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Ever wondered what US college soccer coaches look for in UK players?

When UK footballers explore the idea of a US college soccer scholarship, they often focus on highlight reels and stats. While talent is important, coaches across the NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA consistently say they want rounded players. That means players who work hard on and off the pitch, who set standards for their team, and who can handle the academic side of being a student‑athlete.

Here is what really stands out to college coaches and how you can give yourself the best chance of getting a US soccer scholarship by making yourself the type of player they want in their squad.

Coaches value rounded players over raw talent

Plenty of UK players have strong technical ability, but American coaches look at the full picture. NCAA Division I coach Chris Grassie from Marshall University said in an interview with Top Drawer Soccer:

“If you want to play at this level, you need to be someone we can rely on in training, in the classroom, and in the community. We recruit players who make the environment better every day.”

And as Jamie put it in a recent College Scout USA Show:

“I’m always asking myself, how’s this player going to help me in my locker room for the next four years?”

Lucas Levesque, former UMFK Women’s Soccer Coach, echoed that mindset in our recent conversation:

“One thing we always try to avoid is selfish players. If your star player is a me‑focused guy or girl, it really changes the locker room. If that player isn’t happy and they’re sulking, it drags a lot of energy out of the team. The first thing I always ask when I speak to a coach is, what type of teammate is she or he? What motivates them? How competitive are they? And are they a good teammate? If you can find somebody who’s a good teammate and super competitive, that’s the DNA we want for players in our program.”

Work ethic on and off the pitch

Coaches know that international recruits have to adapt quickly. They look for players who never shy away from hard work. A former University of Akron assistant coach told Soccer America:

“Talent gets you noticed, but it’s the players who do extra work, the ones who stay after sessions, who really make it here.”

Leaders who lift their teammates

You don’t have to be the team captain to show leadership. Coaches talk a lot about locker room culture. They want players who push teammates to raise standards.

Tom McIntosh, head coach at the University of Tulsa, said on the College Soccer News podcast:

“We want players who are great teammates, who are vocal, and who challenge each other to be better.”

Academic commitment is non‑negotiable

Even if you are not the smartest in your class, coaches want to see that you work hard to meet academic standards. The US system ties athletic eligibility to academic performance. If your grades drop, you cannot play.

Lisa Strom, an academic advisor for student athletes at Penn State University, explained in an interview with NCAA.org:

“Coaches want recruits who understand the balance. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being committed enough to get the grades you need.”

Build a profile that shows you are rounded

When you prepare your scholarship profile or highlight reel, think beyond your technical clips. Include details like:

– Positions of responsibility you’ve held (vice‑captain, coaching younger players, organising team events)
– Comments from coaches or teachers about your attitude
– Examples of volunteering, part‑time work, or anything that shows maturity

These extra details tell a story that numbers alone cannot.

Practical steps to show coaches you fit their profile

1. Film training habits, not just match highlights
2. Get references that talk about your character
3. Keep your academic records up to date
4. Mention off‑pitch efforts
5. Be active in communication

Why rounded players succeed in the US system

US college soccer is demanding. You train like a professional, travel across states for matches, and still need to perform in class. Rounded players thrive because they already have the discipline to handle that balance.

A UK player with leadership qualities and a strong work ethic might not always be the most gifted technically, but coaches see them as someone who will play a key role over four years. That consistency matters as much as big moments on the pitch.

Final thoughts

If you are aiming for a US soccer scholarship, focus on becoming the type of player US college soccer coaches talk about in interviews – reliable, hard‑working, academically committed, and a positive influence on others.

Show them through your actions and your profile that you are more than just a highlight reel. Be the player who drives standards every day, and you will stand out because you understand what US college soccer coaches look for in UK players.

Ready to take the next step toward your scholarship? Apply to work with us now through our application page and let us help you get in front of the right US college soccer coaches.