Reality Check: What It Really Takes to Grow

A lot of players dream of going abroad, to the U.S., top academies, pro environments, chasing that next level. But here’s something many don’t realize until it hits them hard:

You might be great where you’re from…

But that doesn’t mean you’re ready for what’s coming.

Because out there?

The competition is ruthless.

You’re no longer the standout. You’re one of many.

The pace is faster.

The bodies are stronger.

The standards? Unforgiving.

Suddenly, you’re not just being challenged physically, but mentally and emotionally too. You start second-guessing yourself. You get injured. You get benched. You see others moving with more sharpness, more confidence. And for the first time, it hits you:

“Maybe I’m not as ready as I thought.”

At home, you were used to hearing:

“You’re good.”

“You’re talented.”

“You’re special.”

But in these elite environments? That praise disappears.

There’s no sugarcoating. No hand-holding.

You either step up, or you get cut.

And the truth is, this doesn’t just apply abroad.

Even at home, the jump from U16 to U18, from regional to national, from amateur to semi-pro… changes everything.

The demands rise.

The expectations shift.

The accountability gets real.

That’s why, at CCSA, when I push players in training, it’s never just about running drills or doing cool moves. I’m trying to give them a taste of what’s out there. A glimpse of that next level.

And believe me, I could push harder.

But you need to show me that your goals demand more.

If your ambition is high, then your habits need to match it.

If your vision is bigger, then your work needs to be deeper.

If you want to leap to another level, then we need to train like it.

Otherwise, I’ll meet you where you are.

I’ll coach you with care and purpose, at your current stage.

But let me be clear, you can’t reach the next level with the same circle and the same mindset that kept you comfortable.

Your Circle Matters. A Lot.

Here’s the other reality no one talks about:

You might go abroad and level up.

You might come back sharper, stronger, and more focused.

But then, you’re back in a familiar environment.

And slowly, without realizing, your standard starts slipping again.

Why?

Because the circle around you didn’t grow with you.

You’re surrounded by players who stopped training with purpose.

By people who don’t see the game the way you do anymore.

By voices saying, “Why are you trying so hard?” or “Relax, it’s not that deep.”

And little by little, their energy starts pulling you back down.

Let’s be honest, it’s not just about them.

Everyone is responsible for their own growth.

But if your environment doesn’t reflect your ambition, it will affect you.

I’ve seen it too many times:

Talented players.

Hard-working players.

Focused, driven players.

They fade. Not because they weren’t good enough.

But because they didn’t protect their standards.

They came home and tried to stay sharp, but the people around them didn’t match their direction. The discipline wore off. The hunger faded.

And the dream?

It started to slip.

So What’s the Lesson Here?

Protect your mindset.

Guard your standards.

Choose your influences wisely.

Growth isn’t comfortable.

Leveling up isn’t easy.

But it’s possible, if you’re ready.

You can’t just train harder.

You have to think different, move different, and sometimes, walk alone for a while… until you find a circle headed where you’re going.

So:

    •    Don’t let praise fool you.

    •    Don’t let comfort trap you.

    •    And don’t expect growth to come without friction.

Because if you say you want the next level…

Then every part of your life needs to reflect that.

Your work.

Your habits.

Your mindset.

Your circle.

This is your reality check.

And your opportunity.

Let’s get to work.

— Coach Chris