever you want—going to uni, picking up a trade, being on Centrelink, etc. You can’t really go wrong.
However, when it comes to football and trialing overseas to try and make it pro, what most of my players struggle with—and what I also struggled with—is inherently the knowledge that even if you fail, you’ll have a plan B and be okay.
This mentality differentiates you from the Argentinians or Brazilians trialing with you at the same club. Many of them come from favelas and don’t have a plan B because it doesn’t exist. If they don’t make it, they don’t save themselves and their families back home.
You can see it in training. It's obvious which players want it more. It’s a mindset you can’t just recreate; you’re born with it. I struggled with this. I thought I was too smart to be a football player. I remember trialing overseas and some players were training like their life depended on it because it did. They were breaking teammates' noses with elbows in training, targeting players in their position to injure them and get that starting role. It’s a special mentality that I never had, and you probably don’t either.
Adapting Your Mindset
What can you do if this isn’t you? It’s not your fault. Your parents gave you a good life and you were born in a first-world country. You’ll never be able to recreate that natural fire others have, but there is something you can do.
Firstly, place yourself in environments that push you to your limits. This might mean training with players a lot better than you. Consider psychological training as well. Mindset is everything. Work with a sports psychologist to enhance your mental toughness, resilience, and hunger for success.
Techniques such as visualisation, goal setting, and mental rehearsal are not just buzzwords; they are your key to success mentally. Top athletes use these techniques day-to-day to handle pressure.
Personally, everything I do is to run away from a life I don’t want to live. It’s easier to think about where you don’t want to end up than it is to visualise where you do want to end up. Instead of focusing on the dream football life, focus on how bad it would be if you didn’t become a footballer.
What does that life look like? Use this as motivation to work towards that life and get away from where you are.
Emulate International Counterparts
Spend time understanding the backgrounds, sacrifices, and stories of your international counterparts. Let their journeys inspire you and use their desperation as a benchmark for your own level of desire and commitment. Understanding another person’s path can give you a clearer vision of how much you need to invest emotionally and physically in your dreams.
Accountability and Sacrifice
Accountability is crucial. Set high standards for yourself and keep a circle that holds you accountable. Surround yourself with people who remind you why you started and push you when you feel like settling. Better yet just do it yourself. Sacrifice comes hand-in-hand with success. Identify what you’re willing to give up for your dreams. This could mean losing friends, your girlfriend or boyfriend, or even going against your parents’ vision.
For me, I had to kill the vision my mum had for me when I was 16. Our relationship was rocky for about four years, but it was necessary. Never choose someone else’s happiness over your own.
Short-term discomfort is always better than long-term resentment. Your parents probably want the best for you, but their idea of what’s best is not always accurate.
No one has to wake up in your body besides you. As for losing friends and partners, this will happen regardless. Eventually, you will have to cut out all distractions.
Reflection and Adjustment
Constantly reflect and adjust. After every training session, match, and interaction, ask yourself if you did everything possible to be better today. If not, adjust. Learn from every no, failure, and setback. Use them as steppingstones rather than stumbling blocks.
As challenging as it may seem to ignite a fire similar to those born from tougher circumstances, remember that the heart of a champion is never settling for less than your best. You may not have been born with their story, but you can build your own narrative of grit and ambition.
It’s not just about making it to the pro scene; it’s about how you carve your own path there. Own your journey, push your boundaries, and let every step you take towards your dream be driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence.
The path may be different, but the destination of greatness is the same. Keep pushing, keep striving, and prove them all wrong.
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