Adolescents who play in soccer leagues experience numerous benefits both physically and developmentally. The health benefits of playing a high-intensity sport like soccer are undeniable. It builds strength, increases cardiovascular capacity, and reduces body fat, among other things. Developmentally, it teaches leadership and problem-solving skills, builds gross motor skills, and raises self-esteem. Overall, it's an excellent sport for young ones to start with and hopefully can be a lifelong hobby. The lucky ones, the ones who have the perfect balance of talent and grit, will be able to make a career out of their love of soccer. Few are allowed to go pro, and with that designation comes a significant number of perks. Read on to find out the top five perks of being a part of a professional soccer league.
1. World Travel
Professional soccer players are genuine jet-setters. Whether for friendly matches or huge tournaments, leagues are on the road, often traveling to far-off lands for their work. While their grueling travel schedule can take a toll during the season, it also proves a benefit when they're not on a tight schedule. During the off-season, they can use their celebrity to travel the world for fun or other causes. It could be cruises from Florida or a getaway in the mountains. Pro soccer players don't stay home for long.
2. Financial Opportunities
The base salary of professional soccer players is far from their only financial avenue. Their name can be a brand in itself, and companies can use that to generate revenue. Companies are willing to pay generous amounts in endorsement deals to players willing to put their face on a cereal box or sponsor a line of soccer cleats. These deals can add up quickly, sometimes outpacing their pay from the league.
3. A-List Friends List
Professional sports is a favorite past-time across the world, and it's no different for celebrities. Being a famous person allows one access to front row seats and chances to meet players that are not afforded to the non-famous. Soccer players can build relationships with celebrities and be a part of the upper-crust of society.
4. VIP Treatment
Being a part of the highest class in society means getting special treatment almost anywhere they go. Famous chefs love wining and dining professional athletes as it is a way to gain popularity. Players are constantly being sent free products from companies to try as a marketing tool. Whenever they travel the world, they don't have to worry about ordinary tasks people have to do every day. There are people tasked with completing these duties so the players can focus on other aspects of their job. Also, professional soccer players are well known by their fans. They are pretty literally celebrities on the field and off, and adoring fans willing to shower them with praise are not hard to find.
5. Do What You Love, Love What You Do
It's debated who first said this line, but the sentiment rings true, “Choose a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life.” One of the biggest perks of playing soccer professionally is getting to do what you love every day. And get paid generously for it! Even if a team is on a losing streak, a player's love for the game keeps them coming to work every day. The feeling of watching your hard work pay off is indescribable, but watching the hard work of your whole team effectively put into action is one of the best feelings in the world.
Soccer is a sport of both skill and grit. One can have all the skill in the world, but if they don't have the spirit to keep playing when times get tough, their chances of making it as a professional are slim. The hard physical and mental labor put in to make it to a professional-level league comes with perks some could only dream of.
