OCL, OPL, ODP, SRPL, ECNL, and NPL or GPA, ACT, and SAT
Parents and Players,
NCAA DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, and NJCAA all have different recruiting guidelines that each follows. College coaches are restricted from contacting recruits during certain periods of the year. In contrast, the rules for potential recruits contacting coaches are not as strict. Therefore, it is important for athletes to directly contact coaches early and often to promote interest and form relationships.
The competition for a soccer scholarship starts as early as or earlier than any other college sport. Playing club soccer and attending soccer camps and showcases is essential in the process of securing a soccer scholarship. With the majority of scholarships coming outside of the NCAA DI level, finding a scholarship comes down to finding the best division level for you.
College Soccer Recruiting basics:
With over 1,200+ men’s college soccer programs across the country and over 1,400 women’s programs finding a scholarship is harder then you might think.
Coaches divide their money up and very rarely give full ride scholarships.
For women’s programs there are a maximum of 14 scholarships for a DI team, 9.9 for DII, 12 for NAIA programs and a fully funded NJCAA program has up to 18 scholarships per team.
Men’s soccer can offer 9.9 scholarships per team DI, 9 per team DII, 12 at the NAIA level and 18 scholarships per team for NJCAAA programs.
Soccer Scholarships and Chances of Playing College Soccer
DI scholarships are not the only option:
Over 85% of soccer scholarship opportunities fall outside of the NCAA DI level and non-DI programs typically evaluate recruits during their sophomore, junior and sometimes senior years in high school. The competition level is very different between division levels and finding the right level is critical in finding scholarships. Just being on a DII team won’t get you a scholarship but contributing solid minutes at the NAIA level will give you a better chance for a scholarship.
Remember that coaches are being contacted by 100s of prospects. Be persistent and creative in how you reach out to coaches. Start contacting coaches early and often. If you are not following up with a coach, remember another player is.
Also, you will find a list NCAA DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, and NJCAA Men's and Women's programs from around the state, region, and across the country. Remember there are alot of opportunities out there, these are only a few. Good Luck.
If you or your parents have any questions, or would like to discuss the College Soccer Recruitment and Eligibility Guide, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Shawn Slater
BUSC ADOC
918-734-8372
slater@blitzunited.org