'So You Want To Play College Soccer?' - Navigating the Path to Your Dream College: Finding the Right ID Camp

Dive into Campus Culture: Unofficial Visits Offer Real College Insights

October 20, 2024

In Today’s Edition

Welcome to our important new blog series, where over the next 5 to 6 weeks, we will guide you through every step of the college recruiting journey. Whether you're just starting out or are well into your process, we'll cover essential topics like creating your standout highlight video, building a targeted college list, and strategies to secure that coveted scholarship. No matter where you are on your journey, our series is packed with crucial tips and advice to help you succeed. Join us each week as we empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate the recruiting landscape with confidence.

This Week:

  • Navigating the Path to Your Dream College: Finding the Right ID Camp

  • Dive into Campus Culture: Unofficial Visits Offer Real College Insights

  • Join our FREE College Soccer Network Community!

  • Reach out today to book your complimentary 20-minute Zoom session and jumpstart your recruiting journey!

For aspiring college players, the journey to securing a spot at your dream college starts long before stepping onto the field. Choosing the right college ID camp is a pivotal step in your recruitment journey, shaping which schools you attend and which coaches consider you for their programs. Here’s how to ensure you're making the right choices and maximizing your potential for success.

1. Understand the Camp Types: Multi-School vs. Single-School

Before diving into camp options, it's essential to differentiate between multi-school and single-school camps. Multi-school camps are organized by third-party companies and host coaches from various colleges. While these camps offer excellent instruction, your chances of catching the eye of a specific coach are slimmer compared to single-school camps, which are hosted directly by a college's coaching staff. If you have a particular program in mind, prioritize attending their single-school camp. However, if that’s not feasible, consider attending a multi-school camp where your target coach will be present. A proactive approach, like reaching out to the coach before the camp, can enhance your chances of being noticed.

2. Know that College ID Camps are Money-Makers for Schools

Understanding that college ID camps are also revenue-generating opportunities for schools is crucial. Not every invitation signals genuine interest in you as a recruit. Seek honest feedback from your club and high school coaches about the level you should aim for and which schools align with your skills and background. This clarity helps you differentiate between a generic invitation and a legitimate recruiting opportunity.

3. Proactive Communication with Coaches

Don’t assume that merely signing up for a camp will put you on a coach's radar. Especially for larger camps, it’s vital to contact coaches ahead of time. Share your recruiting video, express your interest, and ask if they foresee a mutual fit. A coach who is already aware of your ability is more likely to pay attention to you during the camp.

4. Research is Key

Time is limited, especially with demanding club and high school schedules. Researching thoroughly before attending a camp can save you time and money. Look into the academic rigor, scholarship offerings, and the team’s quality and playing style. Ensure the school matches your academic and athletic aspirations to avoid wasting your efforts on a camp that doesn’t align with your goals.

5. Organize Your Schedule

With many ID camps occurring simultaneously, creating a prioritized schedule is essential. Use resources like collegeidcamps.net to find dates and plan your visits. Draft a calendar and to-do lists for each camp to keep your recruitment process organized and focused on your top choices.

6. How to Get Noticed at College Camps

Getting noticed at a college camp requires more than just showing up; it’s about making a lasting impression before, during, and after the event. Here's how you can stand out and catch the attention of college coaches:

Before Camp: Set the Stage

  1. Prepare Physically and Mentally: Arrive at the camp in top shape. Focus on both physical fitness and mental readiness to ensure you can perform at your peak. Being well-prepared shows dedication and commitment.

During Camp: Shine Bright

  1. Work hard: When it's time to perform, leave everything on the field. Coaches are looking for athletes who showcase skill and effort, so put maximum effort into every drill and game.

  2. Exhibit a Positive Attitude: Coaches are evaluating more than just your athletic prowess. Display a positive attitude, whether you’re playing or on the sidelines. Show respect to fellow recruits, coaches, and staff. Demonstrate coachability by being responsive to feedback and eager to learn.

  3. Stand Out in All Aspects: Remember, it’s not just about your on-field performance. Pay attention to how you carry yourself off the field, from your interaction with others during breaks to how you help with equipment. Every gesture contributes to the image you project.

After Camp: Seal the Deal

  1. Follow Up: Send a heartfelt thank-you email to the coach, mentioning something specific from your camp experience that stood out to you. This personalization shows genuine interest and attention to detail.

  2. Engage on Social Media: Share your camp experience on social media, tagging the coach and program. Include positive highlights, photos, or videos, which not only boosts your visibility but also demonstrates your enthusiasm and proactive nature.

Conclusion

Making informed decisions about which college ID camps to attend can significantly impact your recruitment journey and future athletic career. By understanding camp types, setting realistic expectations, proactively communicating with coaches, conducting thorough research, and organizing your schedule, you position yourself as a standout candidate ready to seize opportunities. Start planning today, and take confident strides towards your collegiate athletic dreams.

Dive into Campus Culture: Unofficial Visits Offer Real College Insights

What is an unofficial visit?

Unofficial visits are college visits which are not paid for by the school. These visits are entirely financed by the recruit’s family. Unofficial visits are unlimited, but some rules do apply.

Athletes in most sports and their families are not allowed to arrange unofficial visits with a school’s athletic department (including the coach) until August 1 of the athlete’s junior year.

Families can still go on unofficial visits before August 1 of junior year, but they aren’t allowed to have any recruiting conversations with the coach while on campus. Stay current with the NCAA recruiting calendar.

Insider Tip: Check the school calendar and steer clear of homecoming weekend and other busy dates to avoid paying premium hotel rates. A key reason to go on unofficial visits is to evaluate if a college is the right fit for you, especially if you’re not yet a junior in high school. Get a campus tour, check out the dorms and get a feel for if you could live there for four years. The best part: Unofficial visits are unlimited and can be taken at any age and at most times throughout the year.

Unofficial visits will be a little different based on your age, desired division level and recruiting journey

There’s a lot to consider before you start planning your unofficial visits. How you plan your unofficial visits will be different depending on your goals for the visit, your age, and the division level of the school. If you’re visiting DII, DIII and NAIA schools, you won’t be impacted by recent NCAA recruiting rule changes—they are only applicable for DI schools. This means that, no matter your age, you can arrange the unofficial visit with the athletic department or coach, and you can speak with the coach while you’re on campus.

If you’re interested in visiting DI schools, you can’t arrange the visit with the athletic department—or talk about recruiting with the coach while you’re there—until August 1 of your junior year of high school. Men’s hockey can begin scheduling unofficial visits as early as January 1 of sophomore year.

If you’re an upperclassman visiting D1 schools, or a recruit visiting schools at the other division levels, you can use your unofficial visit as a chance to advance your recruiting with the coach at that school. To do so, you need to make sure that the schools you’re visiting offer real recruiting opportunities. Ask yourself each of the following questions before you set up the visit:

  • Have you already been communicating with the coach?

  • Has the coach approached you or your high school/club coach about setting up an unofficial visit?

  • Has the coach reviewed your academic information?

  • Has the coach seen your highlight video?

  • Have you reviewed the school’s information and determined that it might be the right fit for you?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, you’re in a great position. Most importantly, you want to ensure that you have been in communication with the college coach. You don’t want to waste your time visiting a school that may not be a realistic recruiting opportunity for you.

Insider Tip: There are a few different ways unofficial visits can “pay for themselves.” First, schedule back-to-back visits with schools that are located close to each other. Second, set up visits with schools in cities you’re already visiting. For example, if you have a tournament in the Kansas City area, consider visiting the University of Kansas in Lawrence if you have been in communication with that coach.

What happens on an unofficial visit

While every school is a little bit different, most coaches will take some time to speak with you and your parents/guardians about the school and their athletic program. Come prepared with questions for the coach and use this opportunity to get them answered. Then, the coach may take you on a tour of the athletic facilities. The rest of the time will be up to you to arrange a tour of the campus and possibly meet with an academic adviser. You and your family may also be invited to attend a home sporting event.

While unofficial visits are a great way to get to know a coach and the athletic program better, they also give you a chance to really experience the college campus. Can you picture yourself living there for four years?

How to schedule unofficial visits

To schedule unofficial visits, you will want to choose which campuses you would like to visit most, pick out free days to make your visits, and then contact coaches directly to schedule your unofficial visits.

Below we expand on our tips for how to schedule unofficial visits with college coaches:

  • Brainstorm which campuses you would like to visit most. Most athletes cannot afford to go on multiple unofficial visits across the country. Therefore, think about 2-3 campuses that you would like to visit that are either within driving distance or a quick flight away.

  • Look at your calendar and pick out some free days. Once you have picked out some free days that you and your guardian(s) are able to go on unofficial visits, try to pair visits together.

  • Contact the coaches and schedule unofficial visits. If NCAA rules prohibit coaches from emailing you back or calling you back, then it is time to pick up the phone. Call coaches on the phone and speak to them directly about scheduling an unofficial visit. Remember, if they do not pick up then keep calling back!

Although the recruiting process becomes more serious for juniors and seniors in high school, it is never too early to tour campuses and meet coaches in person.

The more unofficial visits you take, the more likely you will be able to get a sense of the school, team, and coaches. Unofficial visits are a free pass to gain insight into how you feel about coaches and their program as well as how coaches feel about you.

Questions to ask the coach during your unofficial visit

When you go on your unofficial visit, one of your top priorities should be to ask the coach any questions you have about the school and the program. Before you go, write down your questions and keep adding to the list throughout your visit. Here are some examples of questions you might want to ask:

  • What are the athletic and academic requirements?

  • What kind of academic support does the athletic program offer?

  • What commitments do you expect from athletes in the off-season or during holidays?

  • What is your coaching and training style?

  • Will I be able to meet any current athletes?

  • What are the training facilities like?

  • What are you looking for in a recruit?

After your unofficial visit: the coach follow-up

When you get home, write the coach a “thank you” note. Tell the coach what you liked about the school and thank them for their time. This shows the coach that you are a thoughtful, courteous athlete, and it will keep you top-of-mind as the coach works on creating their roster.

Have you set foot on a college campus via an unofficial visit?

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Where are you on your recruiting journey?

If you're a 2025/26 athlete and starting to feel uneasy about the lack of interest, it's time to take action. Remember, most schools will have their rosters locked at 28 players by 2025 and 2026. This means players could face cuts or decommitments due to limited roster spaces. Don't wait until it's too late—email me now to schedule your free 20-minute analysis and get ahead in your recruiting process.

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About: Steve Coxon College Soccer Network

Steve has 20 years of college-level experience, 17+ years in D1 as the Head Recruiter. He has facilitated more than $30 million in college scholarships.

Location - Connecticut, USA