How to Play Semipro Football

Football played at the elite level is a glamorous game that comes with high pay and glorious perks for the players. However, few players make it to that level, and many who have played organized football as youngsters still love the game as they get older. They may not be good enough to play top-level college football or go on to the NFL, but they can still play semi-pro football if their motivation is the love of the game.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Helmet
• Shoulder pads
• Mouth guard
• Uniform pants

1. Find a team in your area. Semi-pro football does not get a lot of publicity, but most local papers print standings of the teams. Once you have a team's name, you can look it up on the Internet. Find out where the team plays and practices. See the coach after the game and tell him that you want to play and what your experience is. You will most likely get an opportunity to show what you can do.

2. Come to practice with a helmet, shoulder pads, mouth guard and uniform pants. You will be given a few basic drills to perform. If you are a running back, you will be asked to show what you can do carrying the ball. You will be given specific plays to run based on the position you play. If you show some ability, you will get a chance to make the team and contribute.

3. Play for the love of the game because there is no outside glory in semi-pro football. Instead of huge stadiums with tens of thousands of fans, there are tiny stadiums and perhaps a few hundred people who are family and friends. There is no television, and there is no big money. You may get $50 or $100 for every game you play and perhaps a bit more if you win. Some more well-established teams may pay a bit more or get you some barter items from the local supermarket.

4. Get a good job where the boss is a football fan and understands your desire to play. Even though you play only one day a week, a well-organized semi-pro team will practice three or four times a week. While these practices will come after work hours, they will take a toll and you may go into the office the next day sore, bruised and tired. An understanding employer can be your best attribute.

5. Enjoy the game. Friends and relatives will have no clue as to why you are still playing the game even though you are at an age when most of your friends want to be on the couch watching football. You are filled with competitiveness and passion, and football is still a great outlet for you even if few others understand. That's why you must enjoy it. You are doing it for yourself, so you might as well get the most out of it.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't expect to make any money out of your semi-pro career. You might get enough to cover some of your expenses, but that's it.

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