Soccer

Why do Americans call it soccer instead of football? Blame it on the British. In the 1800’s, the British started playing a number of versions of football and came up with names to differentiate them, namely ‘rugby football’ and ‘association football’. Americans went on to reinvent these two sports, one of which became American football, while ‘association football’ adopted the name of soccer.

Soccer is played all over the country, so there are ample opportunities to find a team to suit your skills and level, from top-level high school teams to Division 1, 2, or 3 collegiate teams. Soccer is mainly a fall sport and the high school/college competition season is short and intense, beginning in late August and lasting until the end of November.

Soccer at high school level can be played via school teams or local clubs. Both will work to develop skills to help get athletes recognized by college and university coaches.

High school offers two levels – Junior Varsity and Varsity. JV teams are mainly made up of younger players; talented JV players are often backup for Varsity players.

Varsity teams will be made up of the oldest and most talented payers. Varsity teams will play in national competitions.

College-level soccer can be played at 2-year junior colleges and 4-year colleges and universities. JuCo compete in their own conferences, while 4-year institutions will offer NCAA Division 1, 2 and 3 competition for both men and women.

News

Jimmy Baars- Soccer

#Congrats to our student-athlete Jimmy Baars from the Netherlands who will continue studying and soccer at Western Illinois University in the USA as of Fall 2023.

Kanta Mitsutani – Soccer

#Congrats to our student-athlete Kanta Mitsutani from Korea/Japan who will be studying and playing soccer at Skidmore College in the USA as of Fall 2023.

Webinar Soccer & Study in the USA

Is soccer your passion and are you looking to combine sports with a study abroad? Are you curious about what studying at a high school, college or university involves?

Sanne Bloemendaal: my story as a student-athlete in Division III

I am a senior at Drew University, a small liberal arts college right outside of New York City. I am majoring in International Relations and Business with a minor in Law, Justice, and Society. I am currently the captain of the women’s tennis team, president of the International Student Association at Drew, and work as a writing tutor. I have experienced some really great things during my years at Drew so far which have helped me develop as a student, an athlete, and a person.