What to Expect from U.S. College Soccer Preseason – And How the Season Works

Starting your college soccer career in the U.S. is an exciting, challenging, and life-changing step. Whether you're a local recruit or flying in from the UK, Canada, or elsewhere, the first few weeks of preseason can feel like jumping straight into the deep end.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• What to expect during preseason

• How the college season is structured

• A practical guide for international players

• What to expect academically as a student-athlete

• And a few key tips to help you prepare mentally, physically, and logistically
  

🏋️ What to Expect from Preseason

Preseason is the most intense and tightly scheduled part of the college soccer year. It usually begins in early August, with players reporting to campus 2–3 weeks before classes begin.

Here's what a typical preseason looks like:

Daily Schedule

• Morning: Team breakfast, fitness testing & technical session

• Midday: Tactical sessions or video analysis

• Afternoon: Team meetings, recovery work, or weight room training

• Evening: Second training session or inter-squad scrimmage

• Down Time: Ice baths, treatment with athletic trainers, and rest

You can expect 2–3 training sessions per day, plus team-building and meetings. Most teams also schedule a few scrimmages or exhibition matches before the season opener.

Fitness Tests

Coaches often kick off preseason with a fitness test (e.g., the beep test, yo-yo test, or timed mile). If you arrive out of shape, it will be immediately noticeable — so train properly before you land.

🗓️ How the Season Works

After preseason ends, the regular season begins — and it moves fast. Here's how a typical college season is structured:

✅ Regular Season

• Runs from late August to early - mid November

• Most teams play 1–2 games per week, often Thursday/Saturday or Wednesday/Sunday

• Travel can range from short drives to overnight stays in other states

• Opponents are often fellow conference teams + a few non-conference matches

✅ Conference Tournaments

• Usually held in early - mid November

• Only top teams qualify (e.g., top 4 or 6 from the conference)

• Win the conference = automatic qualification to nationals

✅ National Tournaments

• NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, and USPORT all have national tournaments

• Includes regional qualifiers, brackets, and a final 4–8 team showdown

• These tournaments extend the season into late November or even early December

Once the season ends, players often get a short offseason break before winter training begins.

📚 What to Expect Academically in Semester One

While soccer dominates your schedule in the first few months, your academic performance matters just as much — especially to remain eligible to play.

📝 Class Schedule

• You'll take 12–15 credits (4–5 classes) per semester

• Most student-athletes have a combination of general education classes and major-specific courses

• Expect morning or early-afternoon classes to keep afternoons open for training

💻 Class Formats

• A mix of lectures, small group discussions, labs, or online modules

• Attendance and participation often count toward your grade — don’t skip!

🧠 Balancing Act

• During the season, you’ll likely have:

  • Classes in the morning

  • Training mid-afternoon

  • Study hall or academic support in the evening

• Time management is essential. Most programs provide advisors, tutors, or mandatory study hours — use them.

⚠️ Eligibility Reminder

• You must maintain academic eligibility (usually a minimum GPA of 2.0–2.3)

• Poor academic performance can result in suspension from matches or even loss of scholarship

Your first semester sets the tone — start strong both on the pitch and in the classroom.

🌍 International Player Setup Checklist

If you're coming from overseas, arriving for preseason isn't just about soccer — it's about setting up your entire new life in a matter of days. Here’s what you need sorted before and after landing:

✈️ Before You Fly

• F-1 Visa stamped inside your passport

• I-20 form in paper (don’t just carry a digital copy)

• Know the U.S. address where you’ll be staying

• Optional: proof of funds letter from your school

📱 Phone Plan

• Mint Mobile is a great prepaid option that works on UK phones→ mintmobile.com

• Or go in-store (Verizon, T-Mobile) for a U.S. SIM (more expensive)

💳 Banking

• Don’t get caught with international fees. Options include:

  • Wise for transfers

  • Monzo

  • Fair FX

  • Chime

🧳 What to Pack

• Bring 2 pairs of football boots (more if you're a GK)

• Clothes for all weather (some areas go from 35°C to -10°C across semesters)

• Basic bedding, towels, laptop, and training gear

• Keep all documents in a folder for arrival (visa, I-20, coach contact info, travel itinerary)

🛬 Upon Landing

• Confirm who’s picking you up before you board

• Know how/where you’ll get access to your dorm or apartment

• Ask if you’ll be helped to a local Walmart/Target for essentials

Pro Tip: Have your advisor on speed dial and send them a pic at the airport when you arrive — they’ll love it.

🤝 Final Advice: Preseason is Intense — But You’re Not Alone

You’re going to be pushed — physically, mentally, and emotionally. But preseason is where you bond with your team, learn your coach's expectations, and begin your new journey as a student-athlete.

Whether you're from California or Cornwall, the demands are the same — but with the right preparation, you’ll thrive.

At Primus, we help our athletes prepare beyond the recruitment stage. From packing lists to pre-arrival fitness prep, our advisors make sure you’re ready to compete — and live — from day one.

⚽ Want to Know More?

Starting your U.S. college soccer journey soon?Need help getting ready for preseason?

👉 Check out our full support services — and make sure your transition is smooth, on and off the pitch.