Let’s Talk Frosh Soccer by Lewis Walker
If you’re playing in the 2011 or 2010 age groups, you’ve probably started hearing more and more chatter about college soccer.
Questions like:
- “What does the process even look like?”
- “Am I good enough?”
- “How do I get noticed?”
- “Do I even want to play in college?”
It can feel overwhelming—for both players and parents. Let’s take a deep breath and clear up a few things.
When Recruiting Actually Starts
Here’s the rule: College coaches can’t directly recruit or contact players until June 15th after your sophomore year (heading into junior year).
Sure, sometimes rules are broken, but for most players, the process really begins around junior year. That means as a freshman or sophomore, the best thing you can do is focus on your development as a player—not on the noise.
Process Over Outcome
Right now, too many players are stressing about Instagram highlight reels, posting stats, or building “come watch me play” schedules. I’d urge players and families to shift the focus to a more process-based mindset.
- How can I get better each week?
- Am I developing the skills that will prepare me for college soccer?
If you put in the right kind of work, you’ll be ready when recruiting season truly starts.
Four Key Areas to Focus On
1. Technical
Go to practice and really engage. Get as much out of the 3x per week you’re on the practice field.
Train on your own—wall ball, dribbling, ball mastery, shooting. You need to put in the extras
Don’t feel like you need expensive private training sessions. Consistent reps are what matter.
2. Physical
Soccer is demanding—strength, conditioning, speed, endurance, and mobility all matter.
Ask yourself: What extra work am I willing to put in? College soccer is a grind—two-a-days, travel, academics, late nights, early mornings.
It’s hard, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.
I have provided some soccer specific resources attached at the bottom of this article.
3. Tactical
Watch soccer. EPL, La Liga, MLS—whatever you enjoy. Study players in your position.
Utilize the VEO to rewatch your own games. Where are you strong? Where can you improve?
Talk with your coach about what to work on and have regular check ins.
4. Academic
This one’s big. Academics matter—sometimes even more than soccer ability.
Why? Coaches know that strong students qualify for academic aid, which frees up their athletic scholarship budget. If two players have similar or equal ability—one with a 4.0 GPA, one with a 2.5 GPA—guess who gets recruited first?
You’re not just an athlete—you’re a student-athlete. The “student” part comes first. Make sure you’re managing your time effectively, keeping up with school work so you can spend more time becoming a better soccer player.
A Reality Check on Scholarships
Here are the numbers:
Only about 2% of high school athletes get any athletic financial assistance.
Across NCAA Division I & II last year, 2.5% of all student’s financial aid was attributed to athletic aid. The other 97.5% comes from academic and merit-based aid.
Division III schools don’t offer athletic scholarships at all—but they do offer strong academic and need-based packages.
So yes, athletic money is out there, but most families will find that academics pay the bigger part of the bill.
Other Things to Think About
Nutrition & recovery: Fuel your body right. Sleep well. Recovery is just as important as training.
ID Camps: Attend a couple, but don’t stress about “being discovered” right now. Go for the experience so that when it matters, you’re prepared.
Balance: Don’t burn yourself out. Enjoy the process.
Final Thought
The truth is, the players who commit to their craft—on the field, in the gym, and in the classroom—are the ones who give themselves the best shot at playing in college.
Ask yourself: What am I doing today to become a better player and student?
And remember—we’re here to support you every step of the way.