At Warubi Sports, in partnership with Athletes USA, we’ve helped over 3,000 athletes navigate the recruitment process and make the best decisions for their sports scholarships.

Choose the Right Soccer Scholarship

The moment every athlete looks forward to: accepting a scholarship offer and committing to a university! It’s exciting but can also feel overwhelming and uncertain. That’s completely normal—after all, it’s a big decision that shapes your future.

Our team is here to guide soccer players through the process, offering advice and support to help make the best choice. With so much information to sort through, it’s important to stay focused and filter out what truly matters. Remember, universities and coaches will always present themselves in the best light to attract top athletes.

From the start, it’s crucial to understand what you want and what’s realistic for you! We’re here to help you figure that out.

What is Realistic for a Soccer Scholarship?

There are three key factors that determine realistic expectations for a soccer scholarship in 99% of cases:

1. Academic Expectations

• What types of colleges or universities align with the player’s academic background?
• Does the player’s chosen field of study have availability, and are there alternative programs to consider?

2. Sporting Expectations

• Which college sports programs and coaches will likely show interest based on the player’s athletic performance and potential?
• How much are coaches willing to invest in the player? Is there a possibility of earning a starting position?

Fact: The level of competition in college sports is increasing every year due to the growing number of international applicants and coaches recognizing the value of international players.

3. Financial Expectations

• College coaches often distribute their budgets to build a stronger team by offering partial scholarships to multiple talented players.
• Players and their families need to evaluate their financial ability to contribute without overextending themselves.

Fact: Players with higher athletic and academic achievements are more likely to receive larger scholarship offers.

Understanding these three points can help players and their families make informed decisions and set realistic goals in the college recruitment process.

Academic, Sporting, and Financial Expectations

These three factors are the foundation of the decision-making process for a soccer scholarship. Our team evaluates an athlete’s academic potential and sporting skills before starting the process to avoid unrealistic expectations and unpleasant surprises down the road.

There are many misconceptions about the academic and athletic standards in college sports.

Fact: Just because a player is on the same team as someone who already earned a scholarship doesn’t mean U.S. coaches will see them the same way. Factors like compatibility with U.S. sports, position, physical attributes (height, speed, etc.), academic qualifications, and financial resources all play a big role and can vary widely between athletes.

Now, back to the main point! Once these three parameters are assessed and realistic expectations are clear, it’s up to the athlete to prioritize what matters most. This is a unique and life-changing decision with long-term implications—so it’s important to make it carefully and thoughtfully!

Other Influential Factors

Choosing the right soccer scholarship is a highly personal decision, and different factors matter more to different athletes. Here are some examples to consider:

• Location: The U.S. is a vast and diverse country. Do you prefer the hustle of a big city or the tranquility of nature?
• Climate: Do you want warm weather year-round, or do you prefer experiencing all four seasons?
• University Size: Schools range from small campuses with 500 students to massive universities with over 60,000 students.
• City Size: Would you prefer being close to a major city or living in a quieter, more rural area? Each has its own pros and cons.
• College Association and Division: What fits your goals—NCAA, NAIA, or another association? Learn more here: https://warubi-sports.com/difference-between-ncaa-and-naia/
• The Coach: Did the coach leave a good impression? Do they make you feel valued and show you a clear path forward?
• Sports Facilities and Campus: Does the university offer what you need to succeed as a student, athlete, and individual?
• And More: Other factors like academic programs, extracurriculars, and cost might also influence your decision.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to the athlete (and their family). Our team helps simplify the process by narrowing options based on your personal preferences. The choice that meets the most important factors on your list is what we recommend—but only you can decide which factors matter most and where you’re willing to be flexible.

“Just do it”

Our advice to applicants over the past decade has always been the same: know your preferences and expectations, and when a university offers an opportunity that meets your criteria and feels right—don’t overthink it, just go for it!

Why? Coaches are always recruiting, and there are millions of athletes in the U.S. and worldwide competing for scholarships. If you wait too long, the offer could go to someone else. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and be ready to make a decision when the time comes.

Get a Free Evaluation of Your Chances 👉 warubi-sports.com/college-apply/