VSA C O L L E G E G U I D A N C E P R O G R A M

VSA C O L L E G E G U I D A N C E P R O G R A M

Introduction VSA are proud to be able to provide college preparation assistance to our players with ambitions of playing at the collegiate level. DEVELOP THE PLAYER, DEVELOP THE PERSON, DEVELOP THE CLUB, DEVELOP THE FUTURE We are here to provide information and support for aspiring college players. Along the way, we aim to give the players as many tools as possible to succeed on and off the field beyond their time at VSA. Please note that this guidance is for the players to take responsibility for themselves and while college coaches in most cases will want to establish a line of communication with the player and not the parent, we do understand the importance of the player involving the parent in the decision making process. Please keep in mind throughout, the recruitment process is never the same for each player, male or female. Some players may make an early verbal commitment while others commit during their final year of high school. Some players may get seen and approached by a college coach, where others may write to a coach, send in game film and arrange to get seen at an event/game. One of the very first steps to take is to arrange a meeting with VSA and our college advisors. To start the process, please contact U16-U19 Director of Coaching, Graham Maclean at gmaclean@vsaonline.org

6 Stages The VSA College Guidance Program is broken into 6 stages to assist with getting YOU into college soccer: Stage 1- Do I want to play in College? Can I play in College? Stage 2- What level can I play at? Stage 3- What colleges should I target? Stage 4- How do I get seen by college coaches? Stage 5- Timeline of To Do s Stage 6- Eligibility Rules

Stage 1: Do I Want To Play In College? Can I Play In College? Most young soccer players say they want to play in college, and as they go through their young soccer years start asking the question can I play in college? Yes is the answer. In general, there is a college out there for everyone and it s really about whether or not you are truly committed to the game. Are you ready to spend four years of your life committed to your program and dedicate yourself to academics? If the answer is yes, playing is college is now a realistic goal. Academics play a vital role in the college recruitment process. Maintaining a high GPA throughout high school will greatly increase your chances of attending a school of your choice. Continuing this throughout college will ensure eligibility and provide extra scholarship opportunities. Please take the time to talk to your current coach regarding playing in college. Coaches that see you every week can give you valuable information and can help steer you in the right direction.

Stage 2: What Level Can I Play At? This is a question you will ask yourself right up to when you commit to a college. It s a tough one to answer definitively as players develop at different rates. In short, there 3 main divisions of NCAA: Division I, II and III. There is also NJCAA which has; Division I and III and the other institution is NAIA. Athletic scholarships are offered at NCAA Division I and II as well as NAIA NCAA Division I is seen as the highest level of college athletics, although high levels of soccer can be found in all divisions within each governing body NJCAA is for Junior Colleges which could be a good 2 year option for players who perhaps are interested in improving grades or keeping college costs lower. Often Junior colleges have agreements with 4 yr colleges that allow for guaranteed acceptance and transfer after 2 years.

Stage 2: What Level Can I Play At? Make sure you have a perspective on what s important to you! This is about you and what you want Commitment How bad do you want it? Training above and beyond team practices Hard work Are you willing to make the sacrifices necessary to get the next level? Are you willing to push yourself? Perseverance What do you do when you get knocked down? Be prepared to deal with rejection and recover quickly Competitive Attitude Do you have what it takes to play at the next level? The competition at the college level is extremely intense Well Rounded Are you a good person? Athletics, Academics, Community Service Dream Big, BUT BE REALISTIC!

Stage 3: What Colleges Should I Target? Typically, the level you play at dictates the colleges you target. A lot of other factors can also play a part: Local vs. Distance Urban vs. Rural Commuting vs. Residential Large Campus vs. Small Campus Student life campus activities Meeting admission standards Chosen major Expense

What Colleges Should I Target? On the soccer side, aside from the level of play, other factors will have an effect on the targeted colleges: How is the soccer program in general? Who is the coach? What are the facilities like? Are you looking to play right away vs. working your way into the team further down the line? History of success

Stage 4: How Do I Get Seen By College Coaches? College coaches attend most showcase events throughout the area, making college exposure very accessible to players at VSA. There are also other ways to be seen by coaches: Write to college coaches- include a copy of your soccer resume and pass on schedule information be as detailed as possible with scheduling information and make sure you provide the coaches with updates if schedules change. A reminder three or four days prior to the event is also a very good idea. Send game film Attend College ID Camps at the colleges you are targeting- VSA is working to offer a college ID program in January and February where college coaches will be invited to come to Long park and conduct training sessions with interested players. Ensure you are ready to perform every time you step on the field! You never know who is watching and there are many occasions where players get recruited after being seen one time by a coach/school they have not considered before.

Stage 5: Timeline of To do s Freshman Year: Decide whether or not you want to play in college Generate a list of criteria you would like to meet with the colleges you target Research colleges that check the boxes and criteria you have in mind Sophomore Year: Cut down your choices Identify 2 Schools you would LOVE to attend + 5-8 you are interested in Contact the coaches and admissions office of the schools in mind for more information and make unofficial visits

Timeline of To do s Junior Year: Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly NCAA Clearinghouse) Narrow down to 5 schools Plan unofficial visits Senior Year: Plan official visits Ask detailed questions to the coaching staff, administration and club college guidance staff Commit

Important Links NCAA NJCAA NAIA Sample Soccer Résumé VSA College ID Camp NCAA Eligibility Center College Bound Resource Center