Soccer Scholarships In The USA

In this article, you will learn:

• What soccer scholarships are
• The different levels and soccer scholarships available
• Who qualifies academically for a soccer scholarship
• The differences between men’s and women’s college soccer
• How to get recruited to play college soccer
• Soccer players who have successfully earned a soccer scholarship

Soccer Scholarships: What Are They And What Is The Value?

In this blog post, you already learned everything about playing college soccer, but what about soccer scholarships?

Soccer scholarships are financial support from an American school based on your athletic contribution. An offer may cover some or all of your tuition, housing or meals. The costs covered differ by offer.

A scholarship can make studying in America more affordable, but it does not guarantee that every expense is covered. Compare the total annual costs with the written scholarship offer, including insurance, travel and other expenses you may need to pay yourself.

The Different Levels And Scholarships Available

College soccer is offered through several organizations, including the NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA and California's 3C2A. Their rules for athletic aid and eligibility differ. Consider the degree, team and specific financial offer alongside the division.

A scholarship maximum does not mean every team has the full budget available or every player receives a full scholarship. Check which costs your offer covers and what remains for you to pay.

NCAA Division I

At D1 schools participating in the House settlement model, the former sport-specific scholarship limits have been replaced by a system with roster limits. Schools are not required to fund a full scholarship for every player. Ask each program about its current arrangements.

The coach assesses whether your playing level and position fit the team. A professional academy background is not a universal NCAA admission requirement. University admission and athletic eligibility are assessed separately.

NCAA Division II

D2 uses full-scholarship equivalents: up to 9 for men's soccer and 9.9 for women's soccer per team. Coaches can divide the available budget among players. Combining athletic aid with other support may be possible, depending on the school and your circumstances.

NCAA Division III

D3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Other financial support may be available, including academic or need-based aid. Ask which options apply to international students.

NAIA

NAIA soccer has a limit of 12 full-scholarship equivalents per varsity team. The available budget can be divided among players. This team limit does not guarantee an individual a full scholarship.

Junior College: NJCAA And 3C2A

Junior colleges offer two-year programs. Permitted athletic aid within the NJCAA varies by division; ask the school to confirm in writing which costs your offer covers. California community colleges in the 3C2A do not offer athletic scholarships.

A junior college can be a route to a four-year university. Transfer is not automatic: admission, transferable credits and eligibility need to be checked.

Who Qualifies?

University admission, athletic eligibility and an actual scholarship offer are separate conditions. Meeting academic requirements does not guarantee a scholarship.

• NCAA D1: 16 approved core-course credits and a minimum 2.3 core-course GPA.
• NCAA D2: 16 approved core-course credits and a minimum 2.2 core-course GPA.
• NCAA D3: the school sets its academic admission requirements. International players also need athletics-eligibility certification.
• NAIA: assessment through the NAIA Eligibility Center. There are multiple academic routes; a 2.0 GPA alone is not sufficient.
• NJCAA and 3C2A: ask the school to check its current admission and playing-eligibility requirements.

A school average from another education system is not automatically a U.S. GPA. Have your courses, grades, diploma and sporting history assessed before drawing conclusions about your options.

The Differences Between Men's And Women's College Soccer

Men and women can play college soccer in America and, depending on the program, receive athletic aid. Your opportunities depend on more than the number of teams: your playing level, position, academic profile, available roster places and a school's budget all matter.

Compare specific programs. Ask which positions the coach is recruiting for your entry year, how the roster is structured and what financial support is available. General statistics about men's or women's soccer cannot predict your individual opportunity or scholarship.

How To Get Recruited To Play College Soccer

Start preparing well in advance. Timelines, available places and scholarship opportunities vary by school, team and entry year.

NCAA coach-contact rules differ by sport, division and school year. Check the contact periods and deadlines that apply to you. A late start does not automatically rule out your options, but the available opportunities need to be reassessed.

Ensuring you have the right tools and understanding the landscape of college soccer is crucial in stepping into your recruitment process. Below is a 5-step guide to help you start this new adventure.

1. Evaluate Your Chances

Starting is often the hardest step in your soccer career.

You have to be motivated and determined to go after your goals. We are here to guide you and help you in the right direction, we will also look at your academic background and find out if you are eligible.

We want soccer players to stay on top of their college recruiting process, so everyone deserves an honest review of their opportunities.

Get in touch here for an initial assessment of your options for combining soccer and study in America.

2. Do your research about College Soccer Programs

This is your future; we can tell you everything about the different programs, divisions, or life in the USA.

But you have to figure out what is essential for you and your family; not all programs are the same and will match your preferences.

Make sure to have a target in mind; we will help you go after this.

3. Your soccer resume and highlights

A clear profile and a strong highlight video help coaches assess your athletic and academic background. Use relevant match footage and keep your information complete and up to date.

We can help you with our online recruiting profile and professionally edited highlight reels.

See Alexander Verhagen de la Fuente’s profile as an example.

4. Get in touch and make connections.

Contact with coaches helps you explore which teams fit you and what opportunities they offer. We guide you through that contact.

At Plus31, we played, coached, and worked with soccer players and coaches over the last ten years.

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Hopefully, you are speaking to a couple of different programs so you can compare. Evaluate the pros and cons; sometimes, coaches will do everything to convince you of their program. We are here to help you in every step; we even came by to say Hi to Thijmen on his official visit to Florida!

5. Your time to commit

You get bombarded with impressions, information, and paperwork to complete carefully during your recruiting process.

The grand moment is there, the scholarships are received, and you will decide on your future school.

A commitment is an important step. Before agreeing, check the written arrangements for your studies, sport and financial support, including any conditions that apply.

We will help you, guide you, and ensure you consider everything. Where will you have class, which courses can you follow, where do you sleep, and most importantly, does the campus have a Starbucks? Just kidding.

With our guidance, you will never feel alone, but you have to make the decision! It is an exciting journey that will shape your athletic and academic future!

Soccer Players On Their Journey in the USA

Over the last few years, we have helped many talented soccer players in their recruiting process.

Below are examples of players and schools where they have played. And remember, wherever you go, we are here to support you.

Femke Pietersma

Janne van Brummelen

Gijs Hovius

Wes Bottenburg

You can view all our success stories in the Hall Of Fame

Are You Ready To Kick Off Your Recruiting Process?

Now you know everything about college soccer, but have you spoken to a college coach already?

Take your first step today by scheduling a Free evaluation and consultation with Plus31.

Let's explore together if we can assist you in your journey to play soccer and study in the USA!