About Soccer Recruiting and how to apply for a Scholarship
Not all athletic scholarships are full ride like football and basketball, so called "head count sports"; most are classed as "equivalency sports', like soccer. Put simply this means that coaches can" share" their allocation between a larger number of players.
This is good news for the players. If we take women's soccer as an example we see that a coach can divide the "12" scholarships between a larger number of soccer players. Say 25 partial scholarships instead of 12 full ride. The NCAA allows each division 1 soccer program 9.9 scholarships for men and 12 for women. In division 2 the ratio is 9 for men and 9.9 for women. If you are good enough of course then a full ride soccer scholarship is always on the cards.
Women's soccer is one of the fastest growing intercollegiate sports mainly due to the application of TITLE IX so there are many opportunities out there for women.
There are a number of things that you can do to increase you chances of playing soccer at college level. It is important that you play for a good club as well as for your high school.
Listed below are links to important scholarship web sites that will help you when applying for college athletic scholarships.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Junior College Athletic Association
National Christian College Athletic Association
College Board
STEP 1.
You need to prepare a target letter addressed to the coach/s at the college or colleges of
your choice.
Write down some information about yourself: Your sport, accomplishments, grades, goals, list of colleges and any other pertinent information you can think of. Now sit down and write a letter about yourself to the head coach of your sport at the colleges you have chosen. Go over your letter several times for content, punctuation, spelling etc. Have someone check it for you, your coach or one of your parents. Address the letter directly to the head coach of your sport. You should include letters of recommendation, information sheet, statistics sheet, and your team roster. Highlight the assets that you will bring to the college sports program. Prepare a follow up letter to send to each of the sports coaches that haven't replied to you.
Example:
Mr. Doug Stovall
Head Soccer Coach
Central State University
Biloxi , MS 39531
Dear Coach Stovall,
My name is John Martel and I am asking you to consider me for the Tigers Soccer team at Central State University. I am currently a senior at ________ High School and I will be attending college in the fall semester of 2007.
I was the starting midfielder for 2 years on the sophomore team and will be a 2-year starter on the varsity team. I am a heads-up team player and a hard worker willing to do the things it takes to win. I lead by example and I know I can contribute to your team.
I am attaching an information sheet, statistic sheet, and a letter of recommendation from my varsity and club coach.
If you have any question please contact me or one of my coaches. My coach's names and phone numbers are on my information sheet.
Thank you for considering me for your team.
John Smith
433 Main Street
Pensacola, Fl 32507
STEP 2.
HOW TO WRITE YOUR ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP RESUME
Your athletic profile is the most important document that you will submit. It is what the coach will read; how you sell yourself in this document could make all the difference.
TAKE THE TIME TO DO IT PROPERLY. A POORLY CONSTRUCTED OR TOO BRIEF RESUME INDICATES TO THE COACH THAT YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO PUT IN THE HARD WORK.
Prepare a "resume outline" that includes relevant data in each of the following categories. Have your parents or coach help you. It's good to have someone else to bounce ideas off.
ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS.
Include your sporting history and all awards you have received. Mention all sports you have played, not just the sport you wish to play at college. Also include the names and dates of all events you have competed in, participation in individual and team events, MVP awards etc. You would not be applying for an athletic scholarship unless you were good at your chosen sport so don't be shy; your good, so let the coach know just how good you are.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS.
Include all awards you have received like honor roll standing, writing and math's competitions etc. Your GPA and SAT score. this is where you let the coach know you have registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse. "I have registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse and have met all of the core curriculum requirements.
Example:
Name: John Martel
Player's Picture (Action or head shot)
Current Class: 2007
DOB: January 15, 1989
Height and Weight: 5'12" 175lbs
Contact Numbers: 850-457-5768
OBJECTIVE
To obtain a college degree from the University of _________ in the field of Sports Medicine and Management. To earn a position on the varsity soccer team and compete at the highest level of collegiate soccer.
ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS
National Honor Society
Member of the Future Leaders of America Club
3.68 Grade Point Average
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Volunteer with local churches and organizations for Hurricane Katrina relief.
Recreational Soccer Coach, local city league.
ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS
HIGH SCHOOL: Member of the 2006 South State Champions varsity soccer team from Biloxi High School. Selected to the 2006 All State Soccer Team. Earned the 2006 MVP award for Biloxi High School varsity soccer team.
CLUB SOCCER: Member of the Perdido Bay FC U15 Boys Select Team. Starting midfielder last 3 seasons. 2 State Championships and 3 Finalist in the last 5 years. Competed in the Fall Premiere League for USYS Region 3.
Information from: biloxixpress.com
