College scholarships are becoming more and more competitive each year as an increasing number of students apply for their spot. What are their reasons for the move? Having spoken with hundreds of student-athletes, we’ve compiled the top reasons they made the move:
Most student-athletes are shocked when they find out how much scholarships can save them in school fees. While full rides are rare, most athletes will save thousands on their education from their scholarship.
Scholarships are awarded by your school based on your athletic and academic ability. If you attend a school that charges $20,000 per year in tuition, and you receive a 75% scholarship, you’ll only pay $5,000 per year (aprox. £3,800 at the time of writing this article). If you then manage to secure work on campus, you can reduce your school fees even further. Scholarships make university significantly more affordable for student-athletes, and saving thousands on your education is a pretty good reason to go.
Perhaps the most exciting part of college soccer is the pathway it offers to professional contracts. Unlike most European countries where the pathway to professional football is heavily dependent on being scouted during youth football, the U.S. offers a more direct route: college soccer.
Each year, players from NCAA and NAIA schools are scouted by professional clubs. The Major League Soccer (MLS) actively recruits from college soccer programs. Each year, much like the NFL or NBA drafts, the MLS holds the SuperDraft, where top college talent is selected by MLS clubs.
Recent success stories such as Jack Lynn (Orlando City) and Ryan Spaulding (New England Revolution) demonstrate how a college scholarship can convert into a professional career. As well as the MLS, players can be recruited into the USL Championship and USL League One. If going pro is your goal, U.S. college soccer is a highly viable pathway.
You’re not going to be at university forever. While it may seem like a lifetime away, you need to consider what will happen after you graduate. Employment opportunities are getting more competitive in a world where many students are opting to complete extra-curricular activities outside of their studies.
Attending a university abroad is a great way to increase your chances of securing roles after you graduate. Studying abroad demonstrates your ability to take initiative, live independently and take risks. It’s not an easy move, but the student-athletes who do take the leap end up with an internationally respected degree and 4-years of life-changing experiences.
It’s called the American dream for a reason. With 50 states to explore, the USA offers more than most students can dream of.
Many student-athletes travel around the U.S. during their studies. Your American teammates will probably have a car (since they can start driving at 16 years old in most states) so roadtrips are really common. Here’s what you can expect…
