ID camps, emails to coaches, grades and persistence. A coach's guide to the college recruiting process.
If your player dreams of playing in college, it helps to understand how recruiting works. One of the best ways to meet college coaches and build relationships is a college ID camp. These camps give direct access to coaching staff and a chance to show your skills in a focused setting.
This guide covers how to get noticed, how to talk to coaches and what to expect along the way.
Why college ID camps matter
ID camps are one of the most effective ways to get in front of college coaches and make a lasting impression. Many schools run their own camps; others take part in multi-school camps where coaches from several programs scout players in one place.
What you get from an ID camp:
- Exposure to college coaches in a focused setting
- A chance to show your skills, decision-making and work ethic
- A chance to build relationships and talk directly with coaches
- Experience playing against other high-level recruits
The more often a coach sees you at their camp, the better your chances. Some programs even run camps for middle schoolers, which is a great way to start a long-term relationship with a coaching staff.
When to start
Most ID camps are for high school players, but some let middle schoolers attend.
- Start early. If you can, start going to ID camps in middle school or early high school so coaches can follow your progress.
- Build relationships. Going to the same program’s camp more than once, and improving each time, raises your chances with that program.
How to contact college coaches
ID camps are one piece of the puzzle. Once you’ve made contact with a coach, keep the conversation going.
- Send an introduction email. Say why you’re interested in the program and include a short bio, your playing experience and a highlight video.
- Follow up regularly. Share tournament results, awards and new highlights.
- Be persistent. College coaches get thousands of emails. It may take several before you hear back.
- Include your academics. Coaches want well-rounded student-athletes, so share your GPA, SAT or ACT scores if you have them, and any academic honors.
What coaches look for
College coaches want good soccer players who will also add to their program on and off the field.
- Technical ability: strong ball control, passing and finishing
- Tactical awareness: positioning, decision-making and in-game adjustments
- Work ethic: effort on offense and defense, and pushing through tough moments
- Coachability: listening, adapting and taking feedback
- Academics: good grades, because student-athletes have to stay eligible
- Attitude: being a good teammate and committed to the team’s culture
Colleges make a serious investment in players, especially those on scholarship. They want athletes who represent their program well on the field, in the classroom and in the community.
The reality of recruiting
Recruiting takes time, persistence and effort. Even the most talented players have to reach out to schools themselves.
One former DC Eleven player who went on to play Division 1 soccer contacted 300 schools and heard back from three. Even as a standout in MLS NEXT, he still had to go out and find the right fit.
The takeaway: if you truly want to play in college, be ready to contact a lot of schools. The more programs you talk to, the better your chances of finding the right one.
Grades matter
College soccer puts the student first. If you don’t meet academic requirements, you can’t play. Coaches favor players with strong grades because they’re more likely to succeed in the program. Weak grades in high school can hurt your chances, so take school seriously and show you can balance both.
The short version
- Go to several college ID camps and play your best.
- Start early and build relationships with college coaches.
- Keep following up with highlights and updates.
- Put your grades first, alongside your soccer.
- Contact as many schools as you can that fit your goals.
- Stay persistent. It only takes one great opportunity.
Questions about recruiting, ID camps or where to start? Email Coach Mike.
Coach Mike