Get Recruited to Play College Soccer
From club soccer to scholarship offers — your complete roadmap to college soccer recruiting at every division level.
49,586
College Soccer Players
7.4%
HS Players Recruited
1,800+
College Programs
9.9
Avg D1 Women's Scholarships
Soccer Scholarship Landscape
Understand the scholarship opportunities at each division level before you start your recruiting journey.
Division I
D1 soccer uses equivalency scholarships. Women's soccer has more programs and scholarship money than men's.
Division II
Strong scholarship opportunities with less competition than D1. Great balance of athletics and academics.
Division III / NAIA
D3 offers no athletic scholarships but strong merit and need-based aid. NAIA offers athletic scholarships.
Soccer Recruiting Timeline
Know exactly what to do — and when — to maximize your scholarship opportunities.
Freshman Year
- Join a competitive club soccer program (ECNL, GA, or MLS Next)
- Focus on academics — GPA is critical for eligibility
- Start building your skills video
- Attend college soccer ID camps
Sophomore Year
- Create your athlete profile and recruiting video
- Begin emailing college coaches with your profile
- Compete in high-visibility club tournaments
- Research programs and divisions that fit your level
Junior Year
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
- Take the SAT/ACT — aim for qualifying scores
- Go on unofficial visits to your top schools
- The fall club season is heavily watched by coaches
- Narrow your list and communicate interest clearly
Senior Year
- Take official visits and evaluate offers
- Sign your National Letter of Intent
- Maintain grades through graduation
- Continue competing at a high level through signing
Soccer Recruiting Tips
Insider strategies used by athletes who successfully earned college scholarships.
ECNL and MLS Next are the most-watched club leagues for D1 coaches
Email coaches directly with your film, stats, and academic profile — don't wait
Your position and playing style should match the coach's system
Women's soccer has significantly more scholarship money than men's — know the landscape
Attend ID camps at your target schools to get in front of coaches
Coaches want to see you compete in real games, not just training videos
Academic profile matters — many soccer programs prioritize student-athletes
Don't overlook D2 and D3 — many players have better careers there than at D1
International players face additional eligibility requirements — plan ahead
Follow up every coach email within 48 hours to show genuine interest
Soccer Recruiting FAQs
When do college soccer coaches start recruiting players?
D1 coaches can begin contacting players on June 15 after their sophomore year. Many D1 programs identify prospects as early as freshman year through club soccer.
How important is club soccer for college recruiting?
Extremely important. ECNL, MLS Next, and GA leagues are where most D1 coaches evaluate prospects. Playing at a high club level is essential for D1 recruiting.
Is it harder to get recruited for men's or women's soccer?
Women's soccer has more programs and more scholarship money than men's soccer. However, both are competitive. Women's D1 programs have 9.9 equivalency scholarships; men's D1 also has 9.9.
What do college soccer coaches look for in recruits?
Technical ability, tactical understanding, athleticism, coachability, and academics. Coaches also look at your position fit within their system and your character.
Can international soccer players get recruited to US colleges?
Yes, many international players are recruited to US colleges. They must meet NCAA eligibility requirements and may need to submit transcripts for evaluation. The process takes extra planning.
Ready to Get Recruited for Soccer?
Take the free Recruiting Readiness Quiz and find out exactly where you stand — then get a personalized action plan.