2025-11-18 09:00
As a former collegiate athlete who now works with professional sports organizations, I've always been fascinated by how single football players navigate the demanding intersection of career ambitions and personal fulfillment. Just last week, I was reviewing the Pinoyliga Next Man Cup Season 3 results, where both DE La Salle University and College of St. Benilde demonstrated remarkable performance by going undefeated throughout the entire elimination round. Their achievement isn't just about athletic prowess—it's a masterclass in balance that every single footballer should study. These teams maintained perfect records across approximately 15-18 matches each, which requires not just physical endurance but incredible mental discipline and life management skills that often go unnoticed.
I remember my own playing days when I'd sacrifice sleep, relationships, and personal time thinking it would make me a better player. The truth is, that approach often backfires. What makes La Salle and St. Benilde's achievement particularly impressive is how they managed to sustain excellence without burning out—something I wish I understood earlier in my career. Their coaching staff likely implemented strategic rest periods and mental health support systems that allowed players to perform at peak levels while maintaining personal wellbeing. From my experience working with athletes, I've found that those who maintain hobbies outside football—whether it's music, studying, or creative pursuits—actually perform better under pressure. There's something about engaging different parts of your brain that creates resilience when you're on the field.
The financial aspect of being a single football player is another dimension that doesn't get enough attention. While we don't have the exact figures for Pinoyliga players, based on my work with similar collegiate programs, these athletes are likely managing scholarship funds, potential endorsement opportunities, and personal expenses—all while maintaining their athletic performance. I've seen too many talented players make poor financial decisions that create stress affecting their game. What I advise the athletes I mentor is to treat financial management like game preparation: study it regularly, seek expert coaching, and make consistent small investments in your future rather than waiting for that big professional contract that may never come.
Dating and relationships present another complex challenge that I've seen many players struggle with. When you're training 25-30 hours weekly like most competitive collegiate athletes, there simply aren't enough hours for traditional dating patterns. What I've observed among successful single players is that they're transparent about their commitments from the beginning and often find partners who understand the athletic lifestyle. Some of the most balanced athletes I've worked with actually date within the sports community for this reason—there's built-in understanding of the schedule demands and competitive mindset.
Technology has revolutionized how single football players manage their lives, and I'm genuinely excited about the tools available today that didn't exist during my playing days. From meal delivery services that ensure proper nutrition to meditation apps that help with pre-game anxiety, today's athletes have unprecedented support systems. The La Salle and St. Benilde teams almost certainly utilize sports psychology apps and recovery tracking technology—resources that can help any single footballer maintain balance. What I particularly love about these technological solutions is how they create efficiency, giving players back precious hours that can be invested in personal development or relationships.
Social media deserves special mention because it's a double-edged sword that I see many players mishandle. While building your personal brand is valuable, the constant comparison and criticism can be mentally draining. My approach—which I share with every athlete I advise—is to designate specific times for social media engagement rather than scrolling endlessly. The most successful players I know treat their online presence like a professional tool rather than a personal diary, and this boundary makes a significant difference in their mental health and personal life satisfaction.
Looking at the bigger picture, the undefeated runs by both La Salle and St. Benilde in Pinoyliga's third season represent more than just athletic achievement—they demonstrate that with the right systems and mindset, single football players can indeed excel in their careers while maintaining fulfilling personal lives. Their success likely involved careful time management, strong support networks, and personal discipline that extended beyond the football pitch. As someone who has transitioned from player to mentor, I'm convinced that the athletes who learn to balance these aspects of their lives not only perform better but enjoy longer, more sustainable careers. The quarterfinal berths these teams earned are just the beginning—the life skills they're developing will serve them long after their playing days end.
