Understanding the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA: Which One is Right for You?
How to Get Recruited to Play College Soccer: A Comprehensive Guide
For many aspiring soccer players, the dream of playing college soccer is a significant milestone. Not only does it provide the opportunity to continue playing at a competitive level, but it also often comes with the added benefit of earning a college scholarship. However, getting recruited to play college soccer can be a complex and competitive process. It requires talent, strategy, and persistence. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the path to playing soccer at the collegiate level.
1. Start Early: Build Your Skills and Experience
The first step to getting recruited to play college soccer is developing your skills early. College coaches are looking for players who demonstrate high-level technical ability, tactical awareness, and athleticism. While natural talent is important, consistent training and game experience are crucial.
Key steps to take early in your soccer journey:
Join a Competitive Club or Academy: Playing for a reputable club or soccer academy can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed. These organizations often have relationships with college coaches and provide higher levels of competition than high school soccer alone.
Participate in High-Profile Tournaments: College scouts often attend national and regional tournaments, showcases, and other events. The more exposure you get in these competitive environments, the better your chances of getting on a coach’s radar.
Develop Your Physical Fitness: College soccer is physically demanding, so you’ll need to focus on improving your strength, endurance, and agility. Incorporating a conditioning program into your routine will help you meet the physical requirements of college-level play.
Hone Your Tactical Knowledge: College coaches value players who understand the game at a deeper level. Study soccer tactics, positioning, and game strategies to show your ability to make smart decisions on the field.
2. Understand the Different Levels of College Soccer
There are different divisions and leagues in college soccer, and understanding them will help you target the right programs for your abilities and goals:
NCAA Division I (DI): This is the highest level of college soccer and typically has the most competitive teams. Schools in this division offer full and partial scholarships, but competition for roster spots and scholarships is intense.
NCAA Division II (DII): DII programs are also highly competitive, though the level of play might not be quite as high as DI. DII schools often offer scholarships, but they may not be full scholarships, with funding spread across the roster.
NCAA Division III (DIII): DIII schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but they often provide strong academic support and other forms of financial aid. These programs still offer competitive soccer but emphasize a balance between academics and athletics.
NAIA and NJCAA: The NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) are other associations that offer competitive soccer programs and can be a great fit for some players, especially those looking to transition to a four-year college later.
It’s important to assess where your skill level fits within these divisions and to research schools that align with your academic and athletic goals.
3. Create a Highlight Video and Player Profile
A well-produced highlight video is a critical tool in getting recruited. College coaches don’t always have the time or resources to travel to see every prospect in person, so your video becomes your virtual tryout.
Tips for creating an effective highlight video:
Keep it Short (5-7 Minutes): Coaches are busy, so you want to grab their attention quickly. Include your best moments and avoid long, unedited game footage.
Showcase Your Strengths: Focus on the skills that make you stand out, whether that’s your technical ability, vision, finishing, defending, or athleticism. Make sure to include clips that highlight different aspects of your game, like ball control, passing, positioning, and movement off the ball.
Use High-Quality Footage: Ensure that the video is clear, easy to watch, and filmed from a good vantage point. It doesn’t have to be professionally produced, but it should be well-organized and professional in appearance.
Along with your video, create a detailed player profile. This should include your basic information (name, contact details, position, graduation year), academic achievements (GPA, standardized test scores), and soccer experience (clubs, camps, achievements).
4. Reach Out to College Coaches
One of the most important aspects of getting recruited is being proactive in your communication with college coaches. Don’t wait for them to find you—reach out and express your interest in their program.
How to approach contacting coaches:
Send an Introduction Email: Write a personalized email to each coach, introducing yourself and expressing your interest in their soccer program. Include a link to your highlight video, your player profile, and a brief overview of your soccer achievements. Be professional, courteous, and concise.
Follow Up: College coaches receive a large volume of emails, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get an immediate response. Follow up after a few weeks with another email or a phone call.
Attend College Camps: Many colleges host soccer camps where you can train with the coaching staff and showcase your abilities. This is a great way to make a personal connection with the coaches and demonstrate your skills in person.
Visit the Schools: If you have the opportunity, visit the campuses of the schools you’re interested in. This will give you a sense of the campus culture, facilities, and team environment. It’s also another chance to meet the coach and make an impression.
5. Stay Organized and Track Your Progress
With so many schools and coaches to contact, it’s important to stay organized during the recruiting process. Create a spreadsheet to track which schools you’ve reached out to, when you sent your email, whether you’ve followed up, and any responses you’ve received.
Important factors to consider when evaluating colleges:
Soccer Program’s Competitiveness: Look at the team’s record, conference standings, and how many players they typically recruit each year. You want to find a program where you can contribute and grow as a player.
Academics: Don’t lose sight of the fact that you’re going to college to earn a degree. Make sure the school offers the academic programs that interest you and has a strong support system for student-athletes.
Location and Campus Life: Consider whether you’d be happy living at the school’s location, whether it’s close to home, and whether the campus culture aligns with your values and interests.
6. Understand the Scholarship Process
If you’re aiming to secure a scholarship, it’s important to understand how the scholarship process works. Most athletic scholarships are not full rides, especially at the NCAA Division II and NAIA levels. Scholarships are often partial, with the amount varying based on the coach’s discretion, team needs, and available funding.
Types of scholarships available:
Athletic Scholarships: Based on your performance as a player. Coaches allocate these based on their evaluation of your talent and potential contribution to the team.
Academic Scholarships: Many schools offer merit-based financial aid. Having strong academic credentials can increase your chances of receiving additional scholarship money.
Need-Based Financial Aid: In addition to scholarships, you may be eligible for need-based financial aid, which is determined by your family’s financial situation.
Be sure to communicate clearly with coaches about scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages.
7. Stay Committed and Keep Improving
The recruiting process can be long and at times, frustrating. You may experience rejections, but persistence is key. Continue to train hard, improve your game, and stay committed to your goals.
It’s also important to keep your academics strong, as college coaches want to recruit players who are well-rounded and capable of succeeding in the classroom.
Conclusion
Getting recruited to play college soccer is a challenging but rewarding process. It requires a combination of athletic skill, academic dedication, and proactive communication with college coaches. By starting early, developing your skills, creating a standout highlight video, and actively reaching out to coaches, you can increase your chances of playing soccer at the collegiate level. Remember to stay organized, keep improving, and enjoy the journey—college soccer can be a fulfilling experience both on and off the field.
