DO YOU WANT TO PLAY SOCCER AT THE NEXT LEVEL?

METRO ALLIANCE FC COLLEGE RECRUITING GUIDE

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CLUB:

At Metro Alliance FC, our goal is to guide every player through the college recruiting process with honesty, structure, and support. This guide is designed to help players and families understand the landscape of college soccer and take the right steps toward finding the best fit both on and off the field.

METRO ALLIANCE FC RECRUITING SUPPORT:

Metro Alliance FC is committed to supporting players and families throughout the recruiting journey. Our staff provides:

* Club coach evaluations and guidance on appropriate college level

* Assistance in building a target list of schools

* Support with email outreach and communication strategy

* Showcase and event placement for exposure

* Ongoing communication with college coaches

* Guidance through the commitment and decision-making process

PLAYER RESPONSIBILITY:

The recruiting process is led by the player. To be successful, players are expected to:

* Take initiative in communicating with college coaches

* Maintain strong academic performance

* Keep highlight videos and schedules updated

* Follow up consistently and professionally

* Represent themselves and the club in a positive manner

SECTION I: SOCCER RECRUITING

WHEN TO GET STARTED:

The recruiting process in soccer has become increasingly early and competitive. College coaches are identifying players well before senior year.

* For NCAA Division I programs, coaches may begin initiating recruiting contact starting June 15 after a player’s sophomore year of high school. Prior to that date, players can still reach out to coaches, and coaches may respond.
* Many players make verbal commitments during their junior year or earlier.

* Primary Recruiting Periods:

• Spring season (league play and showcases)
• Summer showcases and events
• Late fall/winter showcases (November–December)

RECOMMENDED TIMELINE:

* Freshman Year

• Begin identifying schools of interest
• Focus on development and playing time
• Build strong academic habits

* Sophomore Year

• Narrow target school list
• Create player profile and highlight video
• Begin emailing college coaches
• Attend camps/showcases as appropriate
• June 15 After Sophomore Year
• Division I coaches can initiate direct contact

* Junior Year

• Continue communication with coaches
• Attend showcases and ID camps
• Take unofficial visits
• Update video and schedule regularly
• Register with NCAA Eligibility Center
  

* Senior Year

• Finalize recruiting decisions
• Take official visits
• Sign during appropriate signing period
• Complete admissions process

MEET WITH YOUR CLUB COACH:

Your club coach plays a key role in helping guide your recruiting process
* Players should meet with their coach to discuss:

• Realistic playing level (DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, JUCO)
• Strengths and areas for development
• Appropriate target schools
• Honesty is critical. College coaches rely on club coaches for accurate evaluations.

DEVELOPING YOUR TARGET LIST:

Players should create a list of schools that fit both academically and athletically.

* Questions to Consider:

• Do I prefer a large or small school?
• What location is best for me?
• What do I want to study?
• Does the school offer my intended major?
• Is the school financially realistic?
• Does the soccer program fit my level and goals?
• Important: The goal is to find the right fit not just the highest level.

INTRODUCTION EMAIL:

Players should reach out to college coaches with a personalized email.

* Include:

• Name and graduation year
• Club team, jersey number, and position
• Height and weight
• GPA and academic interests
• Upcoming schedule
• Contact information
• Highlight video link
• Keep emails short, clear, and specific to each school.

PLAYER PROFILE / RESUME:

* A player profile should include:

• Personal Information
• Name, height, weight, graduation year
• Contact Information
• Email and phone number
  

* Academic Information:

• GPA, test scores (if available)
• Academic interests, honors, activities

* Athletic Information

• Club team, position, jersey number
• High school team

* Achievements and awards
*Additional

• Highlight video link
• Recruiting profiles (Veo, Hudl, etc.)

SCHEDULE SHARING:
Keep an updated schedule and send it to coaches before events.
* Include:

• Tournament name and location
• Dates and game times
• Field numbers
• Jersey color and number
• College coaches watch many games in a short time clear information is essential.

FOLLOW-UP COMMUNICATION:

* If you don’t hear back from a coach:

• Follow up after 2–4 weeks
• Share updates (new video, schedule, achievements)

* Consistency and professionalism are key.

VIDEO GUIDELINES:

Highlight video is one of the most important recruiting tools.

* Best Practices:

• 2–5 minutes in length
• Start with strongest clips
• Clearly identify yourself in each clip
• Keep it simple and easy to follow
• Coaches may request full game film later.

CAMPS AND SHOWCASES:

ID camps can be helpful but are not required.

* Best Approach:

• Attend camps at schools that have shown interest
• Use camps to build relationships with coaches

* Most recruiting evaluations begin with:

• Video
• Showcase events

VISITS:

* Unofficial Visits

• Paid for by the family
• Can occur at any time
• Unlimited

* Official Visits

• Paid for by the school
• By invitation only
• Typically during senior year

What Coaches Look For:

• Confidence and communication
• Maturity and character
• Preparation and knowledge of the school
• Player engagement (not parent-led conversations)

NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER:

Players planning to compete at the NCAA level must register with the Eligibility Center.
* Recommended Timing:

• Sophomore or early junior year

* Players will submit:

• Academic records
• Test scores (if applicable)
• Amateurism status

THE TRANSFER PORTAL:
* The transfer portal has changed college recruiting.

• College programs now recruit both transfers and high school players
• Some roster spots are filled by experienced college athletes

* What This Means:

• Players must be proactive and organized
• Strong communication and exposure are critical

SECTION II: ACADEMICS

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL:

Education should always be the top priority.
* Players should choose a school that fits:

• Academically
• Socially
• Financially
• Athletically

WORKING WITH YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR:

Your school counselor is an important resource.
* They can help with:

• Course planning
• Transcripts
• Applications and deadlines
• Scholarships and financial aid

TRANSCRIPTS AND GPA:

• Request an unofficial transcript after sophomore year
• Share updates with coaches as needed
• Official transcripts are typically available during junior year

TESTING (SAT/ACT):

• Take tests during junior year if required
• Send scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center (code: 9999)
• Note: Many schools are test-optional.

APPLICATIONS AND DEADLINES:

• Stay organized and ahead of deadlines
• Apply early when possible
• Communicate with coaches about application timelines

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID:

* Soccer is an equivalency sport, meaning:

• Scholarships are divided among multiple players
• Full scholarships are rare

* Families should also explore:

• Academic scholarships
• Merit-based aid
• Financial aid packages

REALITY OF COLLEGE SOCCER:

• Not all players will play Division I
• There are strong opportunities at every level
• Playing time is never guaranteed
• The goal is long-term fit, not short-term status

FINAL THOUGHTS:

• Be proactive don’t wait to be discovered
• Be realistic about your level
• Communicate consistently and professionally
• Let the player lead the process
• Focus on finding the right fit

QUESTIONS:

If you have questions about the recruiting process, please reach out to your Metro Alliance FC coach or club leadership. We are here to support you every step of the way.