US Scholarship Guide
Ready to start your journey of a lifetime…
What is a Scholarship?
A soccer scholarship is a form of financial aid provided to a student-athlete by a college or university to help further their education. Scholarships are awarded to students who show excellent skills in their chosen sport and academic grades.
Scholarships typically work on a percentage basis, meaning that it's up to the college to determine how much can be allocated per athlete. Athletic Scholarships are awarded year-by-year and are reviewed by the coach on the athlete's performance in that given year.
Key Benefits of a Scholarship
Top Facilities
A scholarship gives you the ultimate opportunity to play soccer in top quality facilities around the US. The US college system spends millions of dollars each year on sports facilities.
Earn a Degree
Not only do you get to play the sport you love, you will also work towards a Degree at a top college or university, recognised globally once you graduate.
Travel the USA
Experience some of the world's most famous landmarks in States like California, New York and Florida.
Amazing Life Skills
Whilst on a Scholarship in the USA, you will learn a fantastic array of life skills and independence, setting you up for an outstanding professional career ahead of you.
How can we help you?
Scholarship Connect is a talent evaluation consultancy service. We bring perspective student-athletes to the attention of recruiting coaches. Coaches are invited to view clients in our portfolio, where they will request more details on players that fit their needs and requirements for scholarship awards.
We must stress that scholarship consultancy agencies are not allowed to participate in any part of a negotiation on behalf of the player. Decisions about athletic scholarship awards are determined by the recruiting coach and their Athletic Director during a consultation with the prospective Student-Athletes family.
What is included in our Package?
Pre-Contract: (Free)
1-to-1 Opportunity Awareness Presentation
Initial eligibility assessment for a college or university programme
Limited telephone and email guidance
Contracted Services:
Recruitment Questionnaire (to ensure a college/university best-fit search)
Unlimited email guidance
Limited telephone guidance
Guidance on entry testing that may be required (or desired)
Professional advice and mentoring
Access to The Locker Room (online resources)
Introductions and recommendations to recruiting US collegiate coaches
Profile production and client profile accessibility for coaches
Advice on College Board registration and ACT/SAT booking (client pays provider directly if required)
Advice on registering with NCAA and/or NAIA eligibility centres (client pays provider directly if required)
Advice on qualifications evaluation services (client pays provider directly if required)
Advice and support to complete the college application process (client pays any college application fees directly)
Preparation of SEVIS documentation (£50 administration fee plus applicable SEVIS fee, all paid direct to Scholarship Connect)
Full draft preparation of the F1 Student Visa application (£50 administration fee to Scholarship Connect, plus visa fee direct to US Embassy)
One-to-one preparation guidance for the Student Visa interview (if required)
Full placement advice and support throughout the search process
Advice regarding USA travel arrangements (if required)
Advice regarding insurance (if required)
Advice regarding performance analysis and videography services (if required)
Access to strength and conditioning coaching services (if required)
Full access to Scholarship Connect resources and information links
Not Included:
ACT/SAT testing fees
SEVIS fee payable to US immigration authorities
US Embassy visa appointment fee
NCAA and/or NAIA registration fees
Qualification evaluation service fees
USA college transfer assistance (Apply to Scholarship Connect for price. Only available to students in the USA with approved release)
Videographer or performance analyst fees
Strength and conditioning coaching fees
College application fees charged by institutions
Medical examination fees (if required)
Any fees associated with attending college including accommodation, food, books, travel, insurance, medical costs, housing, equipment or other personal expenses
Second-Year Prospective Student Athlete Search Support:
Should a student delay their plans or not receive and accept a suitable scholarship offer, Scholarship Connect will provide a second-year placement search without an additional consultancy fee
US Athletic Governing Bodies (Leagues):
There are around 1500 universities/colleges in the US, in different locations, at varying levels of athletics, and at different costs. This is a breakdown of all the divisions, what they mean, and the options you should consider when talking to a coach.
The American college system is different to that of the UK because college sports in the USA is big business, with coaches usually having scholarship budgets in the hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Scholarships for athletes can range from minimal contributions to a 'full ride', including full tuition cover, housing, meals, and even money for books.
These colleges are divided into several sectors and divisions of college sports, all representing different types of higher education. These are;
NCAA, Division 1 and Division 2 (large public/private colleges)
NCAA Division 3 (usually small private colleges)
NAIA (public/private colleges)
NJCAA (public colleges)
Our Hall of Fame
Since our journey began in 2011, we have been fortunate to place Student-Athletes that have gone on to some incredibly high positions. Click the button below to visit our Hall of Fame.
Apply Today!
Start your journey today for a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Complete the application form, and one of our team will be in touch to discuss your next steps.