There are two types of scholarship that you can receive.  One is called a ‘full scholarship’ and the other is a ‘partial scholarship’.

A full scholarship will mean that the university is paying for all of your tuition, accommodation, food, books and everything related to your sport. At some universities, a full scholarship can signal the investment of almost $400,000 in one, single athlete.

A partial scholarship is where the university offers a scholarship that will cover some, but not all of the costs for attending the university.  With most degrees in the United States taking 4 years to complete, and tuition costs at some schools in excess of $50,000 per year, even a partial scholarship can massively reduce costs.  Most partial scholarships come with the incentive that if you perform well, both on the field and in the classroom, then the coach can reward you with a scholarship increase and cover any costs that you had been contributing towards; thus providing you with a full scholarship.

Playing college soccer in the United States is a great way of continuing to develop as a player while also studying for that all important degree. There is no other place in the world where you can combine university studies with soccer and have a scholarship help to cover the cost.

The lifestyle of a college soccer player is fantastic, but requires structure and motivation to both play and study. You train daily in excellent facilities, with fitness trainers, physical therapists and nutritionists, travel to matches staying in hotels and competing against other talented players all across the country. In addition you attend classes and study, just like the regular students on campus.

Some successful professional footballers have come through soccer scholarships from universities in the United States, including Carlos Bocanegra, Brad Friedel, Clint Dempsey and Ryan Nelsen who have all gone on to play professionally at club and international level.

After graduation you can pursue a professional soccer career, study further or even move into employment in the United States.