Interview #1: David Rowley

Background on David Rowley: From Australia, David has played all over the world, currently playing for Kedah in the Malaysia Super League. He also has a YouTube channel with 10k+ subscribers where he gives the audience insight on what it takes to play pro soccer.

Growing up, what was your favorite team?
My favourite team when I was growing up was Liverpool FC.

What are your thoughts on pro/rel for USA and Australia?
I can not comment on the USA as I don't know so much about their leagues but for Australia right now it isn't very feasible. Currently there are many clubs in the A league that are struggling financially. If there was a 2nd division it would also be a strain on clubs financially if they had to compete nationwide. The cost of traveling all over the country would be enormous. It could possibly work if the 2nd division was broken up into 2 regions.. However, the support base is not there yet. In the A league, attendances are not very high. Perhaps in 5 years this could change.

What was youth soccer like in Australia?
When I was growing up the youth development was not very strong. There was no clear pathways to a professional club. I played for my local club, for my school and also had private lessons with coaches.

What advice would you give younger players who want to become pro?
Discipline and hard work is very important.. Honestly the majority of players do not know what it is like to work truly hard and suffer. When you do hard work consistently you become mentally tough. Being mentally tough is such a big thing in football. It's also important that you are constantly learning from better players and watching top pro players that play in your position. Watch how they move and how they position themselves and replicate it in your own game. 

What are common misconceptions about being a pro soccer player?
Playing soccer for a living is an amazing job but it comes with its challenges. For example.. Sometimes you need to change teams and relocate your whole family to a new city or even a new country. sometimes you get injuries and are out for a long time. Sometimes you have problems receiving your salaries.. it can be a very unstable job..

How would you describe your path from youth to now?
My path from youth to professional has been a very interesting experience. I have played in many countries around the world and learnt so much.

What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to represent the Malaysian National team.

Who are your soccer role models?
Thierry Henry. Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Favorite quote?
Socrates.. it is a disgrace to grow old through sheer carelessness before seeing what manner of man you may become by developing your bodily strength and beauty to their highest limit.. but you can not see that, if you are careless; for it will not come on its own accord..

Go to snack?
Red bean buns.

Best player you have ever faced?
Physically... Erik Paartalu.

Biggest strength and biggest weakness?
Strength is aerially.. weakness is injuries

Best player you have played with?
Kim do Heon.

In three words describe yourself ?
Adventurous, open, and energetic

What is your greatest achievement, can be on or off the pitch?
Being on the U19 australian schoolboy team.

Five years from now, where do you see yourself at?
Five years from now.. too hard to predict

Any last words for the readers?
Always challenge yourself and try new things.. you may not feel comfortable doing it at first but push past this and give it a go.

We want to Thank David for his willingness and kindness to do this interview! Class player on the pitch, and class character off of it!

Thanks again David!





Photos via ​https://www.vocketfc.com/masalah-gaji-punca-david-rowley-tinggalkan-kelantan/ and ​https://www.bharian.com.my/sukan/bola/2018/05/424788/ns-sambar-rowley

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