The Harsh Truth About Getting Recruited to Play College Soccer

For young soccer players dreaming of playing at the college level in the U.S., the recruitment journey is increasingly difficult and complicated. Gone are the days when being a standout high school player was enough to land a spot on a college roster. Today, a mix of changing NCAA transfer rules, increased competition from international players, and the realities of college budgets has made the path to recruitment much more challenging, especially for high school seniors.

The Changing Landscape of College Soccer

One of the biggest hurdles for aspiring college soccer players is the new NCAA transfer rules. These changes allow players to move up or down divisions with ease, meaning many roster spots are taken by transfers instead of incoming freshmen. Additionally, the influx of international players—who often come with years of experience in professional academies—means that the level of competition for those coveted roster spots is fiercer than ever.

At the same time, college soccer coaches are dealing with limited budgets, which further restricts their ability to travel and scout players in person. As a result, coaches are increasingly focusing their attention on high-level national club tournaments, where they can see dozens of top-tier players in one place. This leaves high school soccer players, especially those not on elite club teams, with fewer opportunities to be seen.

The Role of Validated Analytics in Recruitment

In this hyper-competitive environment, many coaches are becoming wary of relying solely on a player’s film. Burned by players who fail to live up to their highlight reel, many are now looking for validated analytics to support their recruitment decisions. Measurable data such as player statistics, game performance analytics, speed and agility numbers and progress tracking are becoming essential tools for recruiters to assess a player’s real potential.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that there are still plenty of college programs actively looking for the right players. Even with limited resources, college coaches are constantly searching for talent that fits their team’s needs. However, knowing how to navigate this system and get on a coach’s radar has become more complex than ever.

Why ID Camps Might Not Be Your Best Bet

Many players and families turn to college ID camps, hoping they’ll be the ticket to getting recruited. While these camps offer an opportunity to be seen, they are often primarily money-makers for the college programs. Not all players attending ID camps get serious looks, and given the expense, this might not be the best way to use your resources.

Additionally, some colleges, especially those with limited funding, carry large rosters of up to 60 players. This roster inflation is often driven by the need to secure tuition dollars, not necessarily to give all players a chance to make an impact on the field. While being on the roster might give a player hope, the reality is that playing time and starting spots will be extremely hard to come by.

The Elite Club Soccer Dilemma

If you want to maximize your chances of getting recruited, being part of a top national club team is still the best way to go. However, making these teams is incredibly difficult, and the barriers to entry are high. Most elite club teams form their core rosters by the age of 12 or younger, and once these teams are set, they tend to stick with the players they have. Only a few spots open up as players develop, making it challenging for new players to break in, even if they are more talented.

Moreover, the costs of participating in these high-level club teams can be astronomical. This creates a clear socioeconomic divide, where players with the financial resources and the right connections get ahead, while others are left on the outside looking in.

The Harsh Realities of High School Soccer

Many players hold onto the belief that high school soccer will help them get noticed by college coaches. Unfortunately, unless you’re playing for one of the top programs—usually expensive private schools with strong soccer traditions—the reality is that high school soccer won’t get you far. Only a handful of high school programs are regularly scouted by college coaches, and these schools often have established reputations for producing top players.

The emphasis on club soccer and the rising cost of playing at a competitive level has led to a system that is increasingly difficult to navigate. If you developed late, lack the financial means to join elite clubs, or don’t have the right connections, your chances of getting recruited significantly diminish. The process has become so politicized and economically stratified that many talented players are overlooked simply because they don’t have access to the right resources.

What Can You Do?

Despite all these challenges, it’s important to remember that there are still ways to get recruited. Here are a few strategies to maximize your chances:

1. Focus on Exposure at High-Level Tournaments: If you’re on a club team, make sure you’re competing in tournaments where college coaches will be watching. National events offer the most visibility. Let coaches that you would like to play for know your soccer schedule.

2. Get Your Data in Front of Coaches: Use validated analytics platforms to track your performance and progress. Coaches are looking for hard data to back up what they see. Think about investing in a recruiting platform that will validate your measurables and stats and present them to the coaches and colleges you want to play for. This is money well spent and probably a higher priority than attending several ID camps.

3. Be Smart About ID Camps: If you do decide to attend an ID camp, choose one at a school where you’ve already made contact with the coach. Make sure you’re on their radar before the camp starts.

4. Don’t Rely on High School Soccer: While it’s fun and valuable to play for your school team, know that high school soccer alone won’t get you recruited. Focus your efforts on club play and attending the right showcases. If you can’t afford to play for a high level club team then look for other ways to get verifiable and competitive information to the colleges and coaches you are considering.

5. Be Realistic About College Choices: Not all colleges are created equal, and some programs are more about generating revenue than developing players. Research programs carefully to find one that will actually give you a chance to compete and develop as a player. You can use your on field performances to transfer to a more desired college.

The path to college soccer is tougher than ever, but for players who are committed, strategic, and realistic, there are still opportunities to play at the next level. By focusing on the right tournaments, building relationships with coaches, and staying informed, you can make yourself stand out in an increasingly crowded field.