In the U.S., youth soccer is a popular sport and key pathway for talent development, college recruitment, and professional aspirations. Understanding the structure and hierarchy of youth soccer leagues reveals the opportunities available for young athletes.
The recruiting process for international student-athletes is quite similar to US students. The main difference however is exposure, it is much harder for coaches to find and recruit international athletes
It can be difficult for athletes to get noticed by top programs, but an effective way to get noticed is through attending camps and showcases hosted by the colleges you like.
Visiting colleges is important for both players and coaches. It gives you a chance to see the campus, meet the players and the coaching staff. You can go on official or unofficial visits, but make sure you understand the process and the rules around it.
Getting attention form college coaches can be difficult. That’s why athletes should create recruiting profiles and make highlight videos to increase their visibility.
Time to start searching for schools that will check all of the boxes for your college experience.