Soccer recruiting events give you a competitive edge in the college recruiting process. You’ll get to develop your individual soccer skills, interact with college coaches and compete against some of the nation’s top men’s soccer talent. NCSA’s guide explains everything you need to know about men’s soccer recruiting events. Get insider tips from NCSA’s soccer experts and find men’s soccer camps, combines and tournaments to attend using our list below.
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3 types of men’s soccer events
There are three main recruiting events for men’s soccer: camps, combines and tournaments. While each event should be a part of your recruiting process, it’s important to understand the difference of each. Visit the pages linked below to learn more about each type of soccer event.
- Soccer camps allow you to work with college coaches and develop your skills year-round. Learn more about soccer camps.
- Soccer combines give you verified stats, numbers and measurements to provide college coaches to help evaluate you as a potential recruit. Learn more about soccer combines.
- Soccer tournaments give you a platform to perform in front of college coaches over a span of multiple games. Learn more about soccer tournaments.
NCSA’s guide to choose which soccer events to attend
To decide which men’s soccer event is right for you, consider your age, skill level, playing experience, and goals. For example, attending an exposure event too early isn’t going to harm you, but are your soccer skills good enough to turn a coach’s head?
Insider tip: The cost of attending multiple men’s soccer events can add up. Before camp season begins, consider building a budget to help choose the number of camps, combines, showcases and tournaments you can (or should!) realistically attend. Talk with your NCSA Recruiting Coach to learn more about the soccer recruiting process.
When to attend each type of soccer event
Below, we break down when and why athletes typically attend soccer camps, combines and tournaments by grade level.
8th – 9th grade:
Focus: Soccer Skills Development
Events to attend: Soccer Camps and Clinics
Your focus right now is to become a better soccer player. Attend soccer camps that will help you develop your skills so when it comes time for college coaches to recruit you, you’ll be ready to impress! You should also start to find a soccer youth club team that will help prepare you for exposure events.
10th – 11th grade:
Focus: Exposure
Events to attend: Soccer ID Camps, Combines, Tournaments and Showcases
This is when college coaches really begin to evaluate you as a potential recruit. Soccer ID camps and tournaments will have college coaches from multiple division levels in attendance. Your goal is to get on as many “players to watch” lists as possible at these events. Attending a soccer combine will make your online recruiting profile better and help you stand out to college coaches.
12th grade:
Focus: College Offers
Events to attend: Soccer ID Camps, Tournaments and Showcases
Soccer tournaments with your club team will be crucial this year. Not to mention, some of your last chances to show coaches what you can do on the field! Attend soccer ID camps at the schools you are most interested in attending. If you don’t have serious interest from schools, don’t worry! Reach out to schools that are recruiting for your position and ask them to come watch you play at a camp or tournament.
Post your event schedule on your NCSA Recruiting Profile, so college coaches can see where you’re competing.
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