Soccer

Over 2,000 universities in the United States offer soccer (football) scholarships to guys and girls who would like to combine soccer and studies. Playing college soccer in the U.S. is the perfect way to improve your game, become stronger mentally and physically, build a network of international friends and earn a respected university degree that will lay the foundation for a successful career, whether on or off the field.

Every year, more and more college soccer players make the transition into the Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the States, or other professional leagues throughout the world.

How does college soccer work?

College soccer differs from “regular” soccer in a couple of aspects of the game. Firstly, you don’t play for a club, but you represent your university’s team.

Each team consist of 20-25 players who compete against other universities in their conference league. All teams try to qualify for the national tournament, in which the top 48 college teams of the country are represented.

College soccer games last a regular 90 minutes and are played in two 45-minute halfs. However, instead of a clock counting up to 90 minutes, in college soccer, the clock is counting down. Therefore, it is allowed to make substitutions continuously throughout the second half, which causes the games to be very physical and played in a high tempo.

Slamstox soccer players in the US

Slamstox has placed a variety of men’s and women’s soccer players at American universities. Some have played at the highest national level such as Lieske Carleer (Arizona State and Dutch national U19 team), some have played at local or regional amateur clubs. Our players are competing across the US, form California to Florida to New York City!

College soccer fun facts

Did you know that..

• In 2023, 137 players with NCAA experience participated in the soccer World Championships for women.
• Both the MLS (men’s professional soccer league) and the NWSL (national women’s soccer league) organize try-outs for college seniors where professional coaches go to scout players to join their teams?
• In the United States, women’s soccer is more popular than men’s soccer, and the women’s national team performs substantially better than the men’s?
• Slamstox soccer specialist Wouter Verstraaten played for PSV, then transferred to University of the Pacific, played for the Portland Timbers, and subsequently finished his master’s degree in England? He is now playing professionally for South Shields.
• International student-athletes always have intense discussions with American students about whether the sport is called ‘soccer’ or ‘football.’ Consensus never seems to be met…
• Slamstox can help you get in touch with professional soccer agents to sign with European clubs?

The college soccer system is divided into multiple divisions across which over 2,000 university teams are represented. Therefore, the level of soccer varies from top amateur players and players in the national teams to players who play at the regional level.

Slamstox has found soccer scholarships for players such as Bob Groenendijk, who played for PSV’s junior team, as well as for regional level players such as Gianni Steijlen, who played in a lower ranked Dutch league.

Would you like to learn more about your opportunities? Fill out the form at the bottom of this page and we will see you soon!

Academic requirements

To play college soccer you have to graduate high school. Depending on your country and your academic background, we can select a university and a college soccer pathway that fits your academic standard.

American universities offer a wide range of courses catered towards different education levels. So, as long as you meet the requirements, we will be able to help you find a university that matches your level and your area of interest. Are you not sure whether you meet the requirements? Feel free to contact us.

Scholarships

Studying at an American university can cost up to $75,000 per year. However, almost all universities with a soccer team offer athletic (and academic) scholarships to cover these costs.

Slamstox helps you find scholarships so that your college soccer experience will be financially affordable. Some Slamstox players receive full scholarships, which means they do not have to pay anything for four years of college soccer and studies. Others receive partial scholarships that cover part of the total cost of attendance. Your scholarship depends on your athletic level, academic level, wishes and ambitions.

Read more about scholarships!

Slamstox guides you and your parents through the complete process of becoming a college soccer player and we help you find soccer and academic scholarships at a university in the United States.

We create your full (online) player profile and use our expansive network of over 2,000 college soccer coaches to find a university that matches your level, wishes and requirements.

Additionally, we create your college soccer recruiting video, organize tournaments, showcases and practices, and we help set up a personalized plan which will put you on the radar of college coaches who are looking for new players.

Slamstox organizes showcases for American coaches. During these events, American coaches visit The Netherlands to scout our talent.

Career opportunities after college soccer

After you finish your four years of college soccer, there are many different opportunities for you to pursue, either on or off the court. Some of the best college players choose a professional career, while others focus on a career in their field of study (business, healthcare, technology, politics, etc).

Did you know that Slamstox can help you find a job after your college career in the US? And that we help soccer players after their college careers to join professional clubs?

Would you like to learn more about us and what we do? Click here.