“I’m 47 years old and I’m still doing the exact same thing I did when I was 7.”
Robin Fraser, Assistant Coach for Toronto FC
The Second Half is about turning back the clock and reclaiming the potential of youth that so many of us in middle age feel is gone for good. In my case, the game of soccer provides the prism through which to explore these universal themes of renewal and transformation.
The journey will begin with getting my middle-aged body into the best shape of my life through a combination of exercise and diet. Core to this will be elevating my soccer game through intense, high-level training under the guidance of a private coach over a four-month period. I’ll also work with a personal nutritionist to improve my eating habits through realistic, lifestyle-based changes. And I’ll incorporate yoga, strength training, and meditation into the process.
Adding a bit of fun and intrigue to the project, I’ll mark my progress by seeking out the best pickup games in New York City, seeing how far I can climb the ranks of scrappy international play. Obviously, my peak physical potential is long gone. But this is not about being the best player on the field. It’s about being the best soccer player I can be, and using that experience to enrich my life’s second half. What’s in store for your second half?
Dan DiClerico is a lifelong soccer player, fan, and supporter. When not out there playing, he's often coaching in youth leagues around New York. He also sits on the board of New York Edge, where he's helping bring soccer to underserved students and communities throughout the city. A journalist by training, Dan is currently the Home Expert at HomeAdvisor. He lives in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn with his wife and two kids—both soccer lovers in the making.