How do you get recruited for college soccer?

I'm hoping to play soccer in college, but I'm unsure about the recruitment process. What are some key things I should be doing during high school to increase my chances? Also, any advice on balancing club and school soccer would be appreciated.

Firstly, it's important to determine the level of soccer that you’re aiming to play in college. There are three main divisions: NCAA Division I, II, and III, as well as NAIA and junior colleges. Each has a different level of competition, time commitment, and availability of athletic scholarships. You should consider factors such as your academic goals, the scale of desired soccer program, the type of college experience you want, and the financial aspect.

From a soccer standpoint, start by building a soccer resume, highlighting all aspects of your soccer career up until now. Document years of playing, specific achievements (leading goal scorer, best midfielder, etc.), and any awards that you’ve received. You should also feature any prominent club and school matches you've participated in. Having game footage is useful too: create a highlight video showcasing your ball handling, positioning, shooting, defending, and teamwork skills. It should be no longer than 5 minutes and begin with your best highlights.

Contacting coaches is an effective method of getting seen. Research colleges you're interested in, find the contact details of the head coaches, and send them personalized emails. You should express your interest in their program, outline your qualifications (both athletic and academic), and provide contact information for your current coach. Attaching your soccer resume and video highlights is considerately beneficial.

If possible, attending soccer camps and showcase tournaments organized by colleges can be valuable for exposure. Various colleges organize these events to scout for prospective players. It will give you a chance to display your skills, as well as interact with and be seen by college recruiters and coaches.

As for balancing club and school soccer, it’s all about time management. Avoid procrastination and keep up with your school work. Try to get as much of it done as possible before practices or games, so you're not left with a full workload in the evening when you're likely to be tired. Remember, academic success is also a factor in college admissions and can open the door to non-athletic scholarships.

Finally, don't forget to register with the NCAA or NAIA eligibility center (depending on which divisions you're interested in). They ensure you’re academically eligible to compete at the college level. Best of luck with your soccer ambitions!