Playing football for the first time can be overwhelming. Although you went through a lot of training and practise matches, being your first serious match is still different. Thus, preparations are needed to create the best possible experience.

Usually, the preparations for your first football match start weeks before. Aside from the training and physical preparations, there are many things you should think of. In this article, we’ll discuss the lots of things you should remember and bring for your first-ever football match.

1. Gear Up

This is it! You’ll finally receive your football kit. If you’re a collector of classic football shirts, this can be a great addition to your collection. On the other hand, if you’re not a collector, this can be the start of the many football kits and classic football shirts you’ll encounter.

But aside from the football shirt and shorts, you also need to ready your cleats, shin guards, socks, gloves (if you’re a goalkeeper), and water bottle. These are the basic football player must-haves that can help you ace your first match.

2. Review the Rules

Although it’s a given that you’ve been to many training sessions, you shouldn’t forget about the basic rules, including the fouls, penalties, offsides, and the roles of each player. Although you’re aware of these, there are instances when you get nervous and forget about the little things, so make sure to review them beforehand.

Besides, some things may not come up while training, so checking the basic rules of football can help you understand the game more.

3. Warm Up

Even if you’re the best football player in the world, you can still get cramps and injuries if your body isn’t well-prepared for a heavy physical demand. If your team has been doing warm-ups before training, you can do it before the game.

However, you can also create your own warm-up routine for this special day of your football career. Test your warm-up routine beforehand to check if it’s enough to prepare your body for a match.

4. Get into the Zone

The physical preparations can help you win the game as much as your mental preparations. Even if you’re a well-trained football player, as long you’re not mentally prepared for the match, you can still lose your edge.

It’s good if you’re excited, but if you’re feeling nervous, try to eliminate the feeling by visualising success, and eliminating distractions. You can learn from other athletes or your teammates who have been in the same situation. It can help you focus on the goal, and forget about worrying.

5. Respect Sportsmanship

Football, among any other sports, isn’t just about winning. Sure, it can be a great achievement to win your first match but don’t forget about the other factors that make the match possible. These factors include your coach, teammates, opponents, and organisers. At the end of the day, you should be glad to be a part of the experience, respect the winners, and cherish teamwork and sportsmanship.

Instead of looking at the negative side of the game, look at the bright side. Besides, as you play more, you can experience winning.

6. Stay Engaged

You should still cheer for your teammates and other players even if you’re not on the field. This will maintain your adrenaline rush. That way, if you enter the field, you can still have the same rush as you felt at the start of the game.

Additionally, the continuous cheering and showing of support can also be beneficial to your team since they know that some people are rooting for them.

7. Stay Hydrated and Energised

Although these may not be needed while playing, staying hydrated and eating nutritious snacks can contribute to improving your potential as an athlete. Besides, if you’re energised, you won’t feel weak and you can continue doing anything you can for the win.

On the other hand, you should remember that too much can also be bad for your performance. If you’re too full, you won’t be able to run without feeling pain. So, make sure to consume food and drinks in moderation before the game starts.

8. Reflect on the Match

Once the match ends, take some time to reflect on your experience. It’s your first game, so it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose. What matters is that you’ve gained something just by being with your teammates, and doing the best you can to support them and honour everyone’s hard work.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing your first-ever football game makes you feel a lot of things. You can be nervous, excited, and worried at the same time. However, keep in mind that your team is there to support you. So, if you’ve checked everything you need to prepare off your list, it’s time to enjoy and start your football journey!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer working for Retro Football Kits, an international shop that offers a huge selection of retro football shirts and match-worn classic football shirts from the 70s to the 00s. As a writer, she is passionate about providing good quality articles that will help readers in making the right choice.