Where Do I Start? The First Steps in Your College Soccer Recruiting.

Where Do I Start? The First Steps in Your College Soccer Recruiting Journey

Introduction

Every young player dreams of stepping onto a college soccer field wearing their school’s colors. But the biggest question families face is simple: “Where do we even start?”

The recruiting journey can feel overwhelming. Between divisions, highlight reels, ID camps, and advice fired off from all directions, it’s easy to get lost. That’s why the first step matters most. At Soccer Player Academy (SPA+), we break the process down into clear, manageable phases so players and parents know exactly what to do — and when to do it.

The Challenge: Uncertainty and “D1 or Bust” Thinking

For many athletes, the college dream gets clouded by myths. Some think the only path is Division 1. Others believe exposure will magically happen if they play enough tournaments. Families often don’t realize how early the process starts or what colleges are really looking for.

This confusion leads to wasted time, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress. Players chase the wrong goals or wait too long to take action.

Step 1: Know the Landscape

Before any emails are sent or videos are made, it’s crucial to understand the different college soccer pathways:

• Division I – highest level, most competitive, limited roster spots.

• Division II – balance of athletics and academics, strong scholarship opportunities.

• Division III – no athletic scholarships, but strong academic and roster depth.

• NAIA – smaller schools with athletic scholarships, flexible recruiting timelines.

• NJCAA (Junior College) – affordable option, a stepping stone to transfer later.

The right fit isn’t about chasing the biggest name — it’s about finding the best environment for both soccer and academics.

Step 2: Self-Assessment

Players need to honestly evaluate their current level of play, academics, and goals. Are they starting varsity? Do they have a 3.8 GPA or a 2.8 GPA? Are they looking for a big university experience or a smaller, community-driven school?

Thats why our SPA+ program helps guide players (and Parents) through this process. We set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) so their recruiting journey is built on reality, not guesswork. We elevate your play on the field and hold players accountable for their off the field goals surrounding the sport.

Step 3: Set the Roadmap

Once goals are set, we map the recruiting timeline. This includes:

• Freshman/Sophomore Year: Build skills, collect video, focus on academics.

• Sophomore/Junior Year: Create highlight video, begin outreach to coaches.

• Junior/Senior Year: Attend ID camps, follow up, visit schools, evaluate offers.

Knowing what step comes next eliminates the “lost” feeling many families face.

SPA+ Value: Turning Chaos Into Clarity

The SPA+ Mentorship Program takes the guesswork out of recruiting. We: Educate families on divisions and realistic pathways, help players self-assess and set SMART goals, Build personalized recruiting roadmaps, and Keep athletes accountable with monthly mentorship check-ins

Our mission is simple: no player should feel lost in the recruiting process. With the right roadmap, every athlete has a chance to find the right college fit.

Call to Action

If your child dreams of playing college soccer, the first step is clarity. Don’t wait until junior or senior year to start — by then, many opportunities are gone.

👉 Join the SPA+ Mentorship Program today and get your personalized recruiting roadmap.Together, we’ll turn college soccer dreams into reality.

[Learn More About SPA+ Mentorship →]

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