How to get back into football?

[lordofthelazies]

Hi all,

Firstly, I'd like to apologise if this is not the correct place or forum to ask my question. However, I've done a bit of research and it seems there are a lot of knowledgeable people here in regards to non-league football.

So, let me begin my story...

In September 2014, I had begun Year 11, my GCSE year. As a result, I stopped playing for my local sunday league team, so that I could focus on those exams. I then later decided that I would study for a further two years in order to gain my A-levels, I did. Now, I'd like to get back into football since I've completed all my exams. However, it appears things have changed. Back when I was younger and wanted to join a team, all that I needed to do was go onto the website of the team that I wanted to join, scroll and look for 'Under *1 year above my age* managers number'. Now, whenever I type in a local football team's Under 19 squad, nothing comes up. It seems Under 19 football is non-existent among all clubs is this really the case?

btw im 18 now

 

[iesty wfc]

find out who your local teams are and ask if you can go along to a training session. most teams below a certain level would probably have you in for a session or two to see how you are.

 

[#Beebot]

U19 football isn't a thing in this country. After U18 the next step is U23.

If you have no previous experience with pro or semi-pro clubs then you are best off approaching step 7-9 teams.

 

[Look Out There Are Llamas]

Why look for under 19? If it's Sunday League you're rolling for, shoot off an email to local clubs.

 

[The_Boss]

Or try doing what other 18 year olds do - go to the pub, get pissed, play for their Sunday team.

 

[Master D]

I'm glad he decided to come on this forum to ask such a question. Google just will not suffice.

 

[The_Boss]

I'm glad he decided to come on this forum to ask such a question. Google just will not suffice.

I don't get why anyone needs to use a computer full stop to do something so fucking simple. Just fucking talk to people.

 

[The_Boss]

And who the fuck gives up playing football through their GCSE's??!!!

 

[Joe.]

I'm glad he decided to come on this forum to ask such a question. Google just will not suffice.

Yeah, but we're a very knowledgeable bunch on here, don't you know?

 

[lordofthelazies]

I don't get why anyone needs to use a computer full stop to do something so fucking simple. Just fucking talk to people.

And who the fuck gives up playing football through their GCSE's??!!!

I didn't want to stop playing football but you know how some parents can be right? I assure you, I'm very proficient with the internet but it's hard to get information when you don't know the basics of something.

U19 football isn't a thing in this country. After U18 the next step is U23.

If you have no previous experience with pro or semi-pro clubs then you are best off approaching step 7-9 teams.

This was very informative, thank you.

The majority of the clubs I've looked into don't display much contact information. What would you do in such a scenario?

 

[#Beebot]

I don't get why anyone needs to use a computer full stop to do something so fucking simple. Just fucking talk to people.

Is it that simple? If you don't have friends playing at semi-pro level or if you're not knowledgeable about non-league then the answer isn't obvious.

 

[#Beebot]

I didn't want to stop playing football but you know how some parents can be right? I assure you, I'm very proficient with the internet but it's hard to get information when you don't know the basics of something.



This was very informative, thank you.

The majority of the clubs I've looked into don't display much contact information. What would you do in such a scenario?

I'd identify all step 7-9 clubs within whatever distance you're prepared to travel and contact them with whatever information they give requesting a trial.

Maybe also worth looking at step 5-6 clubs with U21/U23 teams. Not all clubs will have them.

If you have no luck with this then probably best to drop to step 10 and so on until you find your level.

 

[JE93]

I didn't want to stop playing football but you know how some parents can be right? I assure you, I'm very proficient with the internet but it's hard to get information when you don't know the basics of something.



This was very informative, thank you.

The majority of the clubs I've looked into don't display much contact information. What would you do in such a scenario?

Whichever county you live in, go to the county FA website. Clubs in the county will advertise for players of all ages there.

 

[Master D]

Chester are looking for players.

 

[Jemfy]

I'd identify all step 7-9 clubs within whatever distance you're prepared to travel and contact them with whatever information they give requesting a trial.

Maybe also worth looking at step 5-6 clubs with U21/U23 teams. Not all clubs will have them.

If you have no luck with this then probably best to drop to step 10 and so on until you find your level.

Step 5-6 teams with reserve sides might be an option too. Sometimes at that level reserve sides struggle for players. Check the full time page for your local step 5/6 reserve league - maybe look for teams with fewer players or worse results.

You're basically looking for contact info for managers - they do pretty much everything. It's almost completely a contacts thing at that level.

Be prepared to pay subs and not get anything out of it, and be expected to spend money in the bar on game days too (home and away).

 

[Bluandwite]

Chester are looking for players.

We can't afford him.

 

[The_Boss]

How good do you all think he is, he were playing Sunday league 3 years ago!!

Saying that, what position do you play? Not that it matters, give John Askey a ring, it looks like he's taken the approach of signing any useless c*** this year.

 

[Harrier94]

We need a CB if you play there.

 

[Vanni]

Hi mate, disregard the smart arse replies on here, in particular those from a former player himself (or at least, that's what he once claimed) because quite frankly he should know better. Here's what I would do - if you're a decent player, I would forget all about playing in some shitty Sunday league, that's a sure way to get yourself injured when players see you're way better than they are. Admittedly, playing a couple of matches in Sunday leagues could also help you as you might be lucky enough and some local scout spots you, but I highly doubt this as scouts don't like to waste their time watching mediocre footy. But me personally, I wouldn't risk it.

Keep yourself fit by going on a run at least 3 times a week, while you contact a couple of say step 9 clubs and wait for their reply. If they're well run, they'll invite you over for a trail. The good thing is that even if they don't think you're good enough to play for them, they'll suggest a few other local clubs more suitable to your standard.

 

[LeWhites]

Even at step 9 the standard is reasonably high (compared with Sunday League). Without any idea of the lad's ability it's a rather pointless conversation