Soccer recruiting events give you a competitive edge in the college recruiting process. You’ll get to develop your individual soccer skills, interact with college coaches and compete against some of the nation’s top men’s soccer talent. This guide explains everything you need to know about men’s soccer recruiting events. Get insider tips from NCSA’s soccer experts and find men’s soccer camps, combines and tournaments near you using our tool below.
Mar 14, 2026
–
Mar 14, 2026
Mar 15, 2026
–
Mar 15, 2026
Mar 16, 2026
–
Mar 16, 2026
Build your NCSA Recruiting Profile to highlight your soccer stats and measurables and stand out from other recruits. Create a free profile today.
3 types of soccer events
There are three main recruiting events for soccer: camps, combines and tournaments. While each event should be a part of your recruiting process, it’s important to understand the difference of each. Visit the pages linked below to learn more about each type of soccer event.
- Soccer camps allow you to work with college coaches and develop your skills year-round.
- Soccer combines give you verified stats, numbers and measurements to provide college coaches to help evaluate you as a potential recruit.
- Soccer tournaments give you a platform to perform in front of college coaches over a span of multiple games.
How to choose soccer events to attend
To decide which soccer event is right for you, consider your age, skill level, playing experience, and goals. For example, attending an exposure event too early isn’t going to harm you, but are your soccer skills good enough to turn a coach’s head?
Insider tip: The cost of attending multiple men’s soccer events can add up. Before camp season begins, consider building a budget to help choose the number of camps, combines, showcases and tournaments you can (or should!) realistically attend. Talk with your NCSA Recruiting Coach to learn more about the soccer recruiting process.
Learn more:
- How to get better at soccer according to IMG Academy’s experts
- Read everything you need to know about girls soccer camps.
When to attend each type of soccer event
Below, we break down when and why athletes typically attend soccer camps, combines and tournaments by grade level.
8th – 9th grade
Focus: Soccer Skills Development
Events to attend: Soccer Camps and Clinics
Your focus right now is to become a better soccer player. Attend soccer camps that will help you develop your skills so when it comes time for college coaches to recruit you, you’ll be ready to impress! You should also start to find a soccer youth club team that will help prepare you for exposure events.
10th – 11th grade
Focus: Exposure
Events to attend: Soccer ID Camps, Combines, Tournaments and Showcases
This is when college coaches really begin to evaluate you as a potential recruit. Soccer ID camps and tournaments will have college coaches from multiple division levels in attendance. Your goal is to get on as many “players to watch” lists as possible at these events. Attending a soccer combine will make your online recruiting profile better and help you stand out to college coaches.
12th grade
Focus: College Offers
Events to attend: Soccer ID Camps, Tournaments and Showcases
Soccer tournaments with your club team will be crucial this year. Not to mention, some of your last chances to show coaches what you can do on the field! Attend soccer ID camps at the schools you are most interested in attending. If you don’t have serious interest from schools, don’t worry! Reach out to schools that are recruiting for your position and ask them to come watch you play at a camp or tournament.
Maximize Every Soccer Event Opportunity
Soccer camps offer you the opportunity to develop your skillset, gain exposure and explore college campuses. What camps to attend and when are based on your individual recruiting goals. Whether you’re looking for the best events to attend or need recruiting advice, we’ve got you covered. And did you know an NCSA Recruiting profile helps you receive and respond to college camp invites?
Create your free NCSA Recruiting Profile now so coaches can find you and so you can start receiving and responding to camp invites.
