YOUR ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
WHY USE A SCHOLARSHIP AGENCY
U.S. UNIVERSITY LEAGUES
SOCCER ASSIST: HOW IT WORKS
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

As a student-athlete you must realise that your academics and soccer are of equal importance, however, your student commitments must be your top priority.

Regardless of your athletic ability, if your academia is not of standard, coaches are less likely to grant you a scholarship.

Each international applicant must be a high school graduate meeting the university grade requirements. In addition, each applicant from non-English speaking countries, must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). These exams measure your ability to use and understand English at university standard.

The majority of the universities in the U.S expect applicants to take the SAT/ACT exam, which will evaluate which university tier you are suitable for. The various sport divisions such as: NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA also evaluate these results.

Please use the below links to check your eligibility for the NCAA & NAIA associations:
http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/international-student-athletes
https://www.playnaia.org/page/intldirectory.php

Soccer Assist

WHY USE A SCHOLARSHIP AGENCY?

Applying independently has its risks:

Understanding the PRocess

Lack of knowledge regarding the process may lead you to make bad decisions.

NEGOTIATING THE SCHOLARSHIP 

You may not be able to negotiate with coaches effectively, to determine the right scholarship for you.

SUPPORT AND ADVICE

Unfamiliarity of the university you are interested in, may lead to selecting the wrong university for you.

U.S COACHES

U.S coaches are known to work with credible agencies when selecting student-athletes.

WHERE YOU WILL COMPETE

What are the different university leagues?

There are approximately 3000 universities/colleges in the U.S, in various locations, at different levels of athletics, and at different costs.

NCAA DIVISION

Many people dream of playing U.S college soccer at this level as it is known to be the most established division. The calibre of athletes range from academy to national players. There are many regulations including the number of international students they are permitted to have on their rosters. Secondly, academic requirements are high and therefore eligibility for this division may be difficult.

 

Student athletes normally start off playing at NJCAA or NAIA before transferring to a NCAA college. During this time, students have the platform to establish themselves, build up their statistics whilst proving they can compete at a collegiate standard. This can take up to 2 years.

THE FACTS
  • 3 Divisions within the NCAA. Div I, II, III
  • 1,759 male and female college soccer teams compete within the NCAA Division.

NAIA DIVISION

NAIA colleges normally recruit many international students in comparison to other collegiate divisions. However, coaches may not offer a large scholarship to new international athletes. There is a chance that a student-athletes scholarship may eventually increase over the years, if the athlete performs well for the team.

 

If the student-athlete has intentions of competing at a professional standard, this is a suitable league; as scouts realise the potential talent of international athletes and observe many of these games.

THE FACTS
  • 376 male and female college soccer teams within the NAIA.
  • 10,284 athletes competing in total.

NJCAA DIVISION

Soccer Assist believes the NJCAA should not be overlooked, as many success stories have started their careers from Junior/Community colleges. NJCAA colleges are initially cheaper compared to NCAA and NAIA.

 

NJCAA colleges are only 2 years long – then students transfer to a 4-year institute (NCAA or NAIA) to complete their final two years.

THE FACTS
  • 298 college soccer teams in NJCAA.
  • Approximately 8,787 athletes playing soccer in the NCJAA.

THE PROCESS

HOW IT WORKS

We advise potential student-athletes to begin their application process 8-36 months in advance.

Discovery Call

This call allows us to understand your ambitions, academic background and university preferences. Our experienced consultants are on hand to walk you through the U.S process and answer any questions. We will also provide an overview about costs, how scholarships work and the next steps.

Once you fill in an application form (link to application page) please provide a suitable time to call. We do advise at least one parent to be present during the call. In the meantime please read through the information on our website and prepare any questions in advance.

Assessment

This allows us to evaluate your sporting ability and assess your suitability for the U.S route. Once you have applied, the next step is to reserve your place at an upcoming assessment day (£100 fee applies).

Identify and Commit

Once you have been assessed, we will inform you of your outcome within 48 working hours. Upon your success, you will have a “Identify” call explaining the next steps.

You will then have 7 days to return the player contract for the service to begin.

Profile

A member of the placement team will contact you to find out your preferences and inform you of the following steps. We will then create a player portfolio, which we will use to promote you to U.S coaches.

Prior to the phone call, please have a think about the following points:

  • Yearly budget (tuition, food, accommodation)
  • Preferred locations (3 states)
  • Preferred Degree
  • Citizenship
  • SAT/TOEFL exam
  • High school grades
  • Interests
  • Any further questions you may have regarding a U.S scholarship

Offers

Soccer Assist athletes typically receive between 3-7 different scholarship offers. Relevant information regarding each university will be provided by the Soccer Assist placement team. You will then be put in direct contact with U.S coaches who have expressed interest in your abilities.

This will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Once you have selected your preferred university, you will be required to sign a letter of intent. This means that you agree to attend that university for 1 year and cannot change your mind and opt for any other.

SAT / Eligibility / VISA

An important part of the scholarship process is achieving a good SAT score

(click here for more information to do with SAT – LINK to blog post). Securing a SAT score of over 1100 will gain you acceptance into many universities. This test assesses your academic potential through reading, writing and mathematics. Soccer Assist athletes will be provided with SAT preparation pack and online revision material. We advise student- athletes to take the test 12-24 months in advance, to attain their highest score possible. There is an unlimited number of re-sit options with this exam.

If students enrol into a NCAA or NAIA institution, you are required to go through the Clearinghouse process. This is an essential step in becoming eligible to play college sports in the U.S.

Prior to your journey to the U.S you have to be granted a F-1 Student VISA. This will grant you permission to study in the U.S for the period of your college career. Once accepted by your chosen university, the admission team will provide you with the I-20 which will allow you to apply for the F-1 Student VISA.

A VISA process video will be sent to each client, detailing what to expect and take to the VISA interview.

Preparation Camp (Soccer Assist Only)

Prior to departing to the U.S, Soccer Assist provides an intensive 4 week training camp which ensures that you are physically fit and ready to perform once in the U.S. For 4 weeks you will train as a professional by receiving over 20 hours per week of technical, tactical, physical and psychological training. For us this is essential because we expect our clients to hit the ground running in America and make a name for themselves. We do not want our players sitting on the bench!

Depart to the U.S

Now it’s time for you to pack your bags and get ready for the best 4 years of your life. At this point, you are assigned a placement executive, who will support you throughout your journey.

All costs below are subject to change.

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER

The following are a list of costs that are not included within Soccer Assist’s service fee that may be worth consideration. Please note, that not all will be applicable to you:

UNIT AND APPROX PRICE

Flights to the U.S

£400 – £600

The SAT Exam

£78

F1 Student VISA

$360

Health Insurance

$300 – $600

NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Centre

$135

Social Costs

£TBC

High School Evaluation

$160

TOEFL

$160

Tuition & Fees

£TBC

Financial Documentation

£TBC

Every U.S college/university requires each enrolling student-athlete to provide proof of support during your time of study (financial eligibility/certified bank statement).

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TO THE U.S. WITH SOCCER ASSIST

Still have some questions?

REQUEST A CALL BACK

Our consultants are on hand to guide you every step of the way, we endeavour to contact all enquiries within 24 hours.

Phone: +44 (0) 1908 470 523
EMAIL: [email protected]

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