We have always heard from recruiting camp literature that camps are the only way a coach can work directly with a prospective player, as prospects cannot train with the team on visits etc. Is that how it works?
My soccer player is looking D3, done camps, gotten strong, positive responses at those schools. However, there are a couple of schools where he couldn’t make camp, and coaches need to see him play. I have assumed visiting and playing with the team are not an option, but appreciate confirmation from this group. Thanks.
That is correct. Is he playing in any upcoming tournaments where coaches could watch him? Does he have a video he could share with coaches. Coaches often prefer to see an actual game as opposed to play at a camp. If at all possible it is nice to have a highlight video to show coaches also. Good luck!
@takeitallin Thank you, yes, that is what I thought, just checking (since I tried to read the NCAA regs and gave up). He has sent film, and had been invited to some programs based on that. The challenge is, we don’t have Academy programs in our area, so he only high school games in the fall, which are a lower quality of play. We can film those and send them, but agree, it is not the same as live play. We are putting out feelers about guest playing as well. Thank you for you encouragement!
So high school soccer is a fall sport in your area? (It is a winter sport in So. Calif.). That does make it more difficult as he needs to submit applications before his next club season starts back up. Does that mean he will be playing Club again in the winter? Even though he will have already sent in his college apps by the time club starts back up, I would continue to send his tournament or game schedule out to the coaches at colleges he is interested in playing for. They might be able to watch games and give some input to admissions during the application processing period if they feel he would be a good fit. Best of luck!!!
I did not realize it was a winter sport in So Cal-- that explains some tournament schedules! In at least our part of the midwest, high school soccer is a fall sport and club is the spring. So, high school season ends before ED apps are due, but club hasn’t really begun. High school quality play (especially at his h.s.) is not comparable to club, but hopefully we can get some good film and a few coaches in the region have said they will come to watch his high school games.
The hope is that there will be a mutual “match” in interest for ED, though there are also some EA schools which have said they want him. He has some admission and soccer safeties, so he knows he will be admitted and can play – it is just finding the opportunity to be seen by some of the more competitive programs.
Thank you for your advice!