The Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club has developed a program to introduce our High School players to the college recruiting process. For players and families interested in the college recruiting process:

Boys and Girls interested in receiving college guidance may contact Mark Stollsteimer 804 237 3591

The transition into High School is a busy time, but this is also a great time for players to begin to think about the possibility and opportunity of playing soccer in college. The RKYSC college guidance program encourages players to put together a soccer resume and a cover letter at the start of their U15 season or freshman year. The resume and cover letter can then be constantly updated and adjusted throughout the player’s Kickers career.

A soccer resume will always start with a basic header that clearly displays personal contact information: name, contact details etc. The resume will also include academic information, soccer experience and achievements, other athletic interests and hobbies and references. This is a great project for U15 players to begin with and you can click here for a sample soccer resume.

A cover letter is a player’s formal introduction and a well-written cover letter can start to distinguish one prospective student athlete from another. The cover letter is a chance for the player to highlight what they are looking for in a college and also request information about the college and the soccer program. It should be a typed, not more than one-page in length and it should be personalized whenever possible.

It may be tough for players to put together a cover letter without knowing which schools they are interested in attending, but we encourage U15 and older players to look at this sample cover letter in preparation for when they need it.

The timeline of events during the college recruiting process is different for male and female players, and there can also be major differences between two players from the same team. The recruiting process is different for each individual player; some players may verbally commit very early and others will do so in their senior year and it is important to remember this throughout the whole process.

1. Make a priority check list of your criteria for college.
2. Research colleges that match these criteria.
3. Narrow choices:
      • List a few schools you would love to attend (it is ok to have high expectations).
      • List 5-8 that are more realistic; schools that fit your criteria.
4. Write the Admissions Office and soccer coaches for more details.
5. Make unofficial visits to colleges.
6. Register with NSCAA Clearing House.
7. Narrow down to 5 schools.
8. Make official visits and ask pertinent questions of the coach and administrators

U15 players/freshmen and their parents should take a look at and discuss the timeline above to start to become familiar with what is involved in the whole process. This is a lot to think about and will likely raise some questions so this would be a great time to set up a meeting with Mark (mstollsteimer@richmondkickers.com)