Recruiting is won years before the first email to a coach. These conversations cover what actually matters — from MLS academies to the college game — and the checklist below tells you what to do at each age.
The Recruiting Timeline
U13–U14 — Build the foundation
- Development comes first; no coach recruits a résumé at this age
- Establish a consistent individual training habit
- Start a simple highlight folder — save full match footage, don't edit yet
U15 — Get organized
- June 15 after sophomore year is when D1 coaches can contact players — know the date, work backward
- Build a target list of 20–30 schools across D1/D2/D3 based on academics first
- Create a 3–4 minute highlight video; lead with your best 5 clips
U16 — Make contact
- Email coaches before tournaments and showcases with your schedule, jersey number, and video link
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
- Attend ID camps only at schools that have already shown interest
U17–U18 — Decide
- Take unofficial and official visits; ask current players the hard questions
- Compare real offers in writing — scholarship money, roster spot, academic fit
- Have a backup plan you'd be happy with
Want help building your player's plan? Book a Soccer Family Consult →