There are many pathways to playing collegiate sports, and soccer is no exception. The first step is the most important and should serve as the guiding principle throughout the entire process: Are you entering college with ambitions to pursue a career in soccer, an academic career, or both?
For those seeking additional development before entering college, post-graduate programs such as prep schools and academies can be viable options. These programs offer an opportunity to gain more experience and exposure, which can help players prepare to compete at higher-level collegiate programs.
Step 1: Self-Assessment
Consider why you want to play soccer in college. Is this your primary focus, or are you prioritizing academics or a mix of both? This step can also be a realization that playing organized adult leagues may be enough for you, meaning you don't need to go through this process at all. Most areas have recreational leagues or clubs for players who still want to play but aren't looking for the full-time soccer commitment of collegiate teams.
If you do want to play on a college team, the information below will help you through the process.
College Selection Process
Location:
Does the location of the college fit your lifestyle, interests, and long-term career and personal goals?
Will you enjoy living in this area during your college experience?
Does the location provide access to career opportunities, such as internships and a strong local network of references?
Is the living situation suitable for your needs, are there other options if something changes?
Career/Academic Interest:
Does the college offer your interests with an academic track for a major or minor that leads to a degree to start your career post-college?
Are the student population people with similar interests?
Do you like the dorms, classrooms, and living areas?
Are you going to enjoy 3-4+ years of being there?
Soccer Program:
Would you fit into the soccer program?
Do you like the team and their coaching staff?
Will you get the role you want on the team?
Are there opportunities for you to develop or take steps forward in your career?
Desired Role on the Team
When choosing a soccer program, consider what roles you would accept on the team.
Impact Player: A consistent starter who is integral to the team’s systems of play. This player is relied upon to make a significant impact in every match.
Starting XI: Regularly included in the starting lineup, though may be subbed out depending on the tactical needs of the game.
Off the Bench: Primarily used as a substitute but may occasionally start. This player is called upon to enter the game when needed to provide fresh energy or tactical adjustments.
Reserve: Not part of the regular substitution rotation but serves as a backup for unexpected situations. This player may be asked to fill any position as required during games.
Practice Player: Focused on contributing energy and quality to training sessions, often without traveling or playing in games. This role involves developing skills, improving fitness, and working toward earning a more prominent role on the team in the future.
Step 2: Build your recruiting network
Now that you know what you are looking for out of your college soccer experience, the next step is to start building your network of coaches and scouts that can help you get the exposure you need to continue the recruiting process.
College ID Showcases and Tournaments: These are great opportunities for you to invite coaches and scouts to watch you play.
Online Recruiting Profiles: Platforms like NCSA and other similar sites allow you to host a profile with recruiting information and videos of you playing.
Information for college coaches:
1. Personal Information
First and Last Name
Date of birth
Height and weight
Contact information (email, phone number)
Location (State or city/town)
2. Academic Information
High school name and graduation year
Grade point average (GPA)
Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT, if applicable)
NCAA Eligibility Center ID
3. Athletic Information
Primary and secondary positions
Club and high school teams (including coach contact info)
Highlight videos and game footage
Key statistics (e.g., goals, assists, saves, clean sheets)
Athletic achievements, awards, or honors
4. Schedule Information
Upcoming games, tournaments, and showcases
Training or scrimmage schedules (if applicable)
5. References
Contact information for high school and club coaches
Strength and conditioning coach or any personal trainers (optional)
6. Additional Details
A player profile or resume summarizing key details
A personal statement or cover letter explaining interest in their program
Links to social media accounts (if relevant to sports performance or highlights)
This information helps coaches evaluate the player's skills, academic eligibility, and potential fit for their program.
Recruiting Profile
Highlight tape
Email Introduction to college coaches
Using resources at your club or academies (most clubs and academies have current college coaches)
Step 3: Gaining exposure
High School Season
College coaches typically do not scout extensively during their own team's season, as their focus is on managing their current roster and competition schedule. However, they may attend a game or two, and sometimes an assistant coach is sent to observe and report back. To maximize these opportunities, invite coaches to quality games and share your full season schedule in advance. This allows them to plan ahead and potentially attend a game that has multiple recruits on the field at once.
Club Season
Club teams often compete against higher-quality opponents and participate in tournaments located in areas more accessible to certain colleges. These tournaments frequently attract scouts, creating opportunities to be seen. Review the "Colleges Attending" section on tournament websites or contact the tournament director to request a list of attending schools.
Always reach out to schools that you are interested in before events, include key details such as your game schedule and ways to easily identify you on the field. Always write a personalized message explaining why you are interested in their college and team, why you believe it could be a good fit for you, or that you are eager to learn more about their program.
College ID Camps/Showcases
These events are the most effective ways to gain exposure to college coaches. They typically feature multiple schools and may offer opportunities to play directly for a coach during the event. In addition to on-field evaluations, ID camps and showcases often include presentations, campus tours, and informal interactions with coaches. These can help you build relationships and expand your recruiting network effectively.
Step 4: Playing in front of coaches and scouts
Playing in front of coaches and scouts is the most effective way to gain exposure and meet individuals who are looking for players to start the recruiting process.
You never know when scouts are watching
Scouts typically do not watch full games, as they often observe multiple players and follow a tight schedule during recruiting events. They might see only a few moments of your game or stay for the entire match, including your warmups, this is simply part of the process. The more interested a coach is in you, the more closely they will watch you play. Additionally, your interactions with them off the field can significantly influence their level of interest. Since you never know which moment will grab their attention, it is essential to make every play count.
Help Scouts Identify You Quickly
Provide the information they need to find you on the field. Wear clearly visible jersey numbers and, if applicable, ensure your team roster with your name and number is available.
Warmups Matter (Especially for Goalkeepers)
Scouts often arrive early to watch warmups, particularly for goalkeepers. This is a great opportunity to showcase technique, composure, and focus.
Show a Positive Attitude
College coaches look for players who can be positive assets to their teams. Avoid showing frustration or arguing with referees, teammates, or opponents. A good attitude on the field is non-negotiable.
Play Your Style
Scouts want to see how you play. Stick to your strengths, as coaches are evaluating whether your skillset aligns with their team’s needs. Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
Stand Out on the Field
Separate yourself from the competition. Small but effective things like positive communication, leadership, and effort can draw attention. Accessories like brightly colored cleats or a headband can help scouts quickly spot you without being over-the-top.
Effort Outweighs Skill
While technical ability is crucial, coaches value players who consistently bring 100% effort. They want athletes who show up with intensity and professionalism not just during games but in every training session. Effort is a controllable factor, make it a habit.
Follow Up After the Game
If you know a scout attended your game, introduce yourself after your game or reach out via email to thank them.
If you want to continue playing soccer after high school, college soccer offers a variety of pathways, each with unique demands and opportunities tailored to fit your goals both on and off the field. Whether you want to play professionally or simply want to continue competing at a high level, there is a college soccer experience waiting for you.
Vermont soccer has been on the rise, and the success of local teams such as Vermont Green FC and the University of Vermont men's and women's soccer teams have shown players of all abilities that there are more opportunities for Vermont soccer players to create a career or simply continue playing than they may have realized.
Why Play College Soccer?
College soccer can be a transformative experience. It begins before the school year starts with preseason training, which helps you acclimate to your new environment. This early arrival allows you to bond with teammates, navigate campus life, and gain valuable insights that might otherwise take years to discover. Beyond soccer, it is an opportunity to grow as an athlete, a student, and a person. Most students who play sports in college connect with people they might otherwise never meet, building relationships that often last long after graduation.
Being part of the team and working toward an individual goal to improve and become an impact player pushes you to be competitive, while the team works toward a common goal and supports every member both on and off the field. Your teammates will become the people you spend the majority of your time with during the season, and often.
While each team has its own unique experiences, you can look forward to traveling, playing against former high school teammates or opponents, and having the support of your coaching staff to help you succeed on and off the field.
While playing soccer can add positives to your life in college, balancing academics, athletics, and personal interests can be challenging. The time commitment varies depending on the level of competition, so understanding your priorities is essential.
If you are interested in discussing your pathway to continuing your soccer career, contact admin@shocksportsvt.com to set up a FREE consultation!
Written by Kyle, Owner & Director @ Shock Sports
This guide is intended to make the college process easier to understand. Please let us know if any of this information has changed since posting so we can keep it up to date.
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