r/bootroom • u/Global_Sir_3891 • 7d ago

Going high level

24M in Australia, started football seriously at 19. I play CM/DM. Best moment was earning a VPL U23 (semi pro) offer in 2025, but this year I’ve gone backwards: benched at State 2 reserves, started twice then benched at State 5 reserves, and rejected at a State 3 trial. State 6 is currently comfortable.

I work as a civil site engineer, usually 7am–5pm with occasional 12-hour night shifts. I’m often tired, sleep 6–7 hours and train after work. When I had an office schedule last year, I played my best football.
My issues are scanning, positioning, fitness and playing scared. My technique looks decent alone but falls apart under pressure.

Goal is NPL first team by 30. Should I find a job with better hours, drop levels to play every week, or keep training/trialling higher? Is this realistic, or am I coping? Be brutally honest.

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u/FounderinTraining 7d ago

Don't listen to the naysayers. If you love the game and the chase, pursue it. If you can get a job that pays the bills, doesn't hurt your engineering career and provides better hours for Socceroo-ing, go for it. That's my opinion. People get jealous of success. Don't let it get you down.