So You Want To Play College Soccer? - Highlight Videos: Your First Step to Getting Recruited!

100+ Female Athletes Commit to Northeast Schools for the class of 2027!

Welcome to our essential weekly blog series on college recruitment! Whether you're just beginning your journey or are already deep into the process, this series is designed with you in mind. We'll delve into crucial topics like crafting an impressive highlight video, developing a strategic college list, and mastering the art of securing scholarships. Regardless of where you stand, our series is filled with essential tips and guidance to propel you towards success. Join us every week as we equip you with the insights and tools necessary to confidently navigate the recruitment landscape. 

In Today’s Edition

  • Highlight Videos: Your First Step to Getting Recruited

  • 100+ Athletes Committed for 27: What's Your CSN Score?

Highlight Videos: Your First Step to Getting Recruited!

Why Start with a Highlight Video?

One of the first questions student-athletes and their families have is, “Where do I start with the recruiting process?” The answer is simple: your highlight video.

It's never too early to start documenting your progress. Recruiting profiles with highlight videos get over 10 times more traffic than those without. College coaches are busy and can’t make it to every game, but a well-crafted video brings your skills directly to them. Remember, you want to show your potential, your unique moments, and make it easy for coaches to see why you’d be an asset.

11 Tips for an Impactful Highlight Video

1. Get the Cameras Rolling Early

Start filming as soon as you enter high school, capturing footage from both school and club games. Start recording early and often—those unforgettable game-winning goals or last-second clearances can happen at any time. The more you film, the more great moments you’ll have to choose from for your highlight reel.

2. Include the Right Footage

Balance your video with real game action and technical skills that matter most to coaches.

  • Gameplay Footage: Capture big moments—goals, assists, crucial tackles, or last-minute game-saving clearances.

  • Technical Skills: Show drills that feature ball control, shooting, passing, or defensive awareness.

3. Keep It Fast-Paced & All Action

Think of your highlight video as a movie trailer. Make every moment count—coaches want to see your best, so keep the action moving fast and engaging. You want the coach to want to see more.

4. Feature Your Best Clips First

The opening 20-30 seconds are crucial. Start with your strongest plays to grab attention and set the tone for the rest of your video.

5. Use Arrows and Spot Shadows

Make it easy for coaches to spot you on the field. Simple visual cues, like an arrow or a spot shadow, help draw attention to you just before each play.

6. Demonstrate a Range of Skills

Showcase your versatility by including clips that highlight defensive work, passing, leadership, and workrate.

7. Specific Tips for Defenders

If you play at the back, emphasize clean tackles, interceptions, aerial duels, and composure under pressure. Also, show how you distribute the ball after winning possession.

8. Focus on High-Quality Production

Clear, stable video is essential. Avoid shaky, blurry footage—quality visuals should always put your skills front and center.

9. Avoid Over-Editing

Let your ability shine—skip flashy transitions and distracting effects. If you need background music to cover wind noise or sideline yelling, keep it simple and unobtrusive. Stick with clean edits and a straightforward presentation.

10. Don’t Narrate What You’re Doing

No need to explain each move or play (“here I pass to split the defenders”)—coaches know the game and can see your intentions. Trust the footage to speak for itself.

11. Include Key Information

Start with a title screen—name, school, jersey number, position, graduation year, and contact info. Add stats or key achievements if you have them.

You can also watch highlight videos from other successful recruits for inspiration. The best examples are organized, easy to follow, and clearly mark who to watch in each clip.

Common Questions from Parents

How many videos should we create?

Start with one “best of” video showcasing your top moments. Over time, create more reels sorted by age, teams, or special events so coaches can track your progress.

How often should we update the videos?

Anytime you have a new standout play or improved footage, update your video—this shows growth and commitment to your development.

Should we hire a professional video editing service?

If you don’t have the time or ability to edit, consider hiring a service. Soccer Spotlight Video, run by ex-D1 player Jack Burridge, can turn your full-game footage or specific timestamps into polished highlight videos.

Another option is Fiverr—just search for "soccer video editing" to find affordable editors. Whichever route you choose, review samples, read feedback, and don’t be afraid to ask questions before committing—this helps ensure you get a video that truly shows your player at their best.

Conclusion

A standout highlight video is your handshake with a college coach—it’s what gets you noticed and remembered. Keep it action-packed, concise, and professional, just like the trailer to a must-see movie. Use these tips to get started, show your potential, and get those cameras rolling from the start.



Get Expert Guidance for Your Soccer Journey

Have more questions about the recruitment process? Don’t tackle them alone. Schedule a free 15-minute Zoom call with Steve who can provide you with personalized support and a clear direction forward.

Join us as we empower you to take charge of your recruitment and turn your dreams into reality

🎯 Stop Wasting Time and Money on the Wrong Schools! What’s your CSN Score?

Alert: College Rosters in Green Could Be Full for 2027

Your CSN # is the key to understanding which colleges are the perfect fit for your athletic and academic profile. It’s a precise measure that helps identify schools that recruit players with your unique resume and skills.

🚨 102 female athletes have already committed to 41 North East colleges for the class of 2027, with CSN Numbers ranging from 30 to 90. (Schools such as Syracuse, Cornell and Penn State have probably already filled their 2027 rosters!)

We've developed an algorithm that accurately predicts the types of schools that will recruit you based on your personal CSN number and each college’s CSN profile. 

Want to join them? Knowing your CSN # puts you on the path to achieving your college athletics goals and finding a school that values you.

📊 Discover where YOU stand and uncover the best opportunities waiting for you.

The CSN # (College Soccer Network Number) is your personalized recruiting tool to focus your efforts on the right colleges.

Why Get Your CSN?

✅ Target Schools with Laser Focus
Identify colleges that recruit players with similar profiles.

✅ Save Time and Money
Avoid camps and schools that aren’t a fit.

✅ Data-Driven Recruiting
Understand where you stand and what to aim for.

Take Control of Your Journey

Sign up for your CSN # today and focus on schools that match your soccer resume.

👉 Click here to activate your CSN # and start targeting the right schools today! After you purchase, you'll get an email from us requesting a bit of information—once received, we'll send you your personalized number within 24 hours.

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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