Soccer
College soccer in the USA differs significantly in structure from that in Europe. For example, in college sports, teams do not change divisions through promotion and relegation, but generally remain in the same divisions. One of the reasons for this is, for example, the size of the school and the number of available sports scholarships per team. If you add up all the teams from the two athletic associations (NCAA & NAIA) there are over 1,200 different teams and schools.
Soccer Season
Normally, the football season is held in the fall semester, that is, from August to December. During this time, games are played weekly, with intensive training taking place at the same time. The season ends for most teams with the Conference Tournament in mid-November, a championship played against teams from the same conference. The winners of each conference and the highest-ranked teams in the nation then compete for the title at the national championships in the following weeks.
In the spring semester, however, there are no competitive games. This time is therefore used for intensive training to build up fitness and condition. From February on, some friendly matches will be scheduled as well.
Practice
College soccer in the USA differs significantly in structure from that in Europe. For example, in college sports, teams do not change divisions through promotion and relegation, but generally remain in the same divisions. One of the reasons for this is, for example, the size of the school and the number of available sports scholarships per team. If you add up all the teams from the two athletic associations (NCAA & NAIA) there are over 1,200 different teams and schools.
Requirements
The sporting requirements for a soccer scholarship in the USA are not clearly defined. Since the college coaches award the scholarships, not only simple rankings are interesting for them, but also school grades, personality, age, individual potential, teamwork, individual strengths and past successes. The fact is that only amateur players are eligible to play in the American college leagues.
These classifications refer to the Swiss league system and are a rough estimation of the football level.
NCAA Division I
Men: 1st league and higher
Women: 1st league and higher
NCAA Division II
Men: 2nd league and higher
Women: 2nd league and higher
NAIA / NJCAA
Men: 2nd league and higher
Women: 2nd league and higher
Soccer professionals, who successfully played college soccer
Zach Steffen - University of Maryland / Manchester City
Matt Hedges - University of North Carolina / FC Dallas
DeAndre Yedlin - Akron University / Galatasaray Istanbul
Cyle Larin - University of Connecticut / Besiktas Istanbul
Jordan Morris - Stanford University / Seattle Sounders
Next steps
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