Recruiting Timelines

 

This diagram is a typical representation. Note: Each student athlete could have a different starting point. 

Let's break down this diagram above. *Blue chips" are considered top recruits by the coaches.

Let's assume we're starting the process in Grade 9. 

Great! you are already enrolled in this program so you may be a step ahead of your peers!  If you are not in grade 9 - don't panic (yet) we still have time to get to where you want to go - we just don't have as much time! ⏳

In Grade 9, during this period around January of the school year you should be starting to ask yourself some questions: 

  1.  Do I want to play sport at University?  
  2.  If yes, dream big - where do you want to go study and play?  
  3.  It would be wise, to start putting together your playing portfolio and reaching out to schools expressing your interest  
  4. Focus on your grades  

🔑 See our bonus materials section for how to put together your playing portfolio!

Grade 10

  1. review steps from Grade 9!
  2. play your sport at the highest competitive level possible
  3. focus on the fundamental skills - these are passing, receiving, shooting, 1v1s, with both feet!
  4. start to research, in the range of 10-12, schools that may interest you both academic/athletic by asking yourself the question: “Would I enjoy this school experience if I did not play soccer here?”
  5. update your profile information & start to create some video clips
  6. keep the grades up! are your academic goals still aligned to your overall goal
  7. start to develop a listing of coach contact info taken from the school websites   
  8. consider looking into some ID camps to gain some experience/exposure
  9. follow schools online through social media and fill out any questionnaires they may have on their school websites
  10. start to pay attention to leadership any opportunties and the development your communication skills  

Grade 11

  1. see complete listing above 👆🏻 - are we still on track?
  2. refine and narrow down your list of schools that may interest you to around 5-6 and send another follow up with new info; if you are not getting much interest from your list - 🤔 re-evaluate your choices and possibly add some alternatives  
  3. update your profile & add some match video links
  4. keep the grades up! are your academic goals still aligned - remember the next level is STUDENT-ATHLETE
  5. make contact with coaches and express your interest in school program and academics
  6. start to attend local post-secondary matches and pay attention to the players warmup, routines, actions on the bench & match speed of play  
  7. consider visiting schools during the fall to see the programs during their competitive seasons or visit shortly after. ‼️ USports schools cannot have 'prospects' participate with the team during the competitive season Aug 15 through to Dec 1 each calendar year 
  8. attend some summer camps at any of your top interested schools  

Grade 12 - Home Stretch!

  1. update profile & add NEW 11v11 match video (Hint: maybe playing another position as well?)
  2. refocus attention on the core high school subjects ensuring you have all necessary courses 
  3. are your academic goals still aligned? Do you need/have academic assistance? 
  4. narrow your list of schools that may interest you - apply to the schools that you would like to attend - then follow up with coach expressing your action and desired interest. Note: each school has different application entries so it's best to review these online for each school you are considering.
  5. speak with your parents about pros/cons regarding your narrowed school list - is your family supportive and aligned to your desires?
  6. be certain of final choice before SIGNING any documents committing to a school.
  7. let other schools know if they are still inquiring into your status that you have signed and you are no longer eligible for future correspondence. 
  8. register with USportsCentral.ca as you will require this step to sign a Letter of Intent with the school.
  9. apply for early admissions at 1-3 schools to ensure options; if no LOI signed by September 1st. 
  10. visit the campus of your top 3 schools before making a decision. Come prepared with your questions. 
  11. make a decision that is BEST fit for you - as a student, an athlete and as a family. Sign your letter of intent (LOI).
  12. Once signed - continue to FOCUS on your high school grades! Without graduation, you watch from the sidelines and the commitment is void.  

👀Tip: Most Top schools will have made their decisions by the start of Grade 12. Some programs will leave 1-2 roster openings should recruits change their minds, have a hiccup with grades, not getting accepted into the school, etc. It does happen - more than some would think.  

👀Tip: If you are just starting the recruiting process going into grade 12 - set your school lists at 5 but be prepared to narrow this down quickly. Time is against you unfortunately. 

This graph was taken from the NCAA (the USA governing body of post-secondary sports)

Summary shows that typical contact with a coach decreased during the recruitment process.

Grade 9 = 37%,

Grade 10= 41%

Grade 11 = 19%

Grade 12 = 3%