2 answers
Michael
Student
Lacey, Washington
4
Questions
Updated
875 views
How do I get myself noticed in the Soccer/Football world?
Obviously I could be the best player in the world but if nobody knew about me then I wouldn’t be able to get signed for a club so how do I get noticed by college and club scouts I learned a little bit about agents and I was wondering if I would need one of those or are they only necessary later on
Login to comment
2 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
In order to get noticed by a college sports program, I might do the following:
Utilize a Sports Resume and Cover Letter.
It is exactly what it sounds like. Except with a Job Resume and Cover Letter, you will be trying out for a job, with the Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, you will be applying and trying our for the sports team.
There are many examples of these Athletic Resume's and Cover Letters found online. Basically you will be emphasizing to the coach all about your athletic abilities, strengths, positions you played, school and state accomplishments and successes, athletic awards, future goals, and your future academic plans. Introduce the resume, and yourself, to the coach by utilizing the cover letter.
When you complete the Resume and Cover Letter, send it to the various coaches, via postal service letter, directly to their office on the college campus. You see, they literally receive thousands of emails each week, but if you contact them via a written letter, it will land directly on their desk, and they are most likely going to respond and send you information on their program and about academic possibilities on their campus. I mean, who gets an actual written letter these days from the postal carrier? This is one way to get their attention.
I did this with many of my advisee, over the years, with a great amount of success. College coaches do seem to enjoy getting a personal letter in the regular mail, than getting an email. It shows you are serious and are willing to make an effort in continuing your athletic career. I hope this has been helpful, Good luck in achieving your future athletic and academic goals.
Utilize a Sports Resume and Cover Letter.
It is exactly what it sounds like. Except with a Job Resume and Cover Letter, you will be trying out for a job, with the Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, you will be applying and trying our for the sports team.
There are many examples of these Athletic Resume's and Cover Letters found online. Basically you will be emphasizing to the coach all about your athletic abilities, strengths, positions you played, school and state accomplishments and successes, athletic awards, future goals, and your future academic plans. Introduce the resume, and yourself, to the coach by utilizing the cover letter.
When you complete the Resume and Cover Letter, send it to the various coaches, via postal service letter, directly to their office on the college campus. You see, they literally receive thousands of emails each week, but if you contact them via a written letter, it will land directly on their desk, and they are most likely going to respond and send you information on their program and about academic possibilities on their campus. I mean, who gets an actual written letter these days from the postal carrier? This is one way to get their attention.
I did this with many of my advisee, over the years, with a great amount of success. College coaches do seem to enjoy getting a personal letter in the regular mail, than getting an email. It shows you are serious and are willing to make an effort in continuing your athletic career. I hope this has been helpful, Good luck in achieving your future athletic and academic goals.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Michael
Anthony Hitchcock (US)
Auditor
11
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi Michael,
As a college soccer player, I feel qualified to answer this question. First off, if you were the best player in the world, I am 100% certain you would be signed by a club. No matter where you play, if you were that good, people would notice you and talk about you. Word would spread, and you would get invites to play with better local clubs, then even better clubs, then even better clubs.
Since I don't think this situation necessarily applies (correct me if I am wrong), here is the advice I would give. Focus on your high school games. If you are an all state player, that resonates with college coaches. The most realistic path to playing professional is to be an all state or all region player in high school, play D1, and then leverage your connections as a D1 player to find a professional team. I think that is a pretty realistic and common way to get noticed. If you don't get an offer from a D1 team, there is also no harm in playing D2 or D3 for a year or two, putting up numbers, and transferring out to a D1 school after you have proved yourself at the next level to some extent. But that is not to say that D3 players can't get professional offers as well. My college coach actually played at Messiah College and was an All-American - he was offered a trial with an MLS team and played D3 his entire career. And for what it's worth, I personally played D3 for a top 25 team and had a great experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.
As far as agents go, I'd worry about that only when you have numbers or a background that clearly show you are outstanding. My younger brother has an agent as a baseball player, but he was almost the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Delaware. He got his agent through one of his teammates who got drafted. Since his teammate's agent was at all the same high school games, he offered to be my brother's agent after he saw what he was doing. My brother is now playing baseball at a top JUCO with plans to transfer D1, still with the hope of playing professional. So I think that kind of backs up the recommendation I made in the previous paragraph.
Best of luck with your career. And believe in yourself if you know you can do it.
-Anthony
As a college soccer player, I feel qualified to answer this question. First off, if you were the best player in the world, I am 100% certain you would be signed by a club. No matter where you play, if you were that good, people would notice you and talk about you. Word would spread, and you would get invites to play with better local clubs, then even better clubs, then even better clubs.
Since I don't think this situation necessarily applies (correct me if I am wrong), here is the advice I would give. Focus on your high school games. If you are an all state player, that resonates with college coaches. The most realistic path to playing professional is to be an all state or all region player in high school, play D1, and then leverage your connections as a D1 player to find a professional team. I think that is a pretty realistic and common way to get noticed. If you don't get an offer from a D1 team, there is also no harm in playing D2 or D3 for a year or two, putting up numbers, and transferring out to a D1 school after you have proved yourself at the next level to some extent. But that is not to say that D3 players can't get professional offers as well. My college coach actually played at Messiah College and was an All-American - he was offered a trial with an MLS team and played D3 his entire career. And for what it's worth, I personally played D3 for a top 25 team and had a great experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.
As far as agents go, I'd worry about that only when you have numbers or a background that clearly show you are outstanding. My younger brother has an agent as a baseball player, but he was almost the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Delaware. He got his agent through one of his teammates who got drafted. Since his teammate's agent was at all the same high school games, he offered to be my brother's agent after he saw what he was doing. My brother is now playing baseball at a top JUCO with plans to transfer D1, still with the hope of playing professional. So I think that kind of backs up the recommendation I made in the previous paragraph.
Best of luck with your career. And believe in yourself if you know you can do it.
-Anthony
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Michael