Athletic Recruitment Opportunities Understanding the pathways into the US College System
Continuing to play football beyond high school... When you come out of high-school you’re expected to make a decision: Go to university, get a job or pursue your football?
...if football is anywhere in your answer, these are your options: Sign a pro or semi-pro contract with an A-League or NPL team Many players quit, feeling like they never really got Fly to Europe and try your luck there their shot to make it. Balance university, work and amateur soccer while trying to get trials at pro clubs here in Australia
Employment Framework for A-League In the 2016/2017 season: 53% 2.4 34% 9.2% of A-League players are out is the average number of of players coming ofg of match minutes were of contract at the end of the years that players spent at contract were under the age played by players under 21 season their club of 22 All facts and statistics have been sourced by the offjcial PFA 16/17 A-League Report* The A-League is one of the most volatile labour markets in world football
Player Churn PERCENTAGE OF AGES OF THE PLAYERS players coming ofg contract coming ofg contract at the end of the 2016/17 season
Player Churn THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS used in each of the last fjve seasons The A-League continues to track poorly on consistent employment at individual clubs
The US Soccer System Tier 1 MLS (Major League Soccer) 23 teams, Eastern & Western Conference Tier 2 USL (United States League) 33 teams, Eastern & Western Conference Tier 3 PDL (Premier Development League - U23) 74 teams, 11 Conferences Tier 4 NPSL (National Premier Soccer League and other local leagues) Tier 5 NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Div. 1 and Div. 2
Facts to Consider in the US Soccer System 70 percent of all MLS draftees since 2010 have PDL experience, including a record 66 selections in 2018 There are 195 PDL alumni competing in MLS in 2018 and 320 in USL for a grand total of 515 active alumni Unlike Australia, the MLS relies on the superdraft to fjll the rosters of each and every club The PDL is not the only pathway into the MLS but it is proven pathway for elite college players The PDL season runs between May and July each year, this is the summer break for college players
Benefits to a US College Sports Scholarship... Train like Massive Earn a Compete with Playing in Opportunities Live the a pro in school fee distinguished and against front of to play for a American world-class reductions, college the best and thousands of PDL team in dream whilst facilities essentially degree in your brightest fans in college the summer making being paid fjeld of study international stadiums break in front friends and to play college of MLS scouts memories prospects that will last a (NCAA Div.1 & lifetime Div. 2)
How do I get recruited for a sports scholarship? There are many factors and requirements to be eligible for a US sports scholarship: Academic grades Sporting ability Efgective Marketing I20 VISA and F1 Waiver Amateurism Network and Contacts Many students risk their eligibility without the correct guidance and support through the recruitment process
US Case Studies of Pro and College Players Thomas Torzsok Rhys Lambert Andy Rose Kip Colvey Harrison Delbridge
Thomas Torzsok • Trainee contract at Brisbane Roar, later released • 100% scholarship at Lewis & Clark Community College (valued at $39,500 US) • Graduated with a Business Administration degree and an associates in science degree with Phi Theta Kappa honours • 100% scholarship at NCAA Div.1 college: Gardner-webb University (valued at $90,000 US) • BPL winner and Australia Representative in China • School record for longest rep (kick) for a live play fjeld goal (55 yards) • Final year of College paid for Degree and housing and football scholarship valued at $45,000 • Played trial games with Chicago Fire U23 in PDL
Rhys Lambert • 2014 QLD NPL Premiership Winner • 100% Athletic Scholarship to Montana State University (valued at $32,000 US per year) • Named captain of MSUB in 2015 • Successful trial at Seattle Sounders u23 PDL squad in 2016 • Studied Exercise Science & got internship opportunities with Seattle Sounders MLS sports science stafg • Various successful trials in England Conference North in 2017 • Currently awaiting a new US visa to return to MSUB • Hopes to pursue college coaching in 2019 with USL soccer on the West Coast
Andy Rose Australian born, 13/02/1990 • Tried his luck at Bristol City from age 14-18 before being released. • Paid his way to University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) then received a scholarship in his junior and senior year. (2008-2011) • Played in the Premier Development League (PDL) for Seattle Wolves in 2009 • Got drafted in 2012 by Real Salt Lake (sixth overall pick) and was traded immediately to the Seattle Sounders
Kip Colvey New Zealand born, 15/03/1994 • Spent all 4 years at California Polytechnic State Uni. 2012-2015 • Played PDL 2013-2014 for Ventura County Fusion • 49th overall pick in 2016 draft by San Jose Earthquakes • Transferred to Colorado Rapids • Out on loan to USL team Colorado Springs FC • Got a call up to New Zealand whilst at College
Harrison Delbridgew Australian born, 15/03/1992 • Played 4 years at Appalachian State University 2010-2013 • Played PDL for Carolina Rawlhawks • Signed professional contract in USL for Sacramento Rep. • 1 year with Portland Timbers 2 • Signed for FC Cincinnati made USL ALL-star team 2016 • Signed 3 year contract with Melbourne City FC
Express your Interest If playing college sports is something that might interest you. Fill in E.O.I form so one of our Recruitment Scouts can contact you and evaluate your eligibility. First name* Last name* Email* Mobile* spark-recruitment.com Spaces are limited, enrollment depends on academic studies and sporting ability
Thank you for your time, we welcome any questions?
Recommend
More recommend
