Emerging From COVID-19: College Bound Soccer Players Four Week Recruiting Plan — Part 1
The college recruiting process during the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has been on a virtual standstill, along with the wonderful game of soccer’s moratorium — and time is a critical issue for both collegiate coaches as well as college-bound players.
Here is a step-by-step guide from America’s top scouting platform ScoutingZone on how to emerge from the Coronavirus with a clear plan that can work.
Brooke Kentera and Tara Parker are the co-founders of ScoutingZone, the only online application college coaches pay for. Launched in 2015, ScoutingZone is the cutting-edge mobile app that has changed the college recruiting game. Official Scouting Partner of US Club Soccer, ENPL, US Youth Soccer, Surf Cup Sports, and countless other organizations, ScoutingZone also worked closely with the former U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by the Coronavirus COVID-19, and we know that the college recruiting process was paused at a critical time for many players,” said Brooke Kentera. “After years of working with hundreds of college coaches, from the top DI, DII and DIII coaches, and tens of thousands of conversations, we have a very clear idea of what college coaches need and want.”
“As we all navigate these uncertain times, we wanted to do our part in ensuring college-bound players can keep their recruiting journey on track,” said Tara Parker. “We have put together a detailed 4-Week Recruiting Plan for players to follow — this is a four-step plan, you can do one step every week.”
“In times like this, when you are unable to connect with coaches on the field, it’s super important that you are still pressing forward with recruiting and connecting with coaches off the field,” said Kentera. “Remember, college coaches have a lot more time to spend in front of their computers at the moment… now is a great time to get in front of them!”
Read: BEST ADVICE EVER ON CREATING A GREAT SOCCER HIGHLIGHT VIDEO on what makes a great Soccer Recruiting Highlight Video: The Worst Mistakes & Best Tips
Youth Soccer Players’ Recruiting Plan Step #1: Building Your Top 20 List
The first week: Step #1 is to create your Top 20 College List based upon the criteria below:
Create a pros and cons list as you uncover details about various colleges to build your list.
This will be your target list you work off of for the next 4-weeks.
Remember: The majority of the colleges on your list should be realistic options both athletically and academically. If you need help in determining which colleges are realistic, please discuss this with your coach, trainer, or Director of Coaching at your club.
Criteria for Top 20 College List:
- Financial Aspects: Consider tuition – both in-state and out of state and the % of students receiving financial aid.
- Academic Aspects: Evaluate the SAT, ACT and GPA requirements. Be realistic when evaluating your grades. Academics & college experience should be put before soccer. What major are you interested in and does the school offer it? Can you academically get into this institution?
- Social Atmosphere: Super important! If you didn’t play soccer, would you still want to be at this college? Offer other interests you have such as greek life, clubs, or activities outside of soccer.
- Soccer Program: Is it a realistic match? Look at the current team, alumni, style of play, social media handles, coaching staff and current players’ youth playing bios to help determine if you can REALISTICALLY play there.
- Athletic Program: Take the time to research the entire athletic program. Other sports they offer. Facilities and support they provide athletes.
- Size of School: Public or Private? Large 4-Year? Small 4-Year? Big City or Small Town. Are you a small private, or big football team kind of person?
- Division: Make sure to consider ALL divisions (Div I, Div II, Div III, NAIA, Junior College) even those that may be outside of your initial thoughts; you will be surprised at the variety of opportunities out there.
- Geographical Location: Beach or Mountains? Do you like seasons or unchanging weather? Do you prefer a school close to home or are you looking for a brand new experience in a completely different place?
- Quality of Life: Evaluate the quality of life, scholastic intensity & then soccer.
- Athletic Program: Take the time to research the entire athletic program. Other sports they offer. Facilities and support they provide athletes.
- Size of School: Public or Private? Large 4-Year? Small 4-Year? Big City or Small Town. Are you a small private, or big football team kind of person?
- Division: Make sure to consider ALL divisions (Div I, Div II, Div III, NAIA, Junior College) even those that may be outside of your initial thoughts; you will be surprised at the variety of opportunities out there.
- Geographical Location: Beach or Mountains? Do you like seasons or unchanging weather? Do you prefer a school close to home or are you looking for a brand new experience in a completely different place?
- Quality of Life: Evaluate the quality of life, scholastic intensity & then soccer.
NEXT: Step 2 — SCOUTINGZONE’S FOUR WEEK COLLEGE RECRUITING PLAN FOR SOCCER PLAYERS: Emailing College Coaches
NEXT: Step 3 — SCOUTINGZONE’S FOUR WEEK COLLEGE RECRUITING PLAN FOR SOCCER PLAYERS: Create a Highlight Video
✔️ Your To-Do: Write down your top 20 schools.
Congrats you just created your recruiting list and will be working off this in the coming weeks!
Do you need help with your college search and compiling college coach emails? If you find yourself spending time googling different colleges and searching for coaches emails … you always have the option to upgrade your account to SZ OwnTheZone Package (just login to your SZ Player Account and click: Join). You can track your Top College List and have access to college coach email addresses.
