“What do college men’s soccer coaches look for in recruits?” It’s one of the most common questions we hear, and for good reason. With over 1,400 men’s college soccer programs across the U.S., the skill level and athletic requirements can vary widely, even within the same division.
Still, understanding the general expectations for each position can help you figure out where you might fit and which schools are realistic targets. In this guide, we break down what typical college-level soccer recruits look like, position by position.
How To evaluate where you stand
- Watch game film from college teams you’re interested in.
- Attend camps, showcases, and combines to test yourself against other potential recruits.
- Ask for honest feedback from your club or high school coach or get a third-party evaluation from a platform like NCSA.
College Soccer Skills Guidelines by Position
So what are the requirements to be a successful soccer player? Below we provide soccer requirements by position:
goalkeeper
- Tall and highly athletic
- Strong vertical leap; dominates the box in the air
- Clean, confident hands, rarely spills shots or crosses
- Consistent long distribution: punts, dropkicks, goal kicks past midfield
- Accurate throws 35–45 yards to teammates
- Vocal leader; directs the defense clearly and effectively
outside defender
- Fast with excellent recovery speed
- Great first touch; plays calmly under pressure
- Joins the attack; overlaps on the wing
- Solid 1v1 defender; good timing and positioning
- Tackles cleanly and directs attackers into less dangerous areas
center defender
- Strong in the air; wins headers consistently
- Excellent positioning and awareness
- Commands the back line (pushes up, drops off, organizes the shape)
- Calm under pressure; accurate short and long passes
- Vocal communicator and reliable 1v1 defender
center midfielder
- Exceptional first touch under all conditions
- High passing accuracy; sees and executes difficult passes
- Uses both feet effectively; switches play away from pressure
- Takes shots from distance; strong in the air and on the tackle
- Reads the game well, both offensively and defensively
outside mid/wing forward
- Fast, fit, and relentless on both ends of the field
- Beats defenders 1v1 and serves dangerous, driven crosses
- Makes intelligent combination plays (e.g., give-and-go)
- Times runs behind the defense; isn’t afraid to cut inside and shoot
- Tracks back to defend when needed
forward/Striker
- Dangerous 1v1; can beat defenders in multiple ways
- Shoots with power, precision, and good decision-making
- Wins headers; uses both feet
- Holds up play with back to goal and turns quickly to attack
- Reads offside lines well; times runs to exploit space
Keep in mind these are general benchmarks, not hard rules.
“Soccer is such a subjective sport,” said Britta Marmon, NCSA Recruiting Coach and former D1 soccer player. “It’s important to remember that there are great opportunities on all levels.”
FAQs
How good do you have to be to play college soccer?
To play college soccer, you need strong technical skills, tactical awareness, good athleticism, and a solid academic record. Most college programs look for athletes with several years of competitive club experience and the ability to contribute to a team’s style of play. Coaches also consider character, work ethic, and coachability. While competition is tough, there are opportunities across all divisions: NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and junior college.
How good do I have to be to play D1 soccer?
To play Division 1 college soccer, you must be among the top 1–2% of high school players. D1 coaches typically recruit athletes with elite speed, advanced technical ability, high soccer IQ, and experience at the national or top club level. Players are expected to be physically fit, mentally tough, and able to compete immediately against other top-tier athletes.
What do D1 soccer scouts look for?
D1 soccer scouts look for players with strong technical skills, top-tier athleticism, and high soccer IQ. Recruits should demonstrate excellent first touch, passing, and shooting, along with speed, strength, and endurance. Scouts prioritize players with competitive club or national-level experience who also meet academic requirements. They also value intangible traits like leadership, resilience, and coachability, and assess how well an athlete fits their team’s playing style and can handle the demands of Division 1 competition.
Ready to get noticed by college coaches?
Start your recruiting journey with a free NCSA profile and connect with programs that match your skill level.