In the competitive world of football, the pathway from junior to senior levels is fraught with challenges and uncertainties. However, words of encouragement from industry leaders like Sunil Patwal, Technical Director of BBFS, provide invaluable guidance to young players aspiring to reach their full potential. In a recent conversation with Kishore Taid, Co-founder of BBFS, Mr Patwal shared insights that shed light on the importance of perseverance, timing, and the right ecosystem in shaping a football career.

The Pathway from Junior to Senior Level

Patwal emphasized the importance of a clear pathway for young players, one that nurtures their talent from a young age and helps them transition smoothly into senior levels. “If a kid’s been playing from the age of 6-12, if he has potential and talent, if he’s home-grown and gifted, they should continue playing till the age of 23,” Patwal advised. He highlighted the varied timelines in which players achieve significant milestones, underscoring the need for patience and commitment.

The Right Time to Decide

A critical question posed by Taid centred on how young players can discern whether they have a future in football, given that the professional apex is reached by a select few. Patwal’s response was both pragmatic and encouraging. He gave numerous examples of players who persisted beyond the typical age cutoffs, eventually breaking through at 21 or 22 years old, when physical and mental maturity often align to elevate performance.

“The best example we have is our very own Sunil Chhetri. After his 12th, he was in Delhi, and he had only played one national by then,” Patwal recounted. “After 18, the kind of hard work he put in gave him his peak at 21.” Taid added that Chhetri’s peak performance continued to rise significantly after the age of 27, illustrating that patience and sustained effort can yield extraordinary results.

Overcoming Challenges in the System

Both Patwal and Taid acknowledged the role of the football ecosystem in shaping a player’s journey. Limited playing opportunities and a dearth of tournaments can discourage young players, leading many to quit between the ages of 14-17. However, Patwal stressed that dedication and persistence can overcome these hurdles. “We had a kid, a goalkeeper who never played in any tournament except for a school national under 19 in his 12th. After that, he went to Delhi’s best, Venkateshwara College, and didn’t play in any tournament for 3 years. During his last year, he got to play for the university team. He became a captain and built his own team. He was 22 by then,” Patwal shared. The same player went on to have a very successful career in I-Leagues, and now plays for the ISL! Talk about the fruit of  perseverance. 

The Importance of Encouragement and Support

Patwal’s insights are not just a roadmap for aspiring footballers but also a call to the broader community to provide robust support systems for young talent. Encouragement, structured opportunities, and patience are critical components in helping players realize their potential. By fostering an environment that allows for growth and resilience, the next generation of footballers can aspire to follow in the footsteps of legends like Sunil Chhetri.

The key takeaway for aspiring players is clear: stay committed, work hard, and never quit before your time arrives. Remember, patience tastes bitter, but the aftertaste is so sweet! 

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