Let's talk about the structure of the American lower-league professional system for a second, so you guys in the States who are pursuing a contract will have a better idea of whether it’s worth your time, energy, and money.
Deciding to play college soccer is life altering decision that can sometimes make or break your playing career. Choosing the correct program with a coach who understands you, in a league that challenges you, and a conference that gives you exposure, is an extremely difficult job to undertake alone. Even if you have a coach/parent/ to help you through the recruitment and scholarship process, the information provided to you can be misguided altogether.
After spending 4.5 years of my life playing for 3 different college soccer programs and seeing what the collegiate game has to offer young aspiring professional footballers, I firmly believe the university system we have here in America is what continues to allow some of the best undiscovered talent from around the world extend their careers into their early 20s and give them a realistic chance of making it to the next level.
Let me ask you a question, if you were offered a professional contract right now, no questions asked, would you take it? That may be an easy answer so let me rephrase it… If you were handed a professional contract, having not worked and sacrificed for the dream, would you still accept it? There’s a quote that says if the rich gave all the money in the world to the poor, it would all end up in the hands of the wealthy again the following year. Although financial education would be the most likely answer, lack of appreciation could considered a close second. Give contracts to the most underserving players and watch them squander the opportunity in front of them....
What makes up a legitimate event? Losing money. This may go against everything you have been taught in business school, but it’ll be the model that annihilates the fraudulent soccer events here in the states. The combines of the future will be 100% free. The same number of professional scouts will be in attendance, player evaluations will be conducted, matches will be recorded and merchandise will be given out.
