Study and play soccer in America – combine sports and study
Do you want to combine your soccer dream with an accredited bachelor’s degree in the United States? With a college soccer scholarship in America, you can play at your level in a competitive environment while studying at a US university.
On top of everything else, student-athletes learn to work and thrive in a team environment, which alters and shapes them into well-rounded, unselfish, team-oriented, and driven individuals. These qualities will help you be successful, whether on or off the field.
How does a Soccer Scholarship work?
The American college soccer landscape is huge, with over a thousand programs in NCAA Division 1, 2, 3, NAIA, and NJCAA. Coaches evaluate your skill level based on your playing history, position, and highlight video.
The foundation is the athletic scholarship, which can cover up to the full cost of attendance (‘full ride’). This is often combined with:
Academic Scholarships: For strong grades (GPA) and test scores (SAT/ACT).
International Student Aid: Special funds that universities have for non-US students.
‘Stacking’ these scholarships is key to creating the best financial package, and that’s where our expertise makes the difference.
The following items can be covered by a soccer scholarship:
Tuition
Your scholarship can cover the full cost of tuition, which can range from $10,000 to over $70,000 per year.
Training gear
You will receive a complete set of team apparel, spikes, shoes, and other gear from top brands, all provided by the university.
Room&Board
The costs for your room on campus ('dorms') and your daily 'meal plan' can be fully covered by your scholarship.
Insurance
It is mandatory to have health insurance and some schools require international students to take a school’s policy.
Books
A significant expense that is often included in your scholarship package, saving you between $400 and $1200 annually.
Spending money
With a 'full ride' scholarship, you may even receive an extra monthly stipend for personal expenses.
Life as a College Soccer Player: Training & Competition
As a student-athlete in the USA, you step into a fully professional environment. You’ll be surrounded by a team of experts and have access to facilities that many top European clubs would be envious of. This includes:
A complete coaching staff: Guidance from specialists such as a strength & conditioning coach, a goalkeeper coach, and nutritionists.
First-class facilities: Access to pristine grass and turf fields, elite weight rooms, and dedicated video analysis rooms.
Expert medical support: Daily access to your own ‘athletic trainers’ (physical therapists) for treatments, injury prevention, and recovery.
Travel through America & battle for the championship
Your season is an adventure where you play in a regional conference against other universities. But the experience goes much further than just the games:
- Travel as a team: You’ll travel with your teammates, who quickly become your best friends, throughout the region, and sometimes even the entire country. This means not only playing soccer but also discovering the diversity of America, from long bus rides filled with music and camaraderie to flights for important away games.
- The dream of the Nationals: The ultimate goal of the season is qualifying for the conference tournament and then The Nationals: the nationwide knockout tournament. Here, the best teams from across the US compete for the coveted National Championship. This is the ultimate on-stage experience where dreams become reality.
Overview of an academic year
Showtime! – You will officially begin with a 2-3 week pre-season in which you work intensively with your team on the pitch to prepare for the upcoming season. During the season, you practice almost every day of the week and play 1 to 2 games per week. If your team has done well in the regular season, it can qualify for “post-season competition” and continues in tournament mode until the National Championship played in December.
Summer break – There is a possibility to stay in The USA and take summer classes or work in soccer camps. Most students decide to go back to their families to enjoy the 2.5 month break to rest and individual preparation for pre-season.
Day in the life of a student-athlete
Sports & academics are 100% coordinated, so you have the opportunity to excel on both the soccer pitch as well as in the classroom.
6:30
Weight/Conditioningget ready for the
weight/conditioning training.
7:45
Shower/BreakfastShower and then have breakfast with teammates or friends in one of the dining facilities on the college campus.
8:30
Classes11:45
LunchLunch with teammates and friends, again at one of the various food halls available on campus using your prepaid ‘meal plan’ card.
12:30
Classes14:30
PracticeArrive at the training room to prepare for practice. You may get stretched out or taped by an athletic trainer (physiotherapist)
17:30
Recover/Shower/DinnerBack to the training room to make sure you take care of yourself physically after practice (ice bath/physical therapy). After taking a shower, you will have dinner with teammates and friends.
19:00
Study/LeisureTime to get some studying or homework done. When other sports teams are in action, a good college athlete supports their fellow athletes! You will have time for yourself the rest of the evening.
4 unique facts about college soccer
- The #1 pathway to the pros: The majority of players drafted into Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) played college soccer. It is the primary development pipeline for professional soccer in the USA.
- A global locker room: College soccer teams are incredibly international. You’ll train, study, and live with teammates from Brazil, Germany, England, Japan, and all over the world, building a lifelong global network.
- Play in front of thousands: Forget small crowds. Top college soccer games, especially during the national tournament, can draw thousands of passionate fans, creating an electric atmosphere you have to experience.
- First-hand experience: Made Scholarships was founded by a former college athlete. We know the system, the coaches, and the culture from the inside out. We use that personal experience to find the perfect match for you.
Curious about your chances?
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