If you are one of our future graduates you need to have a profile. This can be done via your team using the profile pages that are a part of the WWSC web site (email the webmaster at information@Wellingtonsoccer.net to find out more), or you can go about setting profiles up independently as a team. Please see Profile Tips housed in our College/NCAA information page at www.Wellingtonsoccer.com. The optimum results occur when players along with parents take the lead in marketing themselves to colleges by directly expressing interest in a particular school through presentations, letters, emails, and phone calls to college coaches. Players must put thought into their correspondence with college coaches. With experience in the process, the Club can advise players on content, however showing interest in a school is the first step to being recruited. The objective is to inform the coach of interest, qualifications, where and when they may have an opportunity to evaluate the player.
It is worth noting that coaches are inundated with inquiries of interest so short and concise content will be most effective.
1. Download and thoroughly read the NCAA guide for the Student Athlete NCAA Student Athlete Guide.pdf
2. Before and, especially, during your junior year in high school you need to start gathering information about prospective schools. There are various sources of information about the many great schools to choose from. There are publications that list the different colleges with soccer programs, descriptions of the soccer programs, contact information for the coaches, and more importantly, academic rankings of colleges. Two such websites are The Sport Source www.thesportsource.com and Soccer America’s College Choice www.socceramerica.com. You may explore other sites on your own in order to make your own evaluation.
Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse
A central clearinghouse will certify athletic eligibility to play sports in college. If as a college freshman you intend to participate in college athletics, you must register and be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. High School counselors can obtain registration materials at no cost by calling the clearinghouse at (877) 262-1492 or on line at the initialeligibilitycenter . In order to be registered, student athletes must complete the student release form (SRF), mail one copy of the form to the clearinghouse along with the $50 registration fee (sometimes you can get the fee waived), give two other signed copies to your high school counselor, good idea to make a third copy for your records.
Make sure one of your high school officials works with you on this because they have forms they must submit as well. The high school must send in a copy of the form, along with an official copy of transcripts to the clearinghouse. After graduation the school must send in the other form along with a copy of final transcripts that confirms graduation. If you have questions go on line or use the customer service number to ask questions (877) 262-1492.
The high school must also annually file one Form 48-H with the clearinghouse listing the school’s core courses.
You should register with the NCAA College Clearinghouse at the end of your junior year in high school in order to be declared eligible to play college sports.
3. After gathering information about different schools, start narrowing your choices and put together a wish list of schools which seem to be a good fit for you both academically and from a soccer standpoint. Our DOC and coaches are always available to discuss your options and offer you guidance. At some point you should meet with your coach one on one to discuss your options.
Very important: Build your wish list based on your academic abilities. Discuss this with your parents and coach.
4. After putting together your wish list of schools, gather the relevant information from the universities you are interested in either visiting their web site or by direct mail. Next, evaluate their academic programs and entrance requirements. Also research the soccer team; look for conference, roster size and class distribution (this is the number of graduating players).
If you know what your future course of study will be then you may want to find out if they offer a program in that area and if it is a strong one. While academic standards should be your primary consideration in choosing a college, you will also need information about financial obligations, housing arrangements, the social environment, and the general atmosphere of the university. A lot of this information can be found on the university's web site.
Ask yourself if you will be happy at the university if you never get to play soccer there.
5. Next, truly evaluate the school’s soccer program. Discuss with your parents and coach and evaluate your ability to make the team and eventually play. You want to be in a position to contribute to your team whatever level they compete at. Some college programs may be in a rebuilding year and are starving for competent players. Stronger, more established programs might only be looking for players who will have an immediate impact as freshman. Also, consider the financial support the program receives, the coach’s philosophy in regards to soccer and team conduct. If you are serious about your soccer and plan to keep improving yourself as a player and person, look at the how focused the people you will be playing with are.
Is your commitment/focus level equal to those you will surround yourself with at the school you choose?
6. Narrow down your list to anywhere from 5-10 schools that best meet your needs. List them in order of “Best fit for me”. Don't put all your eggs in one basket; you will need a back-up plan or two in case you don't get admitted to the top schools of your choice.
Education should always the priority!
7. Prepare a short and informative letter of introduction expressing your interest in attending that particular university and your desire to perhaps play soccer there. Ask for information about application procedures, financial aid, and your desire to have the coach evaluate your ability. Include a short personal bio. Your bio should include such info as ODP, Club, High School, graduation year, cumulative GPA and or SAT/ACT scores and list your coaches’ names, phone numbers and email address. You should list all tournaments and showcases that you will be playing in throughout the season, including dates and times of your games. Mail or email this information to your choices and await any responses. Please be considerate about the time and effort these coaches put in and follow up the response they send you. Feel free to call them by phone once you have established contact.
Don't get discouraged if you don't hear from a college coach right away, especially if they are in the middle of their season.
8. Sort out the universities which most interest you and go on your campus visits. Our DOC and coaches will be available with advice about your choices. However the bulk of the work has to come from the player and family. Communicate with the coach and school of your choice. Please be professional and responsible in your correspondence with these programs as you may open the door for other players from our club in future years. Be proud of your affiliation with the Wellington Soccer Club and be an example for others. Remember we want to take pride in you; communicate and conduct yourself in an honest way.
While you may take unofficial visits to colleges you are interested in, the NCAA only allows five official visits per player where the school may pay for your travel and food expenses.
9. Follow up by personally contacting coaches at the colleges in which you are interested. Continue to improve your grade point average. Coaches would rather not invest in a player who has a marginal grade point average who risks their eligibility once in college.
And remember: a college coach will have the above type of interchange with you and at least 25 other prospects. Being prepared academically, athletically, and organizationally will enhance your possibilities as a college player prospect.
It is worth noting that coaches are inundated with inquiries of interest so short and concise content will be most effective.
1. Download and thoroughly read the NCAA guide for the Student Athlete NCAA Student Athlete Guide.pdf
2. Before and, especially, during your junior year in high school you need to start gathering information about prospective schools. There are various sources of information about the many great schools to choose from. There are publications that list the different colleges with soccer programs, descriptions of the soccer programs, contact information for the coaches, and more importantly, academic rankings of colleges. Two such websites are The Sport Source www.thesportsource.com and Soccer America’s College Choice www.socceramerica.com. You may explore other sites on your own in order to make your own evaluation.
Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse
A central clearinghouse will certify athletic eligibility to play sports in college. If as a college freshman you intend to participate in college athletics, you must register and be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. High School counselors can obtain registration materials at no cost by calling the clearinghouse at (877) 262-1492 or on line at the initialeligibilitycenter . In order to be registered, student athletes must complete the student release form (SRF), mail one copy of the form to the clearinghouse along with the $50 registration fee (sometimes you can get the fee waived), give two other signed copies to your high school counselor, good idea to make a third copy for your records.
Make sure one of your high school officials works with you on this because they have forms they must submit as well. The high school must send in a copy of the form, along with an official copy of transcripts to the clearinghouse. After graduation the school must send in the other form along with a copy of final transcripts that confirms graduation. If you have questions go on line or use the customer service number to ask questions (877) 262-1492.
The high school must also annually file one Form 48-H with the clearinghouse listing the school’s core courses.
You should register with the NCAA College Clearinghouse at the end of your junior year in high school in order to be declared eligible to play college sports.
3. After gathering information about different schools, start narrowing your choices and put together a wish list of schools which seem to be a good fit for you both academically and from a soccer standpoint. Our DOC and coaches are always available to discuss your options and offer you guidance. At some point you should meet with your coach one on one to discuss your options.
Very important: Build your wish list based on your academic abilities. Discuss this with your parents and coach.
4. After putting together your wish list of schools, gather the relevant information from the universities you are interested in either visiting their web site or by direct mail. Next, evaluate their academic programs and entrance requirements. Also research the soccer team; look for conference, roster size and class distribution (this is the number of graduating players).
If you know what your future course of study will be then you may want to find out if they offer a program in that area and if it is a strong one. While academic standards should be your primary consideration in choosing a college, you will also need information about financial obligations, housing arrangements, the social environment, and the general atmosphere of the university. A lot of this information can be found on the university's web site.
Ask yourself if you will be happy at the university if you never get to play soccer there.
5. Next, truly evaluate the school’s soccer program. Discuss with your parents and coach and evaluate your ability to make the team and eventually play. You want to be in a position to contribute to your team whatever level they compete at. Some college programs may be in a rebuilding year and are starving for competent players. Stronger, more established programs might only be looking for players who will have an immediate impact as freshman. Also, consider the financial support the program receives, the coach’s philosophy in regards to soccer and team conduct. If you are serious about your soccer and plan to keep improving yourself as a player and person, look at the how focused the people you will be playing with are.
Is your commitment/focus level equal to those you will surround yourself with at the school you choose?
6. Narrow down your list to anywhere from 5-10 schools that best meet your needs. List them in order of “Best fit for me”. Don't put all your eggs in one basket; you will need a back-up plan or two in case you don't get admitted to the top schools of your choice.
Education should always the priority!
7. Prepare a short and informative letter of introduction expressing your interest in attending that particular university and your desire to perhaps play soccer there. Ask for information about application procedures, financial aid, and your desire to have the coach evaluate your ability. Include a short personal bio. Your bio should include such info as ODP, Club, High School, graduation year, cumulative GPA and or SAT/ACT scores and list your coaches’ names, phone numbers and email address. You should list all tournaments and showcases that you will be playing in throughout the season, including dates and times of your games. Mail or email this information to your choices and await any responses. Please be considerate about the time and effort these coaches put in and follow up the response they send you. Feel free to call them by phone once you have established contact.
Don't get discouraged if you don't hear from a college coach right away, especially if they are in the middle of their season.
8. Sort out the universities which most interest you and go on your campus visits. Our DOC and coaches will be available with advice about your choices. However the bulk of the work has to come from the player and family. Communicate with the coach and school of your choice. Please be professional and responsible in your correspondence with these programs as you may open the door for other players from our club in future years. Be proud of your affiliation with the Wellington Soccer Club and be an example for others. Remember we want to take pride in you; communicate and conduct yourself in an honest way.
While you may take unofficial visits to colleges you are interested in, the NCAA only allows five official visits per player where the school may pay for your travel and food expenses.
9. Follow up by personally contacting coaches at the colleges in which you are interested. Continue to improve your grade point average. Coaches would rather not invest in a player who has a marginal grade point average who risks their eligibility once in college.
And remember: a college coach will have the above type of interchange with you and at least 25 other prospects. Being prepared academically, athletically, and organizationally will enhance your possibilities as a college player prospect.
