An Open Letter to Parents & Players Navigating College Soccer Recruiting
For some time, I’ve wanted to write to everyone going through or about to start the college soccer recruiting process for their child or themselves. The journey to play college soccer can feel overwhelming, especially for youth athletes and their parents. This open letter is designed to help youth athletes and sports parents understand the college recruitment process and what lies ahead.
Why Every Sports Parent Wants to Understand the Recruiting Process
THE RAW REALITY OF SPORTS RECRUITING
Parents of young athletes, I totally understand why you’re seeking guidance on how to help your child play college sports. If my child wanted to pursue college sports (which I’m sure they will in the future – my oldest is only 11), I’d want to understand as much as possible about what’s coming and how to navigate this journey efficiently. But the problem is, many parents of athletes don’t know what they’re up against.
The college recruiting process can be challenging. From the questions and comments I receive, it’s clear that it can feel like a minefield for families. My goal here is to offer insights to make the path forward less stressful.
Is Your Child a Top College Soccer Recruit? A Reality Check
This next part is probably aimed at 90% of you:
If you’re actively seeking answers about navigating college soccer recruitment, your child likely isn’t among the top 25-30% of players in youth sports. These top players are often scouted and recruited organically. College coaches know the most elite players nationwide, often as early as sophomore or junior year, if not earlier.
Why is This Important for Sports Parents to Understand?
THE COLLEGE RECRUITING PROCESS IS HARD. I WATCHED AS AN OUTSIDE AND HERE’S WHAT I SAW.
I frequently hear from families talking about colleges that are unlikely to be a fit for their child. When a youth athlete is in a professional academy or on a national team, they’re already scouted and validated by others, which lowers the risk for college coaches.
If your child isn’t in a high-profile soccer league or club, they may not be on the radar of these top college programs. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t talented. There are smarter paths forward for players who aren’t in that elite category, and it’s all about finding the right fit for your youth athlete.
What Are Your College Soccer Options?
If your child dreams of attending a top school but isn’t being recruited to play soccer, they have two options:
- Attend their dream school and play club soccer—They may enjoy being on the club team and, in some cases, even have a chance to join the varsity team.
- Explore other college soccer opportunities—Some players pursue soccer at other schools, hoping to transfer or advance to a higher level later.
The reality is that college soccer recruiting has changed over the last 5-10 years. With an abundance of skilled youth players, coaches have a much larger talent selection. The competitive landscape in youth sports means there’s always someone better available, domestically or internationally.
What Coaches Are Looking for in College Soccer Players
Most college coaches today face significant pressure to win, so they often look for immediate-impact players. With so much talent globally, college soccer has shifted focus from player development to recruiting skilled players who can help win games right away.
Start with Honest, Neutral Advice on Your Child’s Level
TEN THINGS NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT COLLEGE RECRUITING
To get started, seek neutral advice on your child’s skill level from someone knowledgeable in college recruiting. Many youth sports clubs have coaches who are connected to college recruiting or have experience in the process. Ask them for honest, direct feedback, even if it’s tough to hear. This clarity will save you a lot of time in the long run.
College Soccer Recruiting: What Each Level Seeks
Here’s a general guide for understanding what college levels are typically looking for in high school soccer players:
- D1: Top MLS Next players or international pros.
- D2 (top-mid): Typically, international players from professional clubs.
- D2 (low-end): Students with decent GPAs and a strong financial budget.
- D3: Strong GPAs and financial resources are often key.
- NAIA: Primarily international players or domestic players with high potential.
- Junior College: Top players who aren’t NCAA-eligible or students with reasonable budgets to fill rosters.
Scholarships in College Soccer: A Long-Term Perspective
Since high school players are unproven, big athletic scholarships are rare for first-year college athletes. Soccer scholarships work similarly to career promotions: players perform well and then earn more support over time. Remember, this is a long-term journey; it’s less about where you start and more about where you finish.
Key Steps to Take in the College Recruiting Process
- Get on coaches’ radars. Once you understand your child’s level, identify schools in those divisions and reach out.
- Craft an attention-grabbing email subject line. A specific subject line, like “Striker – ECNL level – 3.5 GPA – High Budget – Available Fall 2025,” can help your email stand out.
- Prepare highlight videos. Include a 2-3 minute highlights video, two full games, and a full 90-minute game with all touches. This gives coaches a complete picture of the player.
Final Tips for College Soccer Recruiting
1) Stay Updated on New NCAA Rules
With potential roster limits on the horizon, the D1 level could become even more competitive. Be open-minded, as many athletes may trickle down to D2 or D3 levels due to limited roster spots.
2) Be Smart with Social Media
Many players create Twitter profiles for recruiting, but most look similar. Coaches review social media to learn about a player’s character, so avoid oversharing or posting inappropriate content.
3) Start Early with Your Timeline
If your child is an exceptional talent, they’ll likely be recruited early. For most youth athletes, it’s best to start reaching out during their sophomore year (girls) or junior year (boys).
4) Watch College Games to Understand the Level
Many youth athletes hoping to play college soccer have never watched a college game. Seeing a game in person can be eye-opening and helps players understand the pace, skill, and physicality required.
In Conclusion: A Final Word to Sports Parents
WHY IT’S OK FOR PARENTS TO BELIEVE THEIR CHILD WILL PLAY IN COLLEGE
I hope this letter provides clarity and actionable steps. It’s not meant to discourage anyone but to educate and empower parents of youth athletes. The journey to play college soccer is competitive, but you can help your child find the right fit with the right guidance.
For those who don’t know me, I’m Chris Cousins, the founder of @SRUSA_Official, the world’s leading college soccer recruiting agency. If you’re struggling with anything, feel free to reach out at chris@sportsrecruitingusa.com—I’m always happy to help.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck on this journey in youth sports and college soccer recruiting!
