SKILL UP! EP.02 : Michael's Special Routine
Welcome to <SKILL UP> episode 02!
Let us introduce the second player, Michael Savva, the 35 year old British footballer.
Q. Please tell us about your Special Routine on Match Day!
- Michael's Special Routine
As I live far away from home and away games, I always make sure I wake up very early to get ready and drive an average on 1.5 hours to the venue to be in time. I like to arrive early to the changing room, mentally prepare, get changed, be ready and good to go and not have to rush. We focus on the game together, encouraging both myself and the team to be brave and to enjoy it - to give my all. The music pounding in the changing room creates the powerful vibe and energy, implanting positive sparks amongst the players to get pumped up for a match!
Once our team talk is done, I lead the team out on to the field where we begin our warm-up routine. I do individual stretching on the side just to loosen my body up and be as ready as possible before kick off - I warm-up my hamstrings, quads, calves, and back twists to prepare for the twists and turns, and finish-up with push-ups to get my blood flowing!
Q. What’s your motivation to keeping yourself fit and healthy as a player?
I am 35 years old now and been through a lot in my life with health and injuries. I’ve had three knee operations and had a 10 hour surgery 4 years ago to remove a tumour in my spine. Nothing in life is guaranteed and you never know what’s around the corner. I never take my health for granted and always exercise when I can to maintain my health and fitness, especially as I get older.
I also exercise to keep mentally in the right frame of mind, too. Working out clears my head as I try to release the stress and worries I have. I free myself from such things and focus on the moment.
Q. How does football help you as a person both in terms of character and health?
Football is my first love and I’m obsessed with it. It’s such a huge part of my life in many ways that it defines who I am. Getting older and going through more aches and pains from playing doesn't stop me giving my all when I'm on the pitch. I’ve always said that I will continue playing for as long as my health allows. Football keeps me fit and healthy and at the same time helps me clear my mind.
Q. As a grassroots footballer, what’s your goal?
My goal is to continue improving and developing my game - to be the best I can be and continue to be a valued member in the team. As captain, it’s my job to motivate, inspire and be an example to the younger players to guide them to not only be good players on the pitch, but good human beings off it. Chelsea Rovers and Chiswick is a huge part of my life and I will always push myself to help the team develop and to grow.
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