U.S. Soccer Scholarships 101: The Ultimate Guide for UK Athletes
- primusmarketing1
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
The Dream of Playing College Soccer in the U.S.
For many young footballers across the UK, earning a soccer scholarship in the United States is the ultimate opportunity, a chance to combine top-level sport with higher education while experiencing a completely different culture.
But while the idea sounds simple, the system behind it can feel confusing: divisions, governing bodies, scholarship types, eligibility rules… it’s a lot.
That’s why we’ve put together this complete guide to U.S. soccer scholarships, how they work, what they cover, what to expect, and how you can make it happen.
🇺🇸 The U.S. College Soccer System Explained
College soccer in the United States is divided into several governing bodies, each with different levels, rules, and scholarship opportunities:
Governing Body | Typical Number of Schools | Scholarships per Team | Key Notes |
NCAA Division I | ~200 men’s teams | 9.9 (split among roster) | Highest athletic level, top facilities, biggest athletic budgets |
NCAA Division II | ~200 men’s teams | 9.0 (split) | Strong athletic programs, slightly smaller schools |
NCAA Division III | ~400 men’s teams | 0 (no athletic scholarships) | Focus on academics; still high-level soccer, but financial aid is academic-based |
NAIA | ~200 men’s teams | 12 (split) | More flexible scholarship rules |
NJCAA (Junior Colleges) | ~220 men’s teams | 18 (split) | Two-year programs; great stepping stone to 4-year universities |
So altogether, there are over 1,200 men’s college soccer programs across the U.S. meaning there’s a level and fit for nearly every type of player.
What a U.S. Soccer Scholarship Actually Covers
A “full ride” is the dream, but most scholarships are partial meaning they cover a percentage of your total cost. The four main expense categories at U.S. colleges are:
Tuition & Fees – your academic costs
Room & Board – accommodation and meal plans
Books & Supplies
Other Costs – insurance, travel, etc.
A typical soccer scholarship might cover some (or all) of those categories.
For example:
80% scholarship = 80% of all costs paid
50% scholarship = half of your total costs paid
It’s common for internationals to have a mix of athletic and academic aid, depending on grades and test scores.
How Scholarships Are Split
Unlike sports like American football or basketball, where athletes often get full rides, soccer teams have to divide their scholarships among players.
For example, an NCAA D1 coach has 9.9 scholarships to allocate across a roster of 25–30 players.
So, a top player might get 75–90%, a strong starter 50–75%, and role players or freshmen 20–50%.
That’s why academics matter and if you have strong grades and test scores, a coach can combine your academic aid with athletic aid to make your total package bigger.
The Academic Side (What Coaches Look At Too)
U.S. universities care about more than just how well you play.
They’ll look closely at your academic record both to admit you and to determine how much scholarship money you can receive.
For international (UK) students, here’s what matters:
GCSEs / A-Levels / BTECs – These are converted into U.S. GPA (usually on a 4.0 scale).
GPA Target – Ideally 3.3 or higher (roughly a UK 6 or above average).
SAT / ACT (optional at some schools) – Some universities still use these for admissions or scholarships.
Coaches love players who can perform both on the pitch and in the classroom because strong academics help them save budget and show you can handle university life.
The Athletic Side
Athletic recruitment in U.S. soccer isn’t just about highlights it’s about proving you can compete at the college pace and physicality.
Coaches look for:
Technical quality – First touch, passing, control, game IQ
Physical readiness – Speed, strength, endurance
Consistency – Competing regularly at a strong level (men’s football is a huge advantage here)
Coachability – Your attitude, communication, and willingness to learn
One major myth: not every “Division I” team is world-class. There’s a big difference between the top 30 D1s and the rest. On any given day, a strong D2 or NAIA side can beat a mid-table D1.
The focus should always be on fit, not division name, finding the right environment where you’ll play, grow, and enjoy your experience.
The International Perspective
For UK (and international) players, the U.S. system is both exciting and complex.
Here’s what makes it different:
Visa Requirements – You’ll need an F-1 student visa, which your chosen school will sponsor once you’ve been accepted.
Cultural Adjustment – Expect a big but positive shift; campus life, class schedules, early morning training, and lots of travel.
Funding Differences – U.S. students can access loans and grants. Internationals can’t, unless they have a U.S. co-signer. So scholarships are even more vital.
Your budget matters. The larger it is, the more options you’ll have, especially in year one. But even with smaller budgets, there are pathways, often starting at JUCO before transferring up.
How the Recruitment Process Works
Build a strong profile – Highlight tape, academic info, and goals.
Identify target schools – Based on your playing level, degree interests, and location preferences.
Reach out to coaches – The key is personalization — not sending mass emails.
Coach evaluations & calls – Expect back-and-forth communication, sometimes video calls or requests for more footage.
Official offers – Scholarship packages are discussed directly with the coach.
Commitment & paperwork – Once agreed, you’ll receive an offer letter, then complete your visa and travel prep.
Common Misconceptions
“D1 is always best.” → False. There are elite programs at every level.
“Everyone gets full rides.” → False. Most scholarships are partial.
“You can just send emails to coaches.” → Not anymore. Recruitment is global and highly competitive — you need strategy.
“If I’m good enough, they’ll find me.” → Not true — you must be proactive and visible.
Bonus Tip: Work Ethic and Mindset
Coaches often say the biggest difference between success and failure isn’t talent — it’s mindset.Be humble, responsive, and professional.Your reputation travels fast in the college soccer network.
Why Work with PrimuS?
The U.S. recruitment system is complex, especially for international athletes trying to navigate time zones, coach communication, paperwork, and visas.
That’s where Primus comes in.
We’ve built a personalized, athlete-first model that simplifies the entire process:
Tailored school matching based on your goals and academics
Personal outreach to the right coaches, not just mass messages
Ongoing support — from your first highlight tape to graduation
Global opportunities — not just U.S., but Canada, UK, and beyond
Our mission is simple:
“To find the right fit for every athlete - academically, athletically, and personally.”
We’ve changed the process so athletes don’t just chase scholarships, they find their place.
🚀 Ready to start your journey?
Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to make the leap, Primus can help you navigate the U.S. scholarship world with confidence.
Comments