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The attraction of securing a soccer scholarship in the USA has long captured the imagination of young talents in the UK.

Traditionally, this avenue has been a sought-after opportunity for those aiming to combine education with a solid level of football training.

According to a BBC article to qualify for a USA soccer scholarship, a student must be an amateur athlete, not a professional.

However, with the recent surge of high-profile signings in the MLS, an increasing number of players are now considering this route as a double-edged win – an avenue that promises both a college degree and a substantial dose of football coaching.

This thought process has led to a noteworthy trend: a rising number of players who narrowly missed out on securing their first professional contracts in the UK are turning their attention across the Atlantic.

The appeal of the USA as a soccer destination is growing stronger, particularly with the accessibility of up to 100 percent scholarship in some cases.

There are online platforms like the NCAA and the NCSA, both who provide comprehensive resources which serve as invaluable guides for aspiring players seeking to embark on this journey.

The League Football Education have created a comprehensive guide on Soccer Scholarships in the USA. Click here to download.

In this blog, we delve into the unique experiences of four young talents who boldly pursued this transatlantic soccer path.

Their stories shed light on the transformative impact of embracing the American soccer dream.

As we navigate their narratives, it becomes evident that the journey toward a soccer scholarship in the USA is not just a mere alternative but a viable and enriching option for those who dare to explore beyond familiar horizons.

Jake 19

I am Jake, and I recently had the opportunity to play football in the United States on a full scholarship. This experience brought forth numerous valuable aspects, and I’m here to share the insights gained from my journey.

Who Can Apply

To begin, I’d like to emphasize that applying for an American university scholarship is open to individuals of all ages. However, I highly recommend initiating this process as early as possible.

Some players start exploring options around the ages of 15 or 16, providing them with an advantageous head start compared to those who commence later.

This early approach allows ample time to research specific universities of interest and enables institutions to thoroughly understand and assess you both as a person and as a player.

What It Costs

It’s important to grasp that scholarships and offers can vary significantly. For instance, while certain scholarships might cover only a portion, like 30 or 50 percent, of the tuition fees, others might encompass all expenses, including travel costs.

These comprehensive scholarships are primarily available at the top-tier American universities and are relatively rare. To enhance your odds, crafting a well-crafted CV and showcasing your skills through a compelling highlight reel is crucial.

Furthermore, reaching out to colleges early in the process is highly recommended.

The Season

The American football season differs from its counterpart in England. It’s divided into two segments.

The primary season, running from August to November, features most of the games. The off-season spans from January to May, during which the team primarily focuses on training and friendly matches.

The complete college experience generally spans four years, although it can be extended if you opt for further education.

A key motivation for players choosing to pursue opportunities in the United States is the potential for a professional career in American leagues. College serves as the optimal pathway for aspiring players aiming to go pro in the United States, with top talents being drafted into various Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs.

Many American colleges have affiliations with professional clubs. It’s important to note, however, that signing a professional contract would result in the forfeiture of your scholarship.

Should you be offered a contract by a club while simultaneously playing for a college, you would be faced with the decision of which to prioritize, as signing the contract would render you ineligible.

The Emotional Side

Lastly, embarking on this journey means immersing yourself in an entirely new environment, potentially leading to initial feelings of isolation. However, your experience is shaped by your perspective, time management, and level of engagement in this new challenge.

Overall, it’s an incredible adventure that can lay down a realistic path toward a professional football career.

Tunde 25

I was 19 when I travelled to the USA. On completion of my 4 year degree program I am back in the UK and play football in step 7 of the English league.

Who Can Apply

The prerequisites for qualifying for a soccer scholarship in the USA include achieving a satisfactory score on the ACT or SAT tests, or maintaining an acceptable GPA calculated from your GCSEs.

The NCAA does not impose an age limit for college sports participation; however, you cannot have been out of the college system for more than a year to retain eligibility.

On average, participants are typically between the ages of 16 to 17 as a minimum and 25 to 26 as a maximum.

The standard duration of the program is four years, spanning from August to November or December, depending on whether your team advances to post-season tournaments.

What It Cost

Typically, players are responsible for covering their own travel expenses to the United States, unless the school is willing to sponsor the cost.

Your financial responsibility is contingent on the type of scholarship offered by the school. A full scholarship would cover all costs, while a 50% scholarship would require you to pay half, including expenses like accommodation, room and board, along with tuition fees.

Engaging in college education while participating in high-level sports within a professional environment forms the core of the experience. While some schools may offer better programs than others, it provides a solid foundation.

Being a full-time student and athlete prepares you well for life, and the education offers a backup option if needed.

The Emotional Side

Undertaking this endeavour is a significant challenge and requires a strong spirit. You must be comfortable with being on your own and possess a sense of adventure and exploration.

The USA is welcoming, and they love the UK accent

The Season

Travel commitments vary based on the size of the school. While your schedule may primarily involve teams in a specific region, occasional long trips may be included.

The daily routine typically involves waking up, attending morning sessions, having breakfast, attending classes, lunch, afternoon sessions, dinner, and homework, followed by repeating the cycle

Conference games are usually against teams within reasonable distance, while non-conference games could involve longer journeys. Some conference games may require only a few hours of travel, while others could necessitate a plane ride or an extended bus journey.

Progression in college soccer typically follows this path: USL2/NPSL – USL/MLS Next Pro – USL Championship – MLS.

Successful Scholars

Noteworthy successes in terms of soccer scholarships include individuals like Jack Harrison, Dom Dwyer, Tim Howard, Jay DeMerit, Nathan Opoku, Matt Turner, and Deandre Yedlin.

Harrison 19

I’ve been in the USA for a year now on a football scholarship, and I’d like to share my experiences from this journey.

Who Can Apply

To qualify for a football scholarship in the USA, you need to meet certain criteria. Firstly, you should have a decent football skill level and be physically fit.

The physical demands of the game in the USA are considerably higher than those in the UK, which has been a significant aspect for me. The age range for applications varies, starting from 18, and interestingly, some players on my team are as old as 27 or 28!

The program typically spans four years, but there’s an option for a fifth year if you’re interested in pursuing further education.

What It Costs

In terms of expenses, the school usually covers travel costs to and from games. However, your education expenses will be determined by the scholarship you’ve been awarded.

The Emotional Side

Emotionally, the initial 4 to 5 weeks were challenging. Being away from family is never easy, but it’s crucial to recognize the amazing opportunity and experience that comes with playing and studying in a foreign country.

The bonds formed with wonderful friends certainly eased the transition. Interestingly, my team consists mostly of international students, which made fitting in much smoother as I was also from a different country. Nevertheless, every American I’ve met has been incredibly welcoming and friendly.

The benefits of this experience for me has extended beyond the football field. Living abroad has exposed me to an enriched way of life, allowing me to meet incredible people and immerse myself in the captivating culture of the USA.

The Season

A typical daily routine involves morning classes, followed by football practice usually from 1pm to 3pm. During the season (August to December), we have 2-3 matches per week, while the off-season (January to May) is more relaxed, with only 3 matches scheduled for this period.

The journeys to matches can be quite lengthy. My conference includes schools in Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia. The longest trip involved an overnight stay and around a 9-hour drive.

The schedule is divided by regions until the national tournament, where travel can take you anywhere based on the game locations.

Harris 21

Harris story is truly inspirational. He goes into details of his football journey from a young boy ending with a trip to the USA on a sports scholarship.

The Pathway

The pathway to becoming a professional player is demanding. However, options include being drafted into the MLS or signing with a club.

Many players, including myself, often find themselves starting in divisions below the MLS and working their way up over time.

Other Stuff

In the UK football academies arrange exit trials for released players. Part of this process may involve an opportunity to be seen by USA affiliated organizations.

Founded in 2013 by Sam Craven, Vertex Soccer began by helping recently released UK Academy players secure soccer scholarships at U.S. universities. It has since expanded into a global network offering scholarships, tours, and professional development services.

For the past five seasons, Palace has partnered with Vertex Soccer as part of its player aftercare program.

Joe Sheridan is the newest Crystal Palace player to take advantage of the opportunities offered through this partnership with Vertex Soccer.

YDP USA Scholarships assist talented male and female athletes in securing Scholarships at U.S. colleges.

Future Pro USA helps athletes pursue academic and sporting careers in the USA.

MLS Next is dedicated to developing elite soccer players by offering clubs high-quality coaching, advanced training, and top-tier competition.

It includes clubs across 34 states and the District of Columbia.

Varsity Nine works with UK professional clubs and individuals to introduce pathways into USA soccer scholarships.

USA Sports Today spoke with Luis Robles, former goalkeeper for the New York Red Bulls and Inter Miami CF and now MLS Next Technical Director, about what MLS Next expansion meant for a youth soccer player from 2025.

Kyle Albrecht, Interim General Manager of MLS Next, also joined in the discussion on the new Tier 2.