Getting back into soccer at 35, 40 or 50
By the Poteau Team · updated
IN SHORT
5v5 is the easiest way back. You're far from alone: on Poteau, one player in four is 35 or older. As for level, every game shows the level it expects. A quiz gives you yours (more than half of players underrate themselves).
You're not the oldest one out there
The ages of more than 5,000 players who played on Poteau in France in recent months:
Age | Share of players |
|---|---|
under 25 | 25% |
25 to 29 | 28% |
30 to 34 | 24% |
35 to 39 | 14% |
40 to 44 | 5% |
45 to 49 | 2% |
50 and over | 2% |
Players whose age is on their profile.
And the ones who come back stick around. Players over 50 play 40% more often than 25 to 29-year-olds. There aren't many of them. But they play more than anyone.
Level is the real question
When you come back, the fear isn't your age. It's getting left behind.
Your level first. Poteau has a level quiz, for soccer and for padel. You pick your position and answer a few questions about your game. Then we give you your Poteau level, from 1 to 10. It shows on your profile.
Before it tells you, the quiz asks what you'd give yourself. More than half of players rate themselves below their actual level.
Then the game's level. Every game posted by a player shows the level it expects. Nearly one in five welcomes levels 1 to 4. More than half, levels 5 and 6.
You know what you're walking into before you sign up.
The right time slot
Weekend mornings. One player in three is 35 or older. It's the most "experienced" slot of the week.
Weekday lunchtime. Three players in ten are 35 or older. Seven games in ten still have spots at kickoff. And it's usually €7.
After 10 pm, fewer than one player in five is 35 or older. It's fast. Save it for month two.
Why 5v5
Small field. Less running, more passing.
It's short. An hour or 90 minutes, and you're done.
Ease off whenever you want. Nobody's going to say a thing.
Usually no offside.
The first month
One game a week. No more.
Warm up. Ten minutes: ankles, hips, a few sprints. Calves and hamstrings go first.
Play at 70%. Full-power shots can wait till week 3.
Sore two days later? Normal. Pain that lasts more than a week, get it checked.
Long break or a health issue: see your doctor first. It can't hurt.
Shoes
On artificial turf, like most 5v5 venues in France: turf shoes with small molded studs, marked "TF". Indoors: flat soles, "IN". Screw-in cleats are banned almost everywhere. And it's better for your knees.
The right game to come back
Pick a game that's one or two players short. The group is already there.
Write in the chat: "I'm coming back after ten years." It sets the tone.
Pick one at your level, or just below the first time. And you see who's signed up before you go.
The Poteau Team