In Today’s Edition

Navagating the Digital Age: How to use Social Media to get recruited.

Poll: How comfortable are you about a coach checking all your Social Media accounts?

Boost Your Success Rate: Are Your Social Media Accounts Jeopardizing Your Recruiting Opportunities?

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How to use Social Media to communicate with college soccer coaches to get recruited

by Charles LaCalle

Over the past decade, social media upended the way colleges recruit soccer players. Before the rise of social media, high school coaches were the gatekeepers for college coaches to learn about the top players. Now, high school athletes use their own social profiles to interact with colleges and build 1-to-1 relationships with coaches and staff members at their dream schools.

“Potential recruits who are active on social media are 2x more likely to receive a scholarship offer than similarly rated players who are not active.” – University of Iowa

But for all the success stories of players getting recruited using social media, there are also horror stories of high school players posting inappropriate content that results in colleges rescinding offers. Here are some tips for using social media effectively for college soccer recruiting. 

Choose Your Social Networks Carefully

Players should carefully consider where they want to devote their time. Instagram and Twitter are the most popular networks for college coaches, who use these platforms to market their programs and showcase what their athletes are doing. So we recommend setting up profiles on Facebook and Twitter at a minimum. A whopping 98% of US universities have Facebook pages, while 84% are active on Twitter. 

Do you have the time and skills to edit videos and have a knack for social media? Many youth soccer players are going viral on newer social channels like TikTok, but these newer platforms are still somewhat foreign territory for recruiters, and fewer coaches are using these platforms to find players. 

Build a Profile Dedicated to Your Soccer Skills, Not Your Social Life 

High school soccer players should create a professional Instagram account specifically for college coaches. There are two primary reasons for creating social media profiles for college recruiting:

1. To showcase your soccer skills. 

2. To prove to college coaches that you can be a positive role model and a team player. 

College coaches do not want to see your vacation photos, your latest outfit, or your embarrassing moments. Put those on your “finsta,” and make those moments private.  If a college coach searches your name, they should immediately find your dialed-in soccer account, not the account you use to impress your friends. 

Read the full article

Are Your Social Media Accounts Jeopardizing Your Recruiting Opportunities?

Did you know: 

1. College coaches DO follow you on social media?

2. Some coaches will stop recruiting athletes based on posts?

3. College coaches know how to find your “other” accounts?

4. Nothing is really deleted from social media?

The bottom line is: coaches are always watching. If you posted things in your past, even before you began the recruiting process, coaches can still find that information. Your best bet is to post as if your next opportunity is right around the corner. part of the picture or not.

Keep It Clean

College coaches have dropped student athletes who use profanity on social media accounts, even slang profanity. Many college coaches don’t allow certain swear words in practices or around their programs. A bunch of words, even spelled in symbols, may cause you to be dropped from a recruiting list. It’s best just to avoid profanity.

Watch Who You Like and What You Share

When coaches follow you on social media, then everyone you share, like, and know is also followed. I know coaches who have dropped student athletes from lists, not just because of what they are posting but also because of what their classmates, friends, teammates, or parents are posting. Be careful what and who you like and what you share.

Be Careful When Posting Pictures With Others

When you post pictures, make sure you double-check the location of the pictures as well as who is in the picture with you. Standing next to someone at a party who is partaking in underage drinking or worse could get you in trouble later. Hand gestures or symbols by friends in pictures could reflect poorly on you. Coaches don’t scour your pictures, but if something stands out, it could be the difference between you and the next person on their recruiting list.

Read the full article here

Join the College Soccer Network: Your Guide Through the Recruiting Process

Navigating the college recruiting timeline can be incredibly confusing. Misinformation spreads quickly, leading to poor decisions and, ultimately, frustration and disappointment.

When should you start? The earlier, the better, but it’s never too late to take action. Our College Soccer Network offers comprehensive support and guidance throughout the entire recruiting process. We’re here to help you understand the timeline, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize your opportunities to play soccer at the collegiate level.

We are currently reviewing qualified players and will be accepting 5 qualified candidates for the month of August. July is now Sold Out!
Interested? Book your FREE 20-Minute consultation and explore your college pathway. Simply send an email to [email protected]

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