For many families, the dream of playing college soccer begins with youth soccer. But the
college recruitment process can feel overwhelming especially for parents navigating it for the
first time. At BWP Football Academy in Albany, NY, we’ve helped countless athletes
successfully move from elite youth soccer to the college level over the last 29 years.
If your child has aspirations of competing beyond competitive club and high school soccer,
here’s what every parent should know about college soccer recruitment in New York.
1. You Can Start the Process Early, but Realize Extending Your Runway May
Give You the Best Choices
Recruitment often begins earlier than families expect. Many college coaches start tracking
players during their sophomore year of high school, especially at the school’s ID training centers
and video/film of matches from showcase events. Parents should encourage their child to build
an athletic and academic profile. At BWP FA, we guide players and families on how to take
ownership of their own collegiate recruitment entry process, create and share highlight videos,
soccer résumés, and communication strategies. Far from perfect, but the reality is quite simple,
let your school work and soccer performance give you as many choices as possible.
2. Academics Matter Just as Much as Athletics
College coaches are looking for complete student-athletes. GPA, sometimes SAT/ACT scores,
and a strong academic record can be the deciding factor in whether an athlete receives an offer
or is admissible. Encourage your student-athlete to balance their commitment to soccer with
classroom performance.
3. Exposure Is Key
Competing at the highest levels of youth soccer makes a huge difference. As part of the ECNL
Regional League in the Northeast, BWP FA student-athletes regularly play in front of college coaches at nationally recognized events. The more exposure your child has is connected to the opportunities they could receive, but keep in mind it will always be about your student-athlete’s competence in play, attitude and ability to influence the game at the college level.
4. Communication Goes a Long Way
Parents can play a supporting role, but coaches want to hear from the student-athletes
themselves. Support your student-athlete by encouraging them to email coaches, introduce
themselves, and provide updates on their progress and schedules. A proactive approach can
help them stand out in a crowded recruiting field. Remember, a prospective student-athlete does
not have much in common with the adult college coach…be mindful and real. Do your
homework about the school and all it has to offer. Relationships take time. One of the great
ways to build a relationship is to first know this, understand this – be yourself.
5. Every Pathway Is Different
Some players are recruited by Division I programs, while others thrive at Division II, III, NAIA
schools or Junior colleges (JuCos). What matters most is finding the right fit academically,
athletically, and socially. At BWP FA, we help families navigate this process so players find the
best home to continue their soccer journey.
6. Do You Need to Pay a Recruiting Service or Agency
This is a personal choice, but as one college coach stated, I prefer to have a player own their
process and want to come to the school I work at, rather than be shopped around to many
different schools. As nerve-wracking and daunting as this process may seem, keeping it simple
and being transparent about your personal process will help to forge your ultimate choice. Keep
in mind any college coach wants to coach players who want to be there at that school, and who
want to continue to grow as a player and person.
Why BWP Football Academy?
For nearly three decades, BWP Football Academy has been one of the leading youth soccer
academies in Albany and Upstate New York, providing players with a clear pathway to the
next level. Our commitment to technical development, character building, and exposure to
college programs has helped hundreds of student-athletes achieve their goals. Over the years,
the Club has been fortunate to have had many talented collegiate coaches from all NCAA
Divisions – I, II and III.
If your child is serious about playing college soccer, partnering with the right academy makes all
the difference.
Learn more about our programs and recruitment support: Join BWP Football Academy
share this post