Playing in soccer tournaments is one of the best ways to show college coaches you can compete against elite players, but exposure isn’t automatic—you need to know how to stand out and choose events that draw coaches from your target level. Learn more about women’s soccer tournaments and showcases, or use the event finder below to find women’s college soccer tournaments near you.
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What are the different types of soccer tournaments?
- League play: A group of teams follows a set schedule and competes against one another.
- Knockout tournaments: Single-elimination brackets—lose once and you’re out.
- Round-robin tournaments: Teams rotate opponents; elimination happens only after multiple losses (or points standings decide advancement).
- Group stage: Teams are placed into groups, play round-robin games, then winners advance to determine an overall champion.
- Cup competition: Another form of single elimination; the champion is awarded a “cup” trophy.
- Continental competitions: Confed/all-star style competitions within a region (more common in pro/international contexts).
- International tournaments: Major global events featuring top clubs from different regions (ex: Club World Cup–style formats).
Learn more about the other types of women’s soccer events:
How do women’s soccer tournaments work?
During a typical soccer tournament or showcase, athletes play up to 3-5 games in a single weekend with their club team.
D1 programs and top schools at other division levels do most of their recruiting at tournaments and showcases because it allows them to evaluate a lot of recruits and see the top club teams compete against one another in one place. This can be both good and bad for athletes.
Yes, tournaments give you exposure to a lot of coaches. But coaches rarely watch full games. They’ll watch your team play for maybe 20 minutes and then they’ll move on because they have a lot of players and teams to see. That’s why it’s extremely important you make the most of every minute you step foot on the pitch.
Trend to know: The biggest concentrations of college coaches are often found at major league showcase events (not just standalone tournaments), including national platforms like ECNL and Girls Academy, plus showcase series tied to the US Youth Soccer National League.
Do college coaches recruit at soccer tournaments?
Yes. Coaches attend soccer tournaments to:
- Evaluate players already on their shortlist
- Identify younger talent for future recruiting classes
- Confirm traits that don’t always show up on a stat sheet
Coaches look for things like work ethic, attitude, footwork, decision-making (soccer IQ), and coachability.
What do college coaches look for in recruits during a soccer tournament?
College coaches commonly evaluate:
- Speed of play (how quickly you make decisions)
- Off-ball movement and spacing
- Technical efficiency (first touch, passing under pressure)
- Defensive habits (positioning, recovery runs, 1v1 defending)
- Communication and leadership
- Body language and response after mistakes
Tip: If you’re not on the ball a lot (especially as a defender), coaches will still notice your positioning, organization, and transitions.
How do you play in soccer tournaments for recruiting?
To participate in most recruiting tournaments or showcases, you generally need to play for a club team.
There are many girls’ soccer clubs in each region, and most fall under a larger umbrella (league platforms, state associations, or national competition structures). One of the best ways to narrow your choices is to look at which tournaments/showcases a club consistently attends—and whether those events match your recruiting goals.
It’s also important to choose a club that can place you on a team where you’ll actually get meaningful minutes. If you’re rostered on an elite team but rarely play, you’ll have fewer chances to be evaluated.
Which soccer club should you choose for tournaments?
Youth soccer clubs can be a major asset in recruiting because they can help you:
- Play in big events
- Build a competitive schedule
- Gain exposure to college coaches
When deciding which club is right for you, look for a team that:
- Highlights your strengths
- Matches your current level (so you can contribute and be seen)
- Plays events where coaches from your target division regularly attend
Can you be a guest player in soccer tournaments?
Absolutely. If your club team isn’t attending a tournament you want, many showcases allow guest player registration so you can be rostered onto another team.
One thing to keep in mind: Some clubs may be hesitant because they don’t want athletes switching programs. But this is your recruiting process. If guest playing gives you the best chance to be seen by the right coaches, it can be worth pursuing.
Talk with your club coach—they can often help you find the right path to get exposure.
How can you make sure college coaches find you at a soccer tournament?
You have to tell coaches where you’ll be—coaches can’t recruit you if they don’t know you’re there.
Before each event:
- Find the college coach attendance list (if the tournament provides one).
- Email coaches your:
- Tournament name
- Field location / field number
- Game times
- Jersey color + number (if possible)
- Send a follow-up email about two weeks before the event.
If an event doesn’t publish a coach list, ask your club coach—or email the tournament director.
What does it cost to play in soccer tournaments?
Showcase and tournament fees are typically included within a club or league membership. However, you should be prepared for travel, lodging and meal costs.
Depending on the level, membership dues can range from $2,500 to $5,000 per year. Plus, some teams have a registration fee. These costs typically cover salaries, league and referee fees, state and national registration fees, and player insurance and player development programs.
What are the best women’s soccer tournaments to play in?
Focus on events with consistently high college coach attendance. For example, showcases like the Jefferson Cup Girls Showcases, which reports hundreds of college coaches attending during its showcase weekends.
Top 5 girls youth soccer showcase tournaments (based on national reputation and consistent college coach exposure):
- Disney Girls Soccer Showcase (Kissimmee, FL)
- WAGS Rael Vodicka Tournament (VA)
- PDA Girls Invitational Showcase (NJ)
- visitRaleigh.com Girls College Showcase (NCFC Youth, Raleigh, NC)
- Jefferson Cup Girls Showcase (Richmond, VA)
Maximize Every Soccer Tournament Opportunity
Soccer tournaments allow you to play with and against some of the best high school soccer players in the nation while gaining exposure to college coaches. Let coaches know which tournaments you’ll be playing in.
Access college coach contact information through your NCSA Recruiting Profile.
Not a member yet? Create your free NCSA Recruiting Profile now so coaches can find you and so you can start receiving and responding to camp invites.