At Eastside FC, we’re here to support and guide our players through the college recruiting journey, but ultimately, it’s a player-driven process. Every athlete’s path is unique, and success in recruiting often comes from taking personal initiative, staying organized, and being proactive in communication with college coaches.

While the club isn’t responsible for securing college offers, we play an active role in helping players navigate the process. This includes providing educational resources, offering one-on-one advising, hosting college ID events, and giving feedback on highlight videos and outreach strategies. Our coaches and staff are available to advocate for players, answer questions, and help families make informed decisions every step of the way.

We’re committed to helping each player pursue their goals—whether that’s playing at the next level or simply finding the right college fit.

Very important. Even if you’re talented, coaches need players who qualify academically for their school. Strong grades and test scores make you a safer recruit and can also help with academic scholarships.

Ideally, start by freshman or sophomore year. Early on, focus on academics, skill development, and building a highlight reel. The actual contact and exposure to coaches usually picks up around sophomore/junior year.

Each offers different levels of athletic and academic commitment, financial aid options, and recruiting timelines. Understanding the distinctions helps players identify the best fit:

• Division I: Highest athletic level, most competitive recruiting.

• Division II: Competitive, but often a better balance of sports, academics, and social life.

• Division III: No athletic scholarships, but strong academics and other financial aid options.

• NAIA: Separate governing body with good opportunities, often smaller schools.

• NJCAA: Junior colleges—great for player development and transferring to a 4-year school.

Yes. ECNL showcases and league games are highly attended by college coaches, and ECNL players are viewed as competing at a top national level.

Players should proactively reach out to coaches via email, include highlight video links, attend ID camps, and perform well in ECNL games and showcases. U16-U19 Eastside FC players have access to SportsRecruits, a recruiting tool, as part of their club experience.

A brief, personalized note that includes your name, grad year, position, club/team, upcoming game schedule, GPA, and video links. Always address the coach by name and mention why you're interested in their program.

Sometimes, but not often. Most recruiting happens at club tournaments, showcases, ID camps, and college-hosted events where coaches know they can see a lot of talent in one place.

An Identification (ID) camp is an event where players showcase their skills to college coaches. Some are hosted by a single school, others by multiple schools. It’s a chance to get seen, but also to experience the coach’s style and campus environment.

At Eastside FC, we call our ID camps, College Combines.

No. NCAA rules limit when and how coaches can reach out directly—often not until June 15 after sophomore year for D1 and D2. Before then, you can email them, but they can only respond with general info or through your club coach.

Yes—most coaches want to see film before committing to watch you play in person. Keep it short (3–5 minutes), focus on your strengths, and use clear labeling for yourself in each clip.

This varies widely. Even with scholarships, most players pay something. Factor in tuition, housing, meals, travel, and gear. Division I offers more scholarships, but very few athletes are on a “full ride.”

Scholarship amounts depend on the school, your ability, and how much funding the program has. Many soccer scholarships are partial—covering a percentage of tuition or fees. Academic aid often fills the gap.

Coaches like versatile players, but they often recruit for specific needs. If you’re strong in multiple positions, mention them, but be clear about your primary position.

Yes—coaches do check social media. Keep it positive, professional, and soccer-related. Avoid anything that could raise red flags.

After Sept. 1 of junior year (D1), schools can invite you for an official visit, where they cover some expenses. You can take up to 5 official visits (one per school). You can also take unlimited unofficial visits at your own expense.

It’s a binding agreement between you and a school stating you’ll attend and play there in exchange for athletic aid. Once signed, recruiting from other schools usually stops.

It’s a database that allows current college athletes to announce they’re open to transferring. Coaches use it to find experienced players. It’s becoming more common in college soccer.

No—choose events strategically based on where your target schools recruit. Attending random events without the right coaches present is a waste of time and money.

Keep an open mind. Many players end up at schools they hadn’t considered initially and have great experiences. Fit—academically, socially, and athletically—is more important than name recognition.