Just a few thoughts I want to put out there.
If we want Paintball to be recognised as a professional sport, we must think and behave as the professional players of other sports do.
I believe that this comes down to the following things:-
1. Training
2. Commitment
3. Behaviour - both on and off field
The argument that Paintball wiill not grow into a professional sport unless someone pays players to train and play does not hold water.
Do you see anyone paying 8-year olds on your street corner to skateboard or play football? No, I didn't think so.
It's easy to blame someone else if you haven't succeeded, but really the solution lies within yourself.
Modern society seems to be geared towards "instant fame" - and for the majority of us, that isn't going to happen. We just have to grind it out in the trenches and aspire to be great.
So, what is my master plan?
1. Set your goals - what level do you want to play at?
2. Train all you can.
3. Go to big events and get noticed.
4. Show up each time a big team holds open trials.
5. Be respectful, sporting and polite. Don't throw your toys out when something doesn't go your way.
6. Be patient.
7. Support your local sites and stores.
8. Learn from your mistakes.
9. Promote the sport wherever you can, in a positive light.
10. Don't buy a drop forward.
For example, I was on the So Manc roster when they were short of players back in 2007.
In 2008, they were picked up by Dye and trained solidly all year.
In 2009, they are a killing machine, and are proof that training and commitment works.
Even if you are not a great player, but have a talent for, say, orgainsing, coaching or teching, there will be a place for you on a team.
Mods, feel free to move this if this is in the wrong place.
Peace.
If we want Paintball to be recognised as a professional sport, we must think and behave as the professional players of other sports do.
I believe that this comes down to the following things:-
1. Training
2. Commitment
3. Behaviour - both on and off field
The argument that Paintball wiill not grow into a professional sport unless someone pays players to train and play does not hold water.
Do you see anyone paying 8-year olds on your street corner to skateboard or play football? No, I didn't think so.
It's easy to blame someone else if you haven't succeeded, but really the solution lies within yourself.
Modern society seems to be geared towards "instant fame" - and for the majority of us, that isn't going to happen. We just have to grind it out in the trenches and aspire to be great.
So, what is my master plan?
1. Set your goals - what level do you want to play at?
2. Train all you can.
3. Go to big events and get noticed.
4. Show up each time a big team holds open trials.
5. Be respectful, sporting and polite. Don't throw your toys out when something doesn't go your way.
6. Be patient.
7. Support your local sites and stores.
8. Learn from your mistakes.
9. Promote the sport wherever you can, in a positive light.
10. Don't buy a drop forward.
For example, I was on the So Manc roster when they were short of players back in 2007.
In 2008, they were picked up by Dye and trained solidly all year.
In 2009, they are a killing machine, and are proof that training and commitment works.
Even if you are not a great player, but have a talent for, say, orgainsing, coaching or teching, there will be a place for you on a team.
Mods, feel free to move this if this is in the wrong place.
Peace.
