I'm really into soccer and thinking of studying in the States. Does anyone know which American colleges offer scholarships for international soccer players? Any tips on how to apply would be awesome too!
As a current college student, I can certainly provide some advice on this!
First, it's important to note that both NCAA Division I and II schools offer athletic scholarships, including for soccer. Division III schools, on the other hand, do not offer athletic scholarships, but may provide other forms of financial aid.
The best way to start is to compile a list of U.S. colleges and universities you're interested in and check if they offer a men's or women's soccer program. You can directly reach out to the teams' coaches or the athletic department to inquire about soccer scholarships for international students. When reaching out, it's helpful if you can include a resume detailing your soccer achievements thus far, including league play, national/international competition, awards or recognition you’ve received. Attaching a video showing your performance in games or training can be a useful visual supplement.
Also, you might consider registering with the National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA), which is a network that connects student-athletes with NCAA, NAIA, and Junior College coaches.
Lastly, ensure your academic qualifications are strong. Aside from your athletic abilities, colleges will also consider your academic performance when deciding on scholarships. Maintaining solid grades and test scores (if required) can help make you a more attractive candidate.
I want to stress the importance of starting this process early. It's a good idea to begin researching and contacting schools and coaches as early as junior year of high school, if not sooner.
Remember that it varies by college and there's no one size fits all approach to this. Good luck!
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