According to NCAA data, only 5% of high school soccer players get recruited to play college soccer. With so many talented athletes competing for a limited number of roster spots, it’s essential to take the recruiting process seriously. Depending on the college, you may be competing with hundreds of recruits for just 4–10 available positions.

If you’re wondering how to get recruited, the good news is that there are clear steps you can take to stand out from the crowd. Below are the 5 essential things you NEED to do to increase your chances of getting recruited to play college soccer.

1. Complete EVERY Soccer Questionnaire

Most college soccer programs have a recruiting questionnaire on their website for prospective student-athletes. Completing this questionnaire is one of the simplest and most effective ways to get on a coach’s radar.

By filling out a questionnaire, you’re placing yourself in the college soccer coach’s system of communication, which makes it easier for them to evaluate you and stay in touch. Once you’ve identified the colleges you’re interested in, make it a priority to visit their websites and complete their questionnaires immediately.

Pro Tip: Take your time to fill out these forms accurately and completely. Include any relevant stats, achievements, or links to your highlight video to help coaches assess your potential.

2. Play in Front of Top Colleges at Future 500

To get recruited, college coaches need to see you play. Attending ID camps, showcases, and tournaments is critical to gaining visibility. At Future 500 ID Camps, you’ll benefit from unmatched exposure to 50+ college coaches from NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA programs.

In 2023, 93.4% of coaches who attended Future 500 ID Camps contacted multiple players they identified during camp. Here’s why Future 500 is one of the best options for players looking to get recruited:

• Maximum Exposure Matrix: Ensures every player is seen by every coach attending camp.
• Proven Camp Formats: 1-day and 2-day camps provide ample opportunities for players to showcase their skills and interact with coaches.
• Diverse Coach Representation: Includes coaches from DI, DII, and DIII programs, offering options for players of all levels.

Spots for Future 500 ID Camps are limited, so make sure to register early to secure your place and maximize your recruiting opportunities.

3. Make Your Highlight Video

With hundreds of recruits to evaluate and limited time to travel, most college coaches rely on highlight videos to assess players early in the recruiting process. A well-made highlight video can get you on a coach’s radar and increase your chances of being added to their short list.

At Future 500 ID Camps, we’ve partnered with VEO to provide professional-grade game footage and highlight reel services. Here’s why this is such an invaluable tool:

• Coaches can evaluate your skills and gameplay remotely.
• A professionally edited highlight reel ensures you make a great first impression.
• Your video can be easily shared with multiple coaches, saving time and maximizing exposure.

If you’re serious about getting recruited, a high-quality highlight video is a must-have in your recruiting toolkit.

4. Share Your Showcase Tournament Schedule

College coaches often have limited resources and tight schedules. If you want them to come watch you play at a showcase or tournament, you need to let them know your schedule in advance.

Be proactive by emailing your tournament schedule to coaches early in the process. Include details like:

• The name of the tournament.
• Your team name and jersey number.
• Game times and field locations.

This information helps coaches plan their trips and prioritize which players to watch. Even if a coach can’t attend your games, sending your schedule demonstrates initiative and interest in their program.

Pro Tip: If you’re attending a Future 500 ID Camp, make sure to email coaches before the event to let them know you’ll be there. This increases the chances of them attending your games during camp.

5. Be Consistent and Responsive

One of the biggest mistakes student-athletes make in the recruiting process is failing to follow up with coaches or respond promptly to their communications. Consistency and persistence are essential if you want to stay on a coach’s radar.

Here’s how to stay consistent:

• Follow Up Regularly: If you don’t hear back from a coach right away, don’t get discouraged. College coaches receive hundreds of emails a day, so it’s important to send polite follow-up messages to remind them of your interest.
• Respond Promptly: When a coach reaches out to you, reply as soon as possible. Timely communication shows that you’re serious about their program.
• Stay Professional: Whether you’re communicating via email, phone, or text, always maintain a respectful and professional tone.

Remember, persistence and responsiveness not only keep you visible to coaches but also demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for their program.

Take the Next Step with Future 500 ID Camps

If you’re serious about learning how to get recruited, attending a Future 500 ID Camp is one of the most effective steps you can take. These camps offer:

• Unmatched Exposure: With 50+ college coaches at every camp, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your skills in front of a wide range of programs.
• Professional Game Footage: Thanks to our partnership with VEO, campers can receive high-quality game film and highlight reels to support their recruiting efforts.
• Direct Interaction with Coaches: Future 500 ID Camps provide opportunities to interact with college coaches, ask questions, and gain valuable recruiting insights.

Time is running out to reserve your spot at one of Future 500’s 2024 ID Camps. Click here to see the Boys ID Camp schedule or click here for the Girls ID Camp schedule. Save your spot with just $80 down!

Final Thoughts

Getting recruited to play college soccer requires effort, strategy, and persistence. By following these five essential steps, you’ll significantly increase your chances of success:

1. Complete every soccer questionnaire to get on coaches’ radar.
2. Play in front of top colleges by attending ID camps like Future 500.
3. Create a high-quality highlight video to showcase your skills.
4. Share your showcase tournament schedule with coaches to make it easier for them to see you play.
5. Stay consistent and responsive in your communication with coaches.

The college recruiting process may be competitive, but with the right approach and resources—like attending a Future 500 ID Camp—you can stand out and achieve your dream of playing college soccer.

FAQs

How can I increase my chances of getting recruited for college soccer?
Focus on completing recruiting questionnaires, attending ID camps, creating a highlight video, sharing your tournament schedule, and staying consistent in your communication with coaches.

Why are highlight videos important for recruiting?
Highlight videos allow coaches to evaluate your skills early in the recruiting process, even if they can’t see you play in person.

What makes Future 500 ID Camps different?
Future 500 ID Camps provide exposure to 50+ college coaches, professional game footage through VEO, and opportunities to interact with coaches from a variety of programs.

When should I start the recruiting process?
Start as early as possible—ideally during your freshman or sophomore year of high school—to maximize your opportunities.

What should I include in a highlight video?
Focus on showcasing your technical skills, soccer IQ, decision-making, and athleticism. A professionally edited highlight reel can make a strong impression on coaches.

How do I let coaches know about my tournament schedule?
Send an email to coaches early, including the name of the tournament, your team name, jersey number, game times, and field locations.