How to Get Recruited to Play College Soccer: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you dream of playing soccer at the collegiate level in the United States, you’re not alone. Thousands of talented players worldwide aspire to earn a spot on a college team. However, the college recruitment process can be complex, especially when balancing academics, athletic achievements, and making a lasting impression on coaches. This guide will walk you through the process of getting recruited to play college soccer, covering everything from preparing your soccer resume to maximizing visibility and connecting with coaches.

1. Understand the College Soccer System

One of the first steps in college soccer recruitment is understanding the different divisions and programs available:

• NCAA Division I: The highest level of collegiate soccer, Division I schools typically have the largest budgets, offer the most scholarships, and feature intense competition.
• NCAA Division II: These schools also provide athletic scholarships but may have smaller budgets and teams.
• NCAA Division III: Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, focusing instead on academic scholarships, yet still provide high-quality soccer programs.
• NAIA: The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics offers a competitive alternative to NCAA programs, with schools that provide athletic scholarships.
• NJCAA: The National Junior College Athletic Association includes two-year institutions, where players can compete and then transfer to a four-year school if they desire.

By understanding these differences, you can target schools that fit both your academic and athletic goals.

2. Start Early and Set Goals

Begin your preparation as early as freshman or sophomore year in high school. The recruiting process can be long, and coaches start identifying potential players well before their senior year. Use this time to build your skills, establish your goals, and focus on developing a strong athletic and academic profile.

Set clear goals regarding what you want to achieve both on and off the field. For instance, some players prioritize finding schools with strong academic programs, while others may aim to play at the most competitive level possible.

3. Build Your Athletic and Academic Profile

College soccer coaches look for more than just talent on the field; academic performance is equally important:

• Maintain a Strong GPA: Most schools have a minimum GPA requirement. High academic standards can open up scholarship opportunities, especially at NCAA Division III schools, where athletic scholarships aren’t offered.
• Take Standardized Tests Early: The SAT or ACT scores are part of your academic profile. Taking these tests early provides time to retake them if needed, allowing you to aim for a score that meets the minimum requirements of your target schools.
• Develop an Impressive Soccer Resume: Your resume should highlight your accomplishments, including tournament wins, personal statistics, and any awards received. Include a strong cover letter and academic transcript as well.

4. Create a Highlight Video

A professionally made highlight video is a crucial part of the recruiting process. Coaches review hundreds of players, so your video should showcase your skills, athleticism, and soccer IQ:

• Keep it Short: Aim for 3-5 minutes. Coaches don’t have time to watch a full game, so select clips that display your best skills, such as goal-scoring abilities, ball control, and defensive maneuvers.
• Showcase a Variety of Skills: Include highlights of both offensive and defensive play to give coaches a full view of your game.
• Make it Easily Accessible: Host your video on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo and include the link on your resume, profile, and emails to coaches.

5. Research and Identify Target Schools

With thousands of schools offering soccer programs, narrowing down your list can be overwhelming. Create a list of 10-20 schools that meet your athletic and academic standards:

• Consider Location: Location matters, as it affects climate, travel expenses, and potential networking opportunities.
• Evaluate Team Strengths: Review each team’s past performance, style of play, and roster to see if it matches your skills and ambitions.
• Check Scholarship Availability: Not all programs offer scholarships, so look into each school’s funding and scholarship options.

6. Attend Soccer Showcases, Camps, and Tournaments

Attending camps and showcases is one of the best ways to increase your visibility. These events are often attended by multiple college coaches who are actively recruiting:

• Local and National Showcases: Register for showcases where college coaches from your target schools will be attending.
• College Camps: Many colleges host soccer camps. Attending a camp allows you to play in front of that school’s coaches and staff, giving them a chance to evaluate your skills in person.
• International Showcases: If you’re an international player, explore options for U.S.-based showcases or find events that attract American college coaches.

7. Connect and Communicate with Coaches

Reaching out to coaches is essential in the recruitment process. Here are some tips to make a lasting impression:

• Craft a Strong Introductory Email: Keep your email concise, but include key information such as your name, academic year, position, GPA, highlight video link, and why you’re interested in their program.
• Follow Up Respectfully: Coaches are busy, so if you don’t receive a response after a week or two, send a polite follow-up email.
• Be Proactive: When possible, let coaches know where and when you’ll be playing in tournaments or showcases. This increases the chances of them watching you play.

8. Register with the NCAA and NAIA Eligibility Centers

To participate in NCAA or NAIA sports, you must meet certain eligibility requirements:

• NCAA Eligibility Center: Register here if you’re interested in NCAA Division I or II schools. You’ll need to submit transcripts and standardized test scores.
• NAIA Eligibility Center: Similar to the NCAA, this organization requires a registration process to confirm eligibility.

Start this process by your junior year, as there can be fees and documents required.

9. Be Aware of Recruitment Rules and Deadlines

Each organization (NCAA, NAIA) has specific rules about when and how college coaches can contact athletes. Familiarize yourself with these rules so you don’t miss important deadlines:

• NCAA Recruiting Calendars: The NCAA has contact periods and dead periods when coaches can and cannot reach out to athletes.
• Official vs. Unofficial Visits: An official visit is a college-paid visit to the campus, while an unofficial visit is paid by the athlete. Each has different rules and limits.

10. Stay Persistent and Resilient

The recruiting process can be competitive, and not every player will get recruited to their top-choice school. However, if you stay persistent, flexible, and open-minded, you can increase your chances of finding a great program that aligns with your goals. Keep an open line of communication with multiple coaches, and remember that even walk-on opportunities can turn into scholarships or starting positions over time.

11. Optimize Social Media Profiles

Increasingly, college coaches check players’ social media profiles. Keep these tips in mind:

• Stay Professional: Avoid controversial or inappropriate content.
• Showcase Your Achievements: Share highlights from games, team achievements, and any awards or recognitions.
• Engage with Colleges: Follow programs you’re interested in and engage by liking and commenting on their posts.

Learn more about the role of Social Media in college: https://www.selectgeneration.com/blog-post/the-role-of-social-media-in-college-soccer-recruitment-dos-and-donts

Conclusion: Stay Focused and Follow Your Path

Getting recruited to play college soccer is a multi-step journey that requires preparation, commitment, and patience. By understanding the recruitment process, staying proactive in communicating with coaches, and building a strong academic and athletic profile, you can significantly increase your chances of being noticed by college coaches.

Remember, there are numerous paths to playing college soccer, and every player’s journey is unique. Stay positive, keep improving, and enjoy the journey—it’s all part of the experience. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to playing college soccer and achieving your athletic and academic dreams.

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