A Guide to American Scholarships For entry in 2012

LFE is a partnership between The Football League and The Professional Footballers’ Association.

Contents

1 Foreword

3

2

Soccer Scholarship Journey

4

3

Studying for a degree in the USA

5

3.1 3.2

Why study in the US What course should I choose

5 6

7

4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 8 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) 8 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) 8 Professional & Apprentice Eligibility 8

5

Entry Requirements

9

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) SAT Centres SAT Dates SAT Scores

9 9 9 9

6

Sport Scholarships

10 10 11 12 12 12

7

PFA Education Grants

13

8

Useful Websites

14

Designed by ICG

www.icgonline.co.uk

6.1 Overview 6.2 How to get a Scholarship 6.3 The Assessment Trials 6.4 E-Scout 6.5 Sports Scholarship Agencies

©2011 League Football Education

4 Eligibility

www.lfe.org.uk

2

Foreword

Welcome to The Guide to American Scholarships. The purpose of this booklet is to offer practical and independent advice to young players who are considering taking up a sports scholarship in The United States of America. In recent seasons a considerable number of Apprentices have taken advantage of the opportunity to commence scholarships in America to take advantage of funding opportunities, a vibrant and diverse university lifestyle in a new culture and the opportunity to play football at a good level while at the same time studying in an academic environment. This booklet is designed to help you understand the background and processes involved in obtaining an American scholarship and assist you in evaluating whether this is the right option for you. Originally developed by The PFA in the 1990’s the opportunity for Apprentices to move in to higher education in the United States has always been seen as an attractive proposition for young players. A tightening of athletic association’s eligibility rules had caused some difficulties in this area since 2004. These restrictions are slowly being lifted and a number of players have been able to access scholarships in the US during the last two years.

www.lfe.org.uk

However, these rules still remain an issue and in particular the inconsistent manner in which they are applied. While some players have been able to take up this pathway others have found themselves deemed ineligible from participating in their University Soccer programmes. In some instances these rulings have also been applied after enrolment and during the academic term. We hope this booklet provides you with much of the information that will assist you in pursuing your ambition to start university life in the United States but if not a list of LFE contacts is available in this guide for you to approach for further guidance.

Yours Faithfully

Alan Sykes Chief Executive

3

Soccer Scholarship Journey Research Investigate which Universities & Colleges offer Men’s Soccer at the Varsity level at www.ncaa.org, www.naia.org and www.njcaa.org Then check out who offers scholarships in Men’s Soccer by visiting individual university & college athletic department web pages.

Making your Selection Obtain contact details for coaches at universities and colleges which offer soccer scholarships and match this list against institutions that you feel can help you fulfil your academic and personal aspirations. Then draw up your shortlist.

Highlighting your talent Contact coaches on