It seems most parents with their first child going through the recruiting process do not seem to understand the process. Uncle Buck points out a few good tips. Everyone seems to be saying start earlier and earlier but here are some dilemas. At U 15, a lot girls have no idea what college they want, they have barely started high school. Most good dedicated soccer players have dreams of playing for UNC and being the next Mia Hamm. You can write or try to visit those places and unless you are playing at the top level tournaments in the top bracket or ODP (from a different state - SC just doesn't have the reputation on the girls side yet), you likely wont get any looks. If your child likes a smaller school,those schools aren't looking until probably the U16 year and especially at U16 regionals or later. Your best bet is to be on a team that makes it to regionals or the top tournaments. If your child is interested locally then the club coaches probably can provide help in your child getting looked at but you probably should have been contacting them expressing interest in the sophomore year of high school. I think it is very difficult for a sophomore and even a first semester junior to decide what she wants in a college. Soccer is so much of their life but I don't think any of the kids are playing just to get a scholarship to college. For that fact,they would probably have better luck just spending that time studying and getting an academic scholarship - the percentages are much better. They have to have a love for the game and isn't it great when it works out they can keep playing and essentially get paid by getting some education costs offset. Problem is finding the right mix for the individual - soccer level, academic level, and financial level. It is different for every player and the recruiting time table is different for each grouping.So no its not all about the money. Its about providing the best you can to help your child develop to their fullest within the constraints of your family. Unfortunately, it is the exception for a girl of 14 to envision what she'll want or be as a player or student in college. So parents can say start looking at U15 but most times the child is not that interested to be visiting colleges or understand even what to look for when they haven't barely experienced high school. The recruiting process is just way too early! Personally I think they should not allow verbal offers until their sr. year when they can take official visits, have the maturity to understand what to look for, and likely more developed as a player growth and skill.
