If you are thinking college or pro or aren’t sure yet, the information on this site is important to consider and incorporate into your plan… You do need a plan, and you want to keep options open. If you are clear from the get-go that you are not focused on college or pro, then your child can enjoy playing on almost any team you might land on randomly.
Be aware that the difference between casual and serious players starts to emerge pretty early, and looking for opportunities to land on teams with accredited coaches and competitive schedules is a ship that will depart sooner than might be ideal. And coaches/schedules aside, we noticed that players tend to rise to the level of competition in practice and games every day.
We took our son as a high school freshman to his first D1 College ID camp. On the first day, he was overwhelmed by the pace, athleticism, and physicality of the mostly juniors and seniors he was on the field with; by day two, he had already kicked it up a notch and was competitive with the older boys. And so it goes…
To get recruited for college soccer, young players should follow a strategic and proactive approach. Here are key steps to consider:
Research Colleges: Create a list of target schools based on academic fit, soccer program competitiveness, and personal preferences such as location and campus size.
Maintain Strong Academics: Keep grades high to meet NCAA eligibility requirements, as academics are crucial in the recruitment process.
Play Club Soccer: Join a competitive club team to gain exposure and experience, as high school teams alone may not suffice.
Create a Soccer Resume: Develop a compelling resume with your achievements, stats, and highlight videos to share with coaches.
Contact Coaches: Send introductory emails to college coaches with your resume and video. Follow up with calls if necessary
Use Social Media: Leverage platforms to showcase your skills and connect with coaches.
Participate in Camps: Attend college ID camps to improve skills and get noticed by coaches. These events provide valuable networking opportunities.
Stay Organized: Keep track of communications with coaches using spreadsheets or dedicated email folders.
Official Visits: Schedule unofficial and official visits to colleges of interest to better understand their programs and make a positive impression.
If your athlete is aiming for college soccer, the NCAA’s new recruiting and scholarship rules, launching in the 2025–2026 season, represent a major shift.
To learn about what’s changing, how it compares to the old system, and the legal context driving these updates, click the link below to read more about it. It’s important that both you and your athlete understand the changes and steps you should/could be taking.
ID camps offer exposure to numerous college coaches and include mental performance seminars and personal evaluations. There are four main types you can attand:
College soccer in the U.S. now sits at the intersection of three big realities for teen players: the dream of playing at the next level, the hard math of roster spots and scholarships, and the long‑term need for a degree and a healthy relationship with the game. For most families, the smartest approach is to treat college soccer as a planning project with multiple viable options rather than a single all‑or‑nothing bet on Division I.
Are you in Europe, interested in playing College soccer in the U.S? Learn more.
Don’t miss the latest youth soccer news, player stories, and development tips.
Join our FREE newsletter today and stay connected!
We do not sell or rent your email address to any third parties.