High school and college soccer team subjects can be very detailed – especially in certain parts of the U.S. That is because it’s definition, meaning and implications are very different based on location. What is nearly impossible and a very vital opportunity in Dallas, TX will not mean the same thing to someone in a smaller town 2 hours outside the big city area.
Different opportunities and ways to get noticed
First off, there are top recruits that choose not to play HS…
The reason is because club is where you’re going to get more looks. In addition, ID camps are where several players get noticed.
Many club coaches don’t like their players playing HS, but most players do.
Either way, I know several players who didn’t start varsity, but still played D2 and D3 NCAA. There are good high school players who play ECNL and start on good varsity teams who still can’t play at the D1 level.
All collegiate sports are an accomplishment, so be proud and thankful for the opportunity.
I know a girl [Amanda] who only played 3 seasons of club [1.5 years], but still went D1 college + playing time as a Freshman. She played rec most of her life, BUT would 1) train with me and others 2) practice at home everyday 3) her rec team would play Summer and Winter indoor vs clubs teams and win.
“Training on your own doing the right things is the best way to keep improving.”
Making the college soccer team can be easier than some high schools
Some people look at me crazy when I tell them this…
Making the high school varsity team at some of the high schools will be harder than playing college soccer.
I know it sounds crazy at first… Although, when you think about it this statement above is very accurate in some areas.
There are high schools in the nation that have all club players who are already committed to big D1 schools. If each HS class has 3 D1 level players, that’s going to be a very tough school to make varsity.
Think about being a Sophomore or even Junior trying to compete for playing time. While if you were at a smaller high school with a soccer program not very strong, you would be the star player.
So again, it ALL depends on where you are and your situation.
Why high school soccer should not define your chances
Resources
There are several high school teams that are strong due to all the high level club players. For many, starting on varsity will be harder than the college team.
Good new is there are so many college soccer programs across America.
California has so many! The East Coast as well [Jersey, Virginia, Carolina’s down to Florida]… These locations as well as North Texas soccer is by the top 5 areas.
If you lived in most states you would be a star compared to living in the big soccer cities. [But don’t despair – have you ever heard of Alex Morgan’s story?]
Economics
Unfortunately for those who do live in a more metropolitan area, soccer is still often limited to those who have more financial opportunity.
ID camps are great for opportunity, but for families who can afford to send their kids to 5+ schools have a better chance than those who only go to 1 or 2. It’s important to choose a school that’s not above your level.
This is one reason why I believe in giving back.
GFT offers programs that reduce or eliminate the financial concern for some families, like single moms.
Better opportunity to play college soccer
There are over 1,500 college soccer programs in America for both boys and girls if you count Div-I, Div-II, Div-III, NAIA & Junior Colleges. That is a lot of schools that have soccer programs!
For girls it’s much easier than boys, just because there are 100 extra D1 schools for girls programs…
About 300 D1 schools for girls and 200 for boys. That’s a lot of schools for both, but especially girls.
With a roster size of 24 players that’s 2,400 extra roster spots girls have compared to boys in D1 college soccer.
When you live in towns or cities that have a lot of good club players that are competing to make one team and the coach can pick from ages 14-17 for that team, it makes it hard to crack the Varsity Team, especially starting lineup.
You pretty much have to be one of the top 4 players in your class, fit a need on the team, be what the coach is looking for, and be a well-rounded player [or a multi-positional threat].
For example, if you only play forward then that make it harder that if you can play different positions or at least be open to it.
However, please note that while not all high school soccer is a high level like ECNL or a top club or travel team, the top high school teams do play high level soccer.
Keep training on your own
While in high school, regardless of whether or not you’re on the varsity team, there are certain skills you should be working on to prepare yourself for college ball.
You can spend time dribbling on your own or improve your passing and first touch using a wall or rebounder.
Other skills you need to work on are striking with your weak foot, chipping and simply trying to be perfect at the simple things like short passing and first touch.
Click to see video with 15 different training ideas using a rebounder. Practice and enjoy!
Never be content when you are up
For those of you who DO make the varsity team in these highly competitive areas, keep working hard.
There are high level leagues that don’t allow players to play high school soccer. If you are in these leagues remember, there is always room for improvement, no matter the level.
Never be content. Keep striving… & don’t let anyone else determine your future but you.
How better players lose out on scholarship for college soccer
I can promise you that there are better players receiving roster spots and money over others, all because they know how to promote their talent.
Yes, playing on a top club helps big time. At the same time, I’ve seen top youth players get recruited and end up with zero scholarship money.
You have to remember there are schools in every state and you don’t know who most of them are and they don’t know you.
Reach out to 50+ schools and follow up with them.
You don’t have to play for an “elite club” or be on the varsity team to play college soccer.
Think about all the many college coaches and scouts, who only have a few trips they are allowed to make. Yes, they get lots of highlight videos, but they admit that the majority of these videos are not good.
Coaches say that the highlight videos are so bad that they don’t even open them if the player was not recommended by someone.
I have a course on sale for only $29 that teaches you everything you need to know… What coaches want, how to approach and communicate with them and how you make a really good highlight video.
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