May 24, 2024

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College Soccer Visits: The Inside Scoop on Unofficial and Official Trips

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The College Soccer Visit


If you have the goal of playing soccer at the collegiate level, there's one crucial aspect of the recruiting process that you can't afford to overlook: college visits. These campus trips, whether unofficial or official, are your chance to showcase your potential, build relationships with coaches, and ultimately convince a program that you're the missing piece they've been searching for.

As someone who has both played college soccer and helped countless athletes navigate the recruiting process, I know firsthand the impact that a well-executed college visit can have on your chances of landing a roster spot. And today, I'm sharing my insider tips and strategies for making the most of these opportunities.

The Unofficial College Soccer Visit Rundown

First, let's talk unofficial visits.

As a student-athlete, you can go on an unofficial visit to a college campus at any time, regardless of your age or grade level.

The catch? You're responsible for covering all the costs associated with your trip, from transportation and lodging to meals and entertainment.

The only exception to this rule is that a school can provide you with up to three complimentary tickets to an athletic event during your visit. But if they offer to cover anything else, like a hotel room or a fancy dinner, that crosses the line into official visit territory (more on that later).

Despite the out-of-pocket expenses, unofficial visits can be a valuable tool in your recruiting arsenal. They give you the chance to explore a campus at your own pace, meet with coaches and players, and get a feel for a program's culture and facilities. Plus, by starting your visits early and focusing on local schools, you can gain valuable experience and refine your approach before tackling more distant or high-stakes trips.

The Official College Soccer Visit Breakdown

Now, let's dive into the world of official visits.

Unlike unofficial visits, which are unlimited and open to athletes of all ages, official visits come with a few more strings attached.

For starters, you can only take official visits to NCAA Division 1 and 2 schools, and you're limited to a maximum of five visits total.

These visits can only take place during your senior year of high school, and they must be initiated by a coach - you can't just sign up for an official visit on your own.

The biggest perk of official visits? The school foots the bill. Coaches can cover your transportation, lodging, meals, and even entertainment expenses during your stay, giving you a VIP experience and a chance to really immerse yourself in the program.

But with great perks come great responsibility. Official visits are a big investment for schools, both financially and in terms of the coach's time and attention. So if a coach extends an official visit invitation, it's a clear sign that they're seriously interested in you as a recruit.

Maximizing Your College Soccer Visit Potential

So, how can you make the most of your college visits and increase your chances of scoring an offer? Here are a few key tips:

1. Do your research

Before setting foot on campus, make sure you've done your homework on the school, the program, and the coaches. Have specific questions prepared and show genuine interest in the opportunity.

2. Dress to impress

While you don't need to break out a three-piece suit, make sure you're presenting yourself in a polished, professional manner. First impressions matter, both on and off the field.

3. Bring your A-game

Whether you're participating in a training session or just kicking around with the team, make sure you're showcasing your skills and work ethic to the fullest. Every touch counts when you're trying to earn a spot on a college roster.

4. Build relationships

Don't just focus on impressing the head coach - take the time to connect with assistants, players, and other key figures in the program. Building a strong rapport can go a long way in the recruiting process.

5. Follow up

After your visit, make sure to send a thank-you note to the coach and any other individuals who helped make your experience special. Reiterate your interest in the program and keep the lines of communication open moving forward.

By approaching your college visits with a strategic mindset and a commitment to making a lasting impression, you'll put yourself in a strong position to land the offer of your dreams and achieve your ultimate goal of competing at the collegiate level.

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