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Navigating the Path to NCAA Soccer Scholarships

Often, I am approached with inquiries about the steps a player can take to optimize their chances of securing a student-athlete scholarship for soccer. It’s a question that resonates with many parents seeking the best guidance for their aspiring athletes.

In navigating this journey, it’s crucial to address common misconceptions. A staggering 98% of club coaches, while well-intentioned, may not have the direct capacity to secure scholarships. The truth is, only about 2%— comprising university/college head coaches or assistant coaches—hold the keys to such opportunities.

“My goal is to provide the opportunity which was given to me.”

David Benning

In the newsletters to follow, I will delve into the nuanced path toward earning student-athlete scholarships, providing insights and dispelling myths. As we embark on this journey together, rest assured that your child’s aspirations are at the forefront of our collective mission.

A key point to bear in mind is that only the Head Coach of a college or university in the USA or Canada has the authority to award a student-athlete scholarship. Limited connections may exist due to unique player development skills for that specific level of play.

Exercise caution when considering guidance from individuals. Inquire about their personal experience as a student-athlete who received a scholarship at the college/university level. Ask about their track record and confirm it. It’s surprising how many may lack insight into the level of play and the diverse conferences within the college/university system. Your aspirations are important, and navigating this path requires thoughtful consideration.

Your aspirations are important, and navigating this path requires thoughtful consideration. Choose your sources of guidance with care.

As my senior technical staff and I endeavour to empower our young players to become student-athletes and achieve their aspirations, attaining soccer scholarships at NCAA universities and colleges is a notable accomplishment. To enhance your understanding of this path, I have crafted a comprehensive guide designed to navigate every stage of a player’s high school journey.

The paramount message I want to convey is the necessity of having the academic credentials to gain university admission. This is precisely why it’s referred to as a Student-Athlete Scholarship and not solely a Soccer Scholarship. Your achievements on the field take a secondary role to your proficiency in the classroom.

Grade 9: Building the Foundation

Grade 10: Gaining Exposure

  • Maintain academic excellence: Continue excelling academically for NCAA eligibility.
  • Refine highlight video and player profile: Update the soccer highlight reel and player profile with recent accomplishments.
  • Attend college showcases: Participate in events where college scouts may be present for exposure.
  • Train your body to be able to compete at a more demanding training and competitive level. University athletes train 4 days a week and compete 2x/week with 1 day off.

Grade 11: Active Engagement

  • Take standardized tests: Register for and take the SAT for college admissions and scholarship considerations. The primary standardized tests accepted by the NCAA for eligibility purposes are the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and the ACT (American College Testing)
  • Attend college ID camps: Participate in clinics for direct interaction with college coaches.
  • Research colleges and initiate visits: Explore programs of interest and make official visits to potential institutions.

Grade 12: Finalizing the Journey

  • Complete NCAA eligibility requirements: Ensure all criteria for the NCAA Eligibility Center are met.
  • Submit college applications: Submit applications on time and be proactive in the admission process.
  • Continue communication with coaches: Maintain regular updates with college coaches on achievements and interests.

Understanding NCAA Scholarship Limits

  • NCAA Division I: Men’s soccer – maximum of 9.9 scholarships; Women’s soccer – maximum of 14 scholarships.
  • NCAA Division II: Men’s soccer – maximum of 9 scholarships; Women’s soccer – maximum of 9.9 scholarships.
  • NCAA Division III: No athletic scholarships offered; financial aid may be available based on academic criteria.

Key Tips for Success:

  • Actively network and build relationships with university/college coaches.
  • Stay informed on NCAA rules and regulations.
  • Encourage early engagement in the recruitment process.

Adhering to these guidelines will enable our players to strategically position themselves for student-athlete soccer scholarships at NCAA universities and colleges. For personalized advice and assistance, I encourage you to reach out to the Milton Magic senior technical coaching staff or myself. Your proactive engagement in this process is vital to your success, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

David Benning, a former NCAA D1 player, has personally assisted over 100 players in realizing their dreams of attending university or college in both Canada and the USA as student-athletes, achieving soccer scholarships. Importantly, David extends his support without any financial charges. In his words, “My goal is to provide the opportunity which was given to me.” This personal commitment underscores the dedication to guiding athletes toward their academic and athletic aspirations, reflecting the generosity of someone who has experienced the transformative power of such opportunities firsthand.