CDA offers a variety of opportunities, based on team level and experience for players to be exposed to soccer at the collegiate level.
Below are some of the programs that we are involved with.
College Clinic Series
CDA will hold a number sessions run by local college coaches. Our first was held by John Rootes from Lynne University in 2016
All high school age players are welcome to sign up for this program. The College Clinic series is kept very cost effective for players and is a great way to expose our players to the local college programs. Each clinic is conducted by different college programs and their staff, and each clinic is concluded by a short Q&A session on college soccer and the recruitment process.
College ID Camps
ID Camps are held either by youth organizations or by the colleges themselves. They usually have a variety of schools at a single event, they vary in cost and in duration. College ID Camps can be very beneficial to players as they do provide the opportunity to receive training and feedback directly from the college coaches.
College Showcases Events
Showcase events or tournaments are structured to provide a series of games for teams against similar level opposition, usually over three days with one game per day. These events are attended by college coaches and provide them the opportunity to view players in game situations against the appropriate level of competition. CDA teams attend these events throughout the year, some require travel out of State.
College Sample letters
CDA have created a series of sample letters that can be used by prospective college athletes to help in the communication process. Player contact with the college coaches is a vital part of the recruitment process. These letters include the important information necessary for players to include in their communications along with the basic outline of when to send them.
College Summer Camp TripsCDA helps facilitate summer camp trips to College/University campuses where summer soccer camps take place. This is usually with a team that does not have players who are currently in the college recruitment process, this is to provide a first look at what a college soccer experience may be like for our athletes.
Tips for Contacting College CoachesCollege coaches are restricted from contacting recruits during certain periods of the year. In contrast, the NCAA's rules for recruits contacting coaches are not as strict. Therefore, it is important for athletes to directly contact coaches early and often to promote interest and form relationships.
- When to start? Initial contact can be made as early as sophomore Year.
- First step. Visit the team website and complete the questionnaire. Research the program and roster.
- Second step. Prepare a personal email or letter to introduce yourself. This letter should be personalized for each coach and include your team name, squad number, upcoming tournaments with game times and fields if available. Familiarize yourself with the program and provide program specific references in your letter.
- Follow-up. Prior to tournaments, you should reconnect with the coach either by phone or email to confirm playing times and field information. Take time to prepare your talking points. Speak to your club coach and make sure you are playing in the game that your are asking a coach to watch.
- Post tournament. If possible, upload tournament highlights via youtube and send the coach a link
- Common mistakes. Do not send generic emails with "Dear Coach". Do not carbon copy multiple programs in one email. Do not have your parents call or write for you. Coaches want to learn about you and know that you are capable and mature.
Remember that coaches are being contacted by 100s of prospects. Be persistent and creative in how you reach out to coaches. Start contacting coaches early and follow-up.
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NCAA Rules That Every Recruit Should Know
Q1. When can a college coach first contact me?Coaches can send you non-recruiting material (e.g. camp brochures and questionnaires) during your freshmen and sophomore year. Recruiting material may be sent September 1 of your junior year. Coaches can call you starting
July 1 going into your senior year and can contact you by phone once per week thereafter.
Q2. When can I reach out to a college coach with an email or a phone call?
Prospects can call and email coaches without restriction.
Q3. Can I use social media to enhance my recruiting efforts?
You can reach out to college coaches through social media, ask to be friended, but college coaches cannot reach out to you and send friend requests.
Q4. When can a recruit make an on-campus visit?
A recruit can make unofficial visits to campuses at anytime and there is no limit to unofficial visits . Official visits, visits in which all or a portion of the travel expenses (including airfare, food, and lodging) are paid by the college/university, are allowed after the first day of school in your senior year. Prospects can make one official visit to each school and a total of five official visits prior to graduation.
Q5. What makes me a recruited athlete?
You are classified a recruited athlete if a college initiates a telephone conversation more than one time.
Q6. How many times can a coach come and watch me play?
A college coach is allowed seven interactions (e.g., evaluations and contacts) per prospect during the course a prospect's high school academic calendar. Evaluations are unlimited during summer and winter breaks.
Q7. When can I receive notification of the scholarship offer?
Coaches are allowed to offer scholarships in writing starting the first school day of your senior year. Scholarships may be verbally offered at anytime.
Q8. Can I and or my parents talk with the coach before and/or after the event that the coach has just observed?
During the day(s) of competition, the coach cannot contact you prior to the game in which you are participating or after the game until you are released by your coach and departed the facility.