The road to securing soccer scholarships in America for Australian students has never been easier. Moving to the USA on a soccer scholarship has allowed me to experience living the life of a professional football player while earning a degree for the last four years.

Beyond this, it has allowed me to play in front of thousands of fans and experience life in three different U.S. states. As I near the end of my college career, I would happily relive it all over again.

For expert soccer scholarship support, follow @jmc_recruiting on Instagram or email me

How to Get Soccer Scholarships in America for Australian Students

The simplest way to get a scholarship is by creating a professional, credible recruiting profile that showcases both your athletic and academic strengths. As an international player, standing out to college coaches can be challenging, especially without existing connections. That’s where preparation and presentation make all the difference.

By building a strong highlight video, a well-structured player profile, and clear communication with coaches, you can stand out even without an agency behind you. I’ve been through the full process myself, from sending my first emails to earning a scholarship and competing across multiple college divisions in the U.S., and I now help players do the same through CSI Insight+.

If you’re serious about playing college soccer, start early. Ideally, begin preparing your profile and video at least two years before heading to the States to maximize your options.

Not sure where to begin?
Message me on Instagram; @jmc_recruiting or email joseph@collegesoccerinsight.com.

Life as a collegiate soccer player

Following putting pen to paper, the excitement really starts. College soccer players are expected to arrive on campus for pre-season in the first week of August. Most coaches provide players with an off-season training program to ensure their players are in peak condition. The best part about the arrival period is there are no classes for the first fortnight – just soccer. You can expect two training sessions per day in this period without academic commitments.

The competitive season runs from August to November/December, depending on how far your side advances in post-season play. While in-season, you can expect to train every day, with a couple of games per week. You are officially entitled to one day off each week, usually on a Sunday. You will be expected to attend two or three daily classes as you balance your academic and athletic commitments. Depending on the school, you may also have a few weekly gym sessions on your calendar.

The spring semester (January-May) is the non-competitive season for college soccer. You will still play games, but usually only between four and six. There is a heavy emphasis on training during this period (weights and soccer). Coaches use the following semester (spring) to increase the number of gym sessions their players are put through. These months allow you to focus on academics and enjoy more downtime than in the fall.

Benefits of playing college soccer

College soccer players live the life of professional footballers. You can’t get closer to the daily life of a pro unless you are one. From daily training sessions on state-of-the-art pitches to round-the-clock care from physios, it’s a far cry from Sunday morning soccer. Unlike in Australia, the U.S. college sports system allows athletes to continue playing high-level sports while working towards a degree. Student-athletes can help pay for their education via their sporting talents.

Exposure – You will not believe the level of detailed stats in U.S. college sports. Every minute you play, shot you take and goal you score will be noted and available for everyone to see. Outstanding stats lead to post-season recognition awards, ideal to add to your sporting CV and crucial if you seek pro football post-college. Each game is live-streamed or recorded, allowing you to create your highlight video for personal use.

The full-time nature of collegiate soccer makes it the perfect place to develop your game in an environment you may not have access to at home. Each training session is competitive, as you compete against players who may be fighting for a scholarship to pay for their education. Players from top-level academies and ex-youth internationals ensure the level is higher than expected.

Want expert help on your U.S. college recruitment journey?

Message me on Instagram; @jmc_recruiting or email joseph@collegesoccerinsight.com.