It is the dream of any youth soccer athlete to play at the highest level. That might mean Major League Soccer for some – and maybe even the big leagues of Europe for the especially gifted. But, in the US, a route towards the top might come through college soccer. Before you start getting shown on all the highlights shows and featuring on the best soccer bet apps, there is the opportunity to develop on and off the field of play.

Being recruited for a men’s college soccer program does not only mean that you are furthering your sports career and getting more chances of being spotted by professional teams. It also provides an education that can be used in all kinds of ways and also as a fallback if dreams of a professional soccer career ultimately don’t pan out.

Talent and skill play a massive part in being recruited by a Division I school, of course. But there are lots of other things you can do to give yourself a fighting chance of being noticed and recruited. Here are some action points for high school and youth soccer players looking to make the next step in their sports career.

Play Club Soccer

The competition for college soccer places is tough. This is not something that will be achieved just by coasting along on how good you think you are. Even the best high school athletes might not get into a college soccer program if they only concentrate on school sports. Playing for a club as well is crucial.

This will mean extra games, extra practice, and time-consuming activities that mean that others might have to be left behind. But this not only shows you have the commitment needed to play college soccer – it also provides a showcase for your talent. You will play in better tournaments and become known to college recruiters.

Strong Relationship With CoacheS

The best soccer players on the planet would all say that they would be nothing without the help and advice from coaches. These are the people who identify strengths – and weaknesses – in your game and can spur you onto greater things. Maintaining a close relationship with your soccer coach is very important.

However, there is also the chance to contact college soccer coaches to get their help. High school-age athletes should not be afraid of reaching out to college-level coaches for advice and also simply to introduce themselves. Starting these kinds of relationships could really pay off in the future.

Remember the Classroom

In other countries, talented young soccer players are able to use the sport to elevate themselves out of disadvantaged circumstances. The situation in the US is much the same but there is the added benefit of being able to receive a first-class education thanks to your soccer skills.

That is why even the best players should never forget about the classroom. Make sure you keep your grades up and can show commitment in all parts of your life – including academically. Show that you have the skills and attitude to be a top student and be an all-around asset to your future college.

Start Your Process EarlY 

We mentioned a moment ago about getting in touch with college soccer coaches to introduce yourself and get the ball rolling, as it were. There is no way that you should be leaving your work until your senior year of high school. Coaches can contact student athletes at the end of the sophomore year and you can reach out even before that.

Get yourself a highlights reel, or a personalized YouTube channel, that will be able to showcase your talent to prospective coaches and schools. By getting in some of this preparatory work early, you will be in a better position by the time your senior year comes around to start making some very important decisions.

Do Your Research

Starting your recruitment process early also means doing some intensive research. Getting into a college soccer program is not easy and you may not be lucky enough to have the widest choice of schools. But you should always give yourself the chance of finding the perfect fit for your skills.

Find out what kind of school you would like to go to. Take a look into what campus life is like at the colleges you like the look of. Think about what kinds of factors are important to you and see if there is the potential for you to become a part of college life on your terms. You then have a specific goal in mind when it comes to recruiting schools.

Attend Collegiate Camps

Every summer, thousands of colleges run soccer camps for talented high school student athletes. Part of your research should be discovering ones at institutions that suit your needs and doing everything you can to attend. Not only will this give you a taste of college life – but it will also serve as an introduction to the coaches.

You will be able to learn from the coaches who may become your mentors at college. By taking part in practices, drills, and games, you will get a better understanding of what is expected of you at a college level. Your game will undoubtedly improve and you will be able to make important contacts for further down the recruitment line.

Be Prepared to Listen and Learn

At the end of the day, it could be your soccer talent that provides you the chance of a college education and a better life. However, you need to ensure that you are listening and learning at every stage of the process to achieve your ultimate goals.

Commitment is key and you can learn so much by getting involved and showing desire along the way. College soccer does not guarantee a professional soccer career. But it is an all-important step in becoming the best you can be.