THE SOCCER SEASON

US college soccer is played in the autumn (“fall”) semester:

• Pre-season: starts in early August, before classes begin, with intensive sessions and fitness testing. Arrive fit.
• Regular season: late August to early November, often with two games a week and long bus journeys or flights to away games.
• Post-season: conference tournaments and national championships run from November into early December for the most successful teams.
• Spring: the spring semester brings training, strength and conditioning work and a few friendly games, but no competitive season.
• Summer: most international players come home. Some play in US summer leagues such as USL League Two; check with your college’s international student office before doing this, because of visa rules.

BALANCING FOOTBALL AND STUDY

Student athletes have a demanding timetable: training most days, games, travel, gym sessions and classes. Most colleges provide study halls, tutors and academic advisers for their athletes.

To stay eligible to play you must keep up a minimum GPA and pass a set number of credits each term. Falling behind can cost you your place in the team, your scholarship and potentially your visa status, so treat your studies as seriously as your football.

SETTLING IN

Moving thousands of miles from home at 18 is a big step, and homesickness is normal, especially in the first semester. The team gives you a ready-made group of friends, and most colleges have international student societies and free counselling services.

The Christmas break (usually around a month) and the summer break (around three months) are long enough to come home.

Health insurance is compulsory, usually through the college’s student plan. Check what it covers for sports injuries, as some plans exclude them or rely on the athletics department’s own cover.

AFTER COLLEGE

• Working in the US (OPT): after graduating, F-1 students can usually apply for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training, working in a job related to their degree. Graduates in approved science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects can apply for a further 24-month extension.
• Playing professionally: the best college players are picked in the MLS SuperDraft each winter, and others sign for USL clubs or return to play in Europe. Only a small number turn professional, so treat your degree as the main prize.
• Coming home: a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited US college is widely recognised by UK employers and universities. If you need formal proof of how it compares to a UK degree, UK ENIC can provide a Statement of Comparability.