We’ve interviewed over 150 college coaches in the past two years during our club and college showcase College Soccer Panels.  They continuously repeat to us that one thing sticks out every time in the player ID process… how the club coach approaches his/her role during the recruit period.  

The last 5 years has seen a dramatic shift in the coaches impact not only on their own reputations and careers, but in the future opportunities for their players. Coaches must take more time than ever learning their players grades, test scores, ability to fit in to their playing style, and above all, character.

With more and more players trying to win a college roster spot, college coaches time for unofficial visits, phone calls, and visiting a recruits games are taking up two to three times as it used to.

It is important to build a reputation that college coaches should take your calls and recommendations for your players.  From our many interviews with college coaches we can confidently offer the tips below:

  • Do not set up a visit with us unless you have confidence that the player meets not only our academic requirements but can be an impact player on our team.
  • Learn how we play tactically and what type of players we regularly bring into our program.
  • After showcase games or game where we are in attendance, please stay around so we can find you if we have interest in your players. If we try to find you and you’re gone, we may not have time to follow up.
  • Whenever possible please come up and introduce yourself, especially if you’re a new or young coach and trying to establish your name and reputation.
  • The best thing you can do for yourself and your players when they show interest in coming to ID camps or setting up visits, is to give them an honest evaluation upfront. Having a player come to our camp or on a visit who has no chance to play for us is something we hate to see. It is important that they get your true advice as to where they should visit and reach out to, even if you are dissuading against a school that they think they can play in, when it does not match their true evaluation. 
  • Make sure that the player and family is strong on character on and off the field.  These traits are more and more important to our jobs and future and we need to trust your word.

Hopefully these tips will help you build your reputation with college coaches and help your players reach their dreams of playing in college!