experiences of someone starting football in their 20s

easyontheeye

hey, spurred by another post, has anyone started football late in life? how did it work out for you? did you have any problems fitting into a team?

just curious!

Frogdog

I started playing football this year after a 15 year absence (I'm 25 now). Training was ok, I was half fit from doing my own bit of running. Skill-wise I was a small bit behind the average. Playing a game though in training I was WAY behind the pace (making bad passes, shooting when I should be passing etc.). My first competitive game I was put on for 15 minutes. I came off with 14 minutes to go - injured in the first minute!

Marse

easyontheeye wrote: »

hey, spurred by another post, has anyone started football late in life? how did it work out for you? did you have any problems fitting into a team?

just curious!

So you have never played ball before your 20's? or you are returning to the game in your 20's?

Either way find a club with a team that suits your level. Let the lads on the team know your level and they'll help you fit in. I've seen lads join our 2nd junior team late in life. Their skill level wouldn't much at the start. But after a few weeks/months the skills/hand eye coordination developed and they were as good as anyone.


I went back last year at 29. I'm out at the moment with an injury for another two weeks or so. But I've loved being back training and playing.

Do it and enjoy.

easyontheeye

yeah pretty much havent played since i was a kid, but i've always done something, like 5 aside, long distance running, weights and that, id be fairly fit. fancy getting into some team sport again so thought id give it a go!

Marse

Go for it, head back to your local club if possible. If not any club in your current area would be glad of another player.

easyontheeye

Marse wrote: »

Go for it, head back to your local club if possible. If not any club in your current area would be glad of another player.

thats what im hoping, i know ill be cack for the first few weeks maybe couple of months but i know i can pick it back up again! hoping i wont get abused too much ... would be nice to get the outdoors training again

Marse

Nahh, no stick , plenty of banter and encouragement. Perfect time to go back, bit of muddy training before the summer breaks, by then you’ll be well up to speed and ready to enjoy summer evening games.:D

brianon

Well I am 33 and just started training with a Junior team. Will probably end up on the bench ... or worse but sure I'll give it a go.

Actually, a question... should I wear a gum shield ?

ukulelvis

Did you actually start at 33 from scratch? I'm 37 and would love to start playing as I need something to keep me fit. I never played in my younger days or anything, so have visions of standing there towering over 8 year olds running around cones if I joined a club and started from the very beginning.

Are there any teams with a standard so low as to be practically underground that would put up with someone my age who's never played seriously before?

brianon

I played for a few months about 15 years ago but then headed off to college.
I play plenty of other sports and would be reasonably fit.

I'd say you'd be welcome on any Junior B team. Especially if they need numbers.

Frogdog

ukulelvis wrote: »

Are there any teams with a standard so low as to be practically underground that would put up with someone my age who's never played seriously before?

You could play for Cork....:D

brianon

Frogdog wrote: »

You could play for Cork....:D

lol.

The hurlers are looking for players I think

Frogdog

brianon wrote: »

lol.

The hurlers are looking for players I think

The footballers won't be long behind them!

Marse

brianon wrote: »

Well I am 33 and just started training with a Junior team. Will probably end up on the bench ... or worse but sure I'll give it a go.

Actually, a question... should I wear a gum shield ?

If it doesn't irritate you, you should do. But wearing a gum shield was really uncomfortable for me.

IIMII

Could save you thousands in dental fees by wearing one. If the shields you get in the shops aren't your cup of tea, you'll get an excellent, professionally made one from a dentist. Apparently they are made for the teeth whitening process but are excellent as elbow blockers! One dentist I know was willing to do 50% discounts on groups of 10 players or more, but I don't know how he got on

acontadino

hey im 19 nearly 20 and would like to join a decent gaa team...i want to play half back so please tell me teams which arent too good. i have played before and am ok, and im kinda very fit.