How to Get Recruited to Play College Soccer

Introduction 

For players aspiring to play soccer at the collegiate level, understanding the recruiting process is essential. One of the best ways to engage with college coaches and build relationships is through college ID camps. These camps provide direct access to coaching staff and offer an opportunity to showcase your skills in a controlled environment. 

If you or your child is interested in playing college soccer, this guide will walk you through how to get noticed, how to communicate with coaches, and what to expect throughout the process. 

Why College ID Camps Matter 

College ID camps are among the most effective ways to get in front of college coaches and make a lasting impression. Many schools host their own camps, while others participate in multi-school ID camps where multiple college coaches scout players in one setting. 

Benefits of Attending College ID Camps: 

• Exposure to college coaches in a focused environment 

• Opportunity to showcase skills, decision-making, and work ethic 

• Chance to build relationships and communicate directly with coaching staff 

• Gain experience playing against other high-level recruits 

The more frequently a coach sees you perform in their camp setting, the better your chances of getting recruited. Some programs even offer camps for younger players (pre-high school), which is a great way to build a long-term relationship with a coaching staff. 

When to Start Attending ID Camps 

Most college ID camps cater to high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, but some programs allow middle schoolers to attend as well. 

• Starting Early: If possible, start attending ID camps in middle school or early high school. This allows coaches to track your progress over time. 

• Building Relationships: If you attend a camp multiple times and consistently improve, you increase your chances of being recruited by that program. 

How to Contact College Coaches 

ID camps are just one piece of the puzzle. Once you establish contact with a coach, maintaining communication is critical. 

Best Practices for Reaching Out to Coaches: 

• Send Introductory Emails – Express your interest in the program, include a brief personal bio, playing experience, and highlight video. 

• Follow-Up Regularly – Update coaches on your progress, including tournament results, awards, and new highlight reels. 

• Be Persistent – College coaches receive thousands of emails; it may take multiple messages to get a response. 

• Include Academic Info – Coaches are looking for well-rounded student-athletes, so include your GPA, SAT/ACT scores (if applicable), and any academic honors. 

What Coaches Look for in a Player 

College coaches aren’t just looking for good soccer players—they are looking for well-rounded student-athletes who will contribute to their program on and off the field. 

Key Qualities Coaches Seek: 

• Technical Ability – Strong ball control, passing, and finishing skills 

• Tactical Awareness – Understanding positioning, decision-making, and in-game adjustments 

• Work Ethic – Effort on both offense and defense, ability to push through adversity 

• Coachability – Willingness to listen, adapt, and take feedback 

• Academic Performance – Good grades are essential; student-athletes must remain eligible to compete 

• Positive Attitude – Players must be good teammates and show a strong commitment to team culture 

Colleges are making a serious investment in players, especially those receiving scholarships. They want athletes who will represent their program well on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. 

The Reality of College Recruitment 

The process of getting recruited takes time, persistence, and effort. Even the most talented players must actively reach out to schools. 

• Example: A former DCXI player who went on to play Division 1 soccer contacted 300 schools and only received interest from three. Despite being a standout in MLS Next, the highest level of youth soccer in the U.S., he still had to proactively reach out to find a good fit. 

• Takeaway: If you truly want to play in college, be prepared to reach out to many schools. The more programs you engage with, the greater your chances of finding the right fit. 

Academic Performance Matters 

College soccer is student-athlete focused—student comes first. If you don’t meet academic requirements, you won’t be eligible to play. 

• Coaches prioritize players with strong academic records because they know those athletes are more likely to succeed in their programs. 

• If your grades are weak in high school, it could hurt your chances of being recruited. Take school seriously and demonstrate that you can balance academics and athletics. 

Final Thoughts: How to Get Recruited 

• Attend multiple College ID Camps and perform at your best. 

• Start early and build relationships with college coaches. 

• Consistently follow up with highlight reels and updates. 

• Prioritize academic excellence alongside athletic performance. 

• Contact as many schools as possible that fit your goals. 

• Stay persistent—it only takes one great opportunity to get recruited! 

College ID Camps to Check Out 

Here’s a great starting point for upcoming College ID Camps in the area: 

• American University – Winter ID Clinics 

• University of Maryland – Soccer Camps 

• Georgetown University – ID Camps 

• Virginia College ID Camps – Multi-School Event 

• ID Sports USA (Mid-Atlantic Region) – ID Camps 

• ID Sports USA (Regional Events) – Mid-Atlantic Boys 

  ***(Note that the above links will change over time since the publishing of this article)

This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a great starting point. 

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, ID camps, or how to get started, feel free to reach out. 

Yours Truly, 

Coach Mike