College Pathway
Your Path to College Soccer
A realistic guide for families thinking about playing soccer at the next level. What it takes, how to prepare, and how Premier helps get you there.
The Reality of College Soccer
Let's start with honest numbers. About 800,000 kids play high school soccer in the United States. Of those, roughly 7% will go on to play at a college program of any kind. For NCAA Division I, the number drops to about 2.5%.
That is not meant to crush dreams. It is meant to show that playing college soccer requires real preparation, and the earlier you start planning, the better your chances.
Here is the good news: college soccer is not just D1. There are over 1,600 college soccer programs across multiple divisions and associations. Many of them offer scholarships. Many of them provide an incredible playing experience. And for the right student-athlete, there is a program out there that fits.
How Premier Prepares Players
DPL Competition
Premier competes in the Discovery Players League, which is actively scouted by college coaches. Playing in a recognized national league gives your child visibility they will not get in a local-only league.
Tournament Exposure
Our competitive teams attend high-profile tournaments where college scouts are present. These events give players the chance to be seen by coaches from programs across the country.
Long-Term Development
College coaches want players who have been properly developed over time. Our pathway from Juniors through Competitive creates exactly that kind of player.
The Smart Play
Start a 529 Now
Here is something most youth soccer families do not talk about: only about 2% of high school soccer players earn any athletic scholarship money. Even full rides are rare. The average D1 men's soccer scholarship covers about 30% of costs.
The best thing you can do for your player's future is make sure college is covered regardless. That is where a 529 College Savings Plan comes in. A 529 is a tax-advantaged account where your money grows tax-free and withdrawals for college expenses are also tax-free. The earlier you start, the more compound growth does the heavy lifting.
| Start Age | Monthly | Years Saving | You Put In | Total at 18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 3 (Juniors) | $100/mo | 15 years | $18,000 | $31,880 |
| Age 3 | $200/mo | 15 years | $36,000 | $63,760 |
| Age 3 | $300/mo | 15 years | $54,000 | $95,640 |
Joining Later | ||||
| Age 7 (Academy) | $200/mo | 11 years | $26,400 | $40,500 |
| Age 11 (Competitive) | $200/mo | 7 years | $16,800 | $22,260 |
| Age 14 (Late start) | $300/mo | 4 years | $14,400 | $16,770 |
*Projections assume 7% annual return compounded monthly. Actual returns will vary. This is not financial advice.
Start the Journey Today
The best time to start your player's development pathway is now. Every year of quality training matters.