Worm needs opinions from fellow Mjers

[worm44]

OK here is the story-I want some good opinions on this or any educated advice-----I have a very good friend of mine who I meet in College-we went to the same college and we played soccer together...he was a great player, he was on full scholarship and totally loved the sport-well in typical collge fashion he had a hard time with the coach and dropped out in his Junior year--he never graduated from any college in the years to come and played a little soccer (Am leagues etc) until he was 26 years old.

Well now he is 36 and hasnt played soccer in 10 years-is out of shape of course and has weight to loose (who doesnt at this age) his life has been kind of different since he quit college 16 years ago-he comes from a upper-middleclass background, not wealthy but close-and he hasnt reaklly stayed at any one thing or job for more than a year-he is not a bum he just has never settled down....welll to get to the interesting question-he called me the other day and asked me if I rememeber a certain English Coach who was a pro coach in the U.S back in the late '80's-well this coach is now coaching in England a pro club-he contacted my friend and basically said "you have until July 1st to get in shape and come over to England for a try-out"...well he asked me if it wa spossible for a 36 year old who hasnt kicked a soccer ball in 10 years to get in shape in 4 months and have a chance to make a pro club---in essence I said go for it..he said it is his dream to do this because he felt like he ruined his life back in college when he quit-so he is a bit scared to try and fail so he is hesitating. I want you people to give me advice on what to say to him to convince him to go for it-OR- do you think it is not possible.

I would love some opinions here--Thanks

 

[GENO]

Only one way to find out, GO for it or spend the rest of his life wondering WHAT IF?

Does he smoke? How overweight is he? A pure nutrition plan is 80% of the comeback, conditioning is the rest but both are a must.

Jerry Rice is 40+

I went from 25%+ body fat to 13 % in my forties. I was 220 and running a 7 minute mile when I was 42 after weighting 290lbs at age 36.

He needs all four months and must start at once to achieve it!

Tell him I said Good Luck

 

[worm44]

Thanks Geno I will....and congrats on your achievement

 

[ajoytoy]

in all honesty, I dont think he will make it...

he is 36....the guys on the team are anywhere from 21 to early 30's at best...by mid-30's they retire, get cut or decide to start coaching....not all mind you, but very few stay that long after that age.....

they are at their peak....he past his athletic peak a while back....not trying to to put down any 36 year old (or older) people here, but this is a PRO league....

if he is determined, then he should definitely try to go for it....Soccer is a lot of stamina and endurance.....if he has the willpower, then he MIGHT be given a spot...

I would be honest and upfront with the pro's and con's of the situation and let him decide if this is realistically what he wants to do...

let us know what he does


Reminder: not trying to ruffle any feathers, just being practical with his age and the amount of time away from high level competition

 

[worm44]

Thanks Joy-I know what you are saying about age and such, but this goes beyond that-I think he NEEDS to do this-I feel he needs that second chance that so many people never get but always want-this may be his chance at changing his life for the better no matter what happens...I reallly appreciate your comments though and if anyone has a similiar story of success or failure along these lines-I would love to hear about it......

 

[hellah10]

tell him...

try to kick a football...if he can hit 60+ - get a damn agent ASAP and schedule a try out with an NFL Team....

if he can hit 50+ consistently....I swear to you, he will be playing NFL-preseason and possibly make the cut

 

[Goiing Gone]

Just tell him to drink loads of Sammy Smith and hate the Irish Catholics and he will be a Star. And if those bloody NIslanders give'em any nonsense , have it in his contract to send a pile of hooligans to take care of business!

 

[GENO]

worm, thank you, I think Omar has something here, He may be better than Neil Rack-em up. LOL ROFL

But seriously it is true if he can hit 50 yarders he could stay home and maybe make more money without the endurance factor.

But then again if he loves soccer then football is not an option.

One final question how late into life did Pele play?

 

[Blackman]

Tell him to send some urine samples to BALCO - and get on some of the special "vitamins" that Barry Bonds uses.

No seriously - he should go for it - train his ass off for the next few months, I mean what does he have to lose??

 

[IntenseOperator]

He can grow up now

 

[worm44]

Pele was 37 when he retired with the NY Cosmos-he played pro 20 years-started when he was 17 with Santos in Brazil....Intense ---Maybe you were joking-maybe not, but if not I understand that sentiment as well. Thanks for the opinion