Communication & Marketing

Communication & Marketing

"Being responsible means you're in charge. Being accountable means you're on the hook."

~ Bob Proctor

Preparation

• It is important to make a strong impression through different communication channels.

• Send an introductory email to the entire coaching staff, including the head coach, recruiting coordinators, and assistant coaches.

• Keep your message brief and include relevant academic and athletic information. All athletic and academic information will be in the form of a player resume built in PlayMetrics.

• Personalize each email by mentioning specific reasons why you're interested in their program.

• Coaches can see your social media pages and may reach out via private messages.

• Respond to private messages promptly and professionally.

• Build a personal connection with coaches by engaging with their program’s updates and successes.

• Send a high-quality recruiting highlight video 1-2 minutes long showcasing your best performances. Your video will be created from your tournament and league games on Pixellot.

• This allows coaches to assess your skills and potential quickly.

• Keep the video concise, well-edited, and easy to view.

• Find a quiet room and remove any distractions before calling a coach.

• Be clear about why you are interested in the program and what makes you a good fit.

• Answer the coach’s questions fully and clearly, demonstrating your enthusiasm and understanding of the program.

• Look for the coach's email or phone number on the school's website.

• If it's not listed, check the staff directory for the athletic department.

1. College Showcase Tournaments

• Your Dutch FC Coach will schedule 2-4 College Showcase Tournaments each year. This will be an opportunity to invite and play in front of College Coaches.

• A Team Showcase Booklet highlighting all the players on the team will be created in PlayMetrics and handed out to college coaches during the game and also available in PDF to be emailed.

1. College ID Camps

• Select camps hosted by colleges you are genuinely interested in and where the coaching staff is actively involved.

• Learn about the coaching staff beforehand and be prepared to discuss your playing style and goals with them.

• Introduce yourself early, express your interest in their program, and actively seek opportunities to interact with coaches.

• Demonstrate your technical ability, tactical awareness, and work ethic throughout the camp.

• Be coachable, support teammates, and display a strong work ethic.

• Actively seek constructive criticism to show your desire to improve.

• Send a thank-you email after the camp, reiterating your interest in the program.

• Be proactive, professional, and persistent in your outreach efforts.

• "Every interaction is an opportunity to stand out—make the most of it and showcase your potential!"

Responsibility of the Parent

• Parental support is important but should be balanced to allow the athlete to take responsibility.

• Help the athlete brainstorm questions and talking points for conversations with coaches.

• Practice conversations with coaches to build confidence.

• Proofread digital communications such as emails and social media posts.

• Ensure the athlete is responsible for phone calls and emails to demonstrate independence.

• Assist in creating a high-quality highlight video showcasing the athlete’s best plays.

• Help set up an online recruiting profile with academic and athletic information.

• Encourage the athlete to build a strong academic and athletic record to enhance scholarship opportunities.

• Help the athlete research potential colleges, soccer programs, and coaching staff.

• Attend summer camps, showcases, and club tournaments to maximize exposure.

• Identify schools that align with both academic and athletic goals.

• Parents can communicate with coaches but should let the athlete take the lead.

• Help the athlete prepare for conversations with coaches by role-playing discussions.

• Support the athlete in maintaining consistent communication with coaches to build relationships.

• College coaches observe how parents interact during the recruiting process.

• Coaches prefer parents who are supportive but not overbearing or overly involved.

• Avoid being outspoken or unprofessional, as this may negatively impact the athlete’s recruitment.

• It is important to be balanced—parents should guide and support while allowing the athlete to take responsibility.

• "Your support can help your athlete achieve their college soccer dreams—be a positive force in their journey!"

Responsibility of the Player

• The athlete must take an active role in their recruitment, from skill assessment to coach communication.

• Evaluate current skill set and areas for improvement.

• Seek feedback from coaches and trainers to identify strengths and weaknesses.

• Consider third-party evaluations from a Skills Coach.

• Understand where they rank compared to other recruits.

• Compete in tournaments to gain exposure.

• Showcase teamwork, decision-making, and consistency.

• Complete recruiting questionnaires from college programs to express interest.

• Provide up-to-date and accurate athletic and academic information.

• Participate in ID camps and clinics where coaches can evaluate their abilities firsthand.

• Choose camps hosted by colleges they are interested in.

• Develop an online profile highlighting their athletic and academic achievements.

• Include stats, awards, GPA, highlight videos, and personal statements.

• Contact college coaches via email, phone, and social media.

• Keep messages professional, concise, and personalized.

• Learn about different college programs, coaching styles, and team cultures.

• Compare academic offerings alongside soccer opportunities.

• Compile a high-quality video showcasing best plays, technique, and decision-making.

• Ensure clips are clear, concise, and attention-grabbing.

• Do: Be proactive, stay organized, and follow up with coaches.

• Don’t: Rely solely on others to handle recruitment or neglect academic performance.

• Remember, colleges seek players with strong technical skills and tactical intelligence.

• Take initiative, stay persistent, and remain dedicated to both academics and soccer.

• "Your future in college soccer starts with you—take control and make it happen!"

Responsibility of the College Coach

• College coaches assess players based on skills, academics, character, and team fit.

• Scout: Attend high school games, tournaments, and showcases to identify talented players.

• Evaluate: Assess players' skills, athleticism, and potential for development.

• Recruit: Send recruiting letters, questionnaires, and camp invitations to promising athletes.

• Offer: Extend verbal offers and scholarship opportunities.

• Sign: Secure commitments from players who fit their program.

• Advocate: Support recruits through the admissions process.

• Academic Performance: Coaches seek student-athletes who can balance academics and sports.

• Character: Strong character, discipline, and leadership qualities are highly valued.

• Work Ethic: Coaches look for players who are responsible, organized, prepared, and confident.

• Positional Needs: Recruits should fit specific gaps in the team’s roster.

• The recruiting process can begin as early as a player’s freshman year of high school.

• Most student-athletes finalize their college choices by their junior year.

Responsibility of the Club Coach

• Club coaches play a vital role in guiding players and connecting them with opportunities.

• A club coach helps a player determine which college level (D1, D2, D3, NAIA, or JUCO) is best suited for them.

• Provides insight on competition levels and program expectations.

• A club coach can introduce players to college coaches.

• Can advocate for a player by highlighting their strengths and potential.

• A club coach can vouch for a player’s skills, work ethic, and character.

• Can help players stand out in the recruitment process.