College Bound Program

Fort Worth United Soccer Club, Fort Worth's' oldest and largest competitive soccer club, provides its members with extensive college recruitment assistance.  In this area of the web site (parts of which are secured for member access only), you'll find materials to assist you in your college recruitment endeavors including schedules for College Bound events (e.g. guest speakers, workshops), tips on securing a college scholarship from real college coaches, instructions to guide you through the entire recruitment process, a complete checklist of tasks, samples and templates for written and email communications, and more.

College Recruiting and Scholarships

Most players have two primary reasons for wanting to play after high school:

1. You know that scholarship money is available - especially abundant for players in North Texas.
2. You desire to play at the next level of Soccer

You must consider these other reasons as well, because at many schools:

1. Athletes get early class registration, allowing them the best chance of getting the classes they want.
2. Free tutoring and help with your classes is provided through the athletic department.
3. You may get first pick of the dorm rooms, if you are a fall athlete, since you arrive to school early to train.
4. Your participation in soccer may make the difference in whether you are accepted to the university or not.

The Importance of Grades

An often misunderstood criteria for scholarship acquisition, and one that produces never ending benefits - is the critical importance of your grades.  Players with high grades will be much more likely to be awarded a scholarship than a player with lower grades.  This is especially important for boys, who have less soccer scholarship money available.  Read through the Fort Worth United College Bound information carefully and you will discover how grades affect the scholarship process.  Remember the following:

1. Often an academic scholarship is awarded over or in conjunction with a athletic scholarship.
2. There are distinct advantages to receiving an academic scholarship over a athletic scholarship (for both the university and the student).
3. At NCAA Division III schools, where scholarship rules differ greatly from Division I and Division II schools, academic scholarships are often given to athletes.
4. High grade point averages are desirable to the colleges - if the grade point average is high enough, the scholarship essentially becomes a "free scholarship" for the college coach.
5. Colleges may renew athletic scholarships on a yearly basis but academic scholarships are typically given for the life of the student's studies.

Preparation is Critical

It is vitally important that you choose a college that provides you with the school experience you want.  It does not help anyone for you to get a great scholarship to a school that doesn’t have the major course of study you want, or is not a place where you are happy.  Once you have found the right school, remember that coaches prefer to pursue soccer players that have expressed serious interest in their school.

1. The more contacts you make, the more possibilities you will have - play the numbers!
2. Prepare academically (see above).
3. Show your soccer ability in as many ways and places as you can.
4. Complete all administrative paperwork correctly and turn them in on time.  If your paperwork is incomplete with NCAA, the coach will be forced to consider other candidates and you might lose your chance for admission, financial support and/or time on the field.
5. Develop contact with potential coaches.  All phone calls and email should be returned promptly.
6. Follow up on all contacts that you make.  Document each contact.
7. Persistence pays off!

Be aware that NCAA rules change from time to time.  Visit www.ncaa.org to brush up on the latest rules. Order your free copy of the “Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete”.  Dates found in the College Bound section of this site are subject to change by the NCAA and it is your responsibility to keep up to date with NCAA dates and requirements.