TFA has helped put over 50 players in college soccer programs over the past 8 years, ranging from D-I through D-3, NAIA, and NJCCA
colleges and universities. TFA's goal is to help make the recruiting process simpler by providing a clear path for each player/family. Below
is a general timeline to follow in the recruiting process.
Freshman Year:
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Search for potential majors of interest and which colleges have these majors. List 20 schools, keeping your options wide open.
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Start thinking about location. Where do you want to live or go to school? Close to home or farther away?
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What level do you want to play at, D-I, D-II, D-III or NAIA, etc.? Go on the schools' websites to look at the team, its history and coaching staff.
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Be very mindful of your GPA! Start out high school on the right foot!
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Summer between freshman/sophomore year: Attend a residential camp at a college of interest to see what the campus and atmosphere is like.
Sophomore Year:
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Narrow down list of schools but continue to keep an open mind.
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Set up a general visit to stop by a school of interest and see what the campus is like (if possible).
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Keep thinking about your major.
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First start contacting coaches to let them know which tournaments you are attending and let them know you have done research about their program.
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Talk to high school/club coaches about what at level you might be best fit to play.
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Be mindful of your GPA!
Sophomore/Junior Year:
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Start to consider going to prospect camps at the schools on your list to see if you like the coaches and their style.
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Register with NCAA website: eligibility center.
End of Sophomore Year:
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Create a Player Profile: High School, GPA, ACT Score (when applicable), Accomplishments, Tournaments, Coaches Contacts for both club/high school,
Address/Phone/Email. Your email address should use your name (
[email protected], for example). Lock your Facebook/Twitter/Instagram and make sure all your
content is appropriate - Coaches will look!
Junior Year:
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Really start pushing emails to schools/coaches. Let them know when/where you'll be playing. Make it personal to each coach and send before or after each event.
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Conduct yourself professionally at tournaments: warm ups, on-field behavior (how you act or play).
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Narrow your school list down to 5 schools and at what level you can play.
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Meet with coaches/make unofficial visits to schools. Watch the team play on your visit(s).
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Ask what you see your role being on the team.
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Attend any prospect camps you might have missed or you are interested in.
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Compile a highlight video or clips of you playing to send out to coaches.
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Start looking at academic scholarships that the schools might provide.
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Remember to be mindful of your GPA!
Senior Year:
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Narrow down your list to 3 or so schools.
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Take overnight visits to school, and attend a game or training session.
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Look at financial packages available to you from each school.
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Be mindful of your GPA!
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Choose a school!
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Remember, go to the college YOU want to go to, even if another school is offering you more. It's best to be comfortable with your decision.