College Recruiting - Tournaments v "Clinics"

[Unregistered]

This question depends so much on the gender and level that getting a "single" correct answer is impossible. On the girls side, in D1, they are basically meaningless for scholarship recruits. Same is basically true for scholarship recruits to D2 programs. The reality is that those players are identified, evaluated and recruited out of NP/ RP and club. The fact is that probably 95+% of the best womens prospects play in these venues and so the coaches go where the talent is. That doesn't mean that kids can't be ID'd and evaluated at a camp or clinic (even in D1) but it is exceedingly rare for a player to get $$ simply because of an ID & eval at a camp/ clinic.

Not so for D3, where the huge variety of programs means that going to a camp may be the absolute best way to be seen by the coach. Videos of games (including HS) are also a great way to get an in with a D3 program. Most still do plenty of recruiting at showcases, but except for the very best D3 programs (that carry the possibility of an admissions bump) D3 recruiting is pretty low key and more about attracting players to apply and then hope for the best.

[Unregistered]

This question depends so much on the gender and level that getting a "single" correct answer is impossible. On the girls side, in D1, they are basically meaningless for scholarship recruits. Same is basically true for scholarship recruits to D2 programs. The reality is that those players are identified, evaluated and recruited out of NP/ RP and club. The fact is that probably 95+% of the best womens prospects play in these venues and so the coaches go where the talent is. That doesn't mean that kids can't be ID'd and evaluated at a camp or clinic (even in D1) but it is exceedingly rare for a player to get $$ simply because of an ID & eval at a camp/ clinic.

Not so for D3, where the huge variety of programs means that going to a camp may be the absolute best way to be seen by the coach. Videos of games (including HS) are also a great way to get an in with a D3 program. Most still do plenty of recruiting at showcases, but except for the very best D3 programs (that carry the possibility of an admissions bump) D3 recruiting is pretty low key and more about attracting players to apply and then hope for the best.

yes it is rare maybe to get id'd cold at an id camp-- but-- think this is more reflective of the players talent at these camps vs. the "known" kids from the national clubs-- I a kid from any club (or not even from club but training playing outisde traditional club) showed up who was CLEARLY superior then the other "showcase known" kids at camp, the previously unknown kid would of course be the coaches first choice, they simply want the best players- assumption may be that generally the best players would be known from academy or top club team, showcases, regional odp or whatever but again if you are better then these kids somehow the coaches dont care where you came from or what tournament you played in-- that rarely happens, but if you have the best talent you will be the exception without a doubt.

[Unregistered]

Is there a clearinghouse or list somewhere that tracks upcoming clinics for either B and G's clinics?

[Unregistered]

yes it is rare maybe to get id'd cold at an id camp-- but-- think this is more reflective of the players talent at these camps vs. the "known" kids from the national clubs-- I a kid from any club (or not even from club but training playing outisde traditional club) showed up who was CLEARLY superior then the other "showcase known" kids at camp, the previously unknown kid would of course be the coaches first choice, they simply want the best players- assumption may be that generally the best players would be known from academy or top club team, showcases, regional odp or whatever but again if you are better then these kids somehow the coaches dont care where you came from or what tournament you played in-- that rarely happens, but if you have the best talent you will be the exception without a doubt.

Then you get to the next question... is it really possible to be that talented (and polished) without some pretty high level and extensive club participation (training)?? The reality of college soccer (especially womens) is that there is very little "player development" i.e. improvement. Players often get physically bigger and stronger (mostly because they do more off field conditioning) and they certainly learn to adjust to the particulairs of the college game (and overall experience) but there is little time or effort spent in polishing/ developing skills.

Who is the last Massachusetts female to land on a D1 roster (and see any playing time) that only played HS? I really can't think of one in the last five years. Is it possible? obviously yes, but if it doesn't happen at all (or really infrequently) than there is your answer about the possibilities.

[Unregistered]

pros and cons

There are definitely some clinics that are great, but all of the clinics are money makers. Before you sign up for a clinic you need to know the format of play and what college coaches are showing up. The cost per player is 100-200 dollars for the day. In addition those hosting the clinic (not usually a particular college) might charge the college coaches a marginal fee to attend or, better yet, require the attending coaches to coach the teams. The cost for the facility is about 1000 dollars (quickly made up in the first 5-10 kids). The kicker is the offer to let you purchase a video, which are very useful for recruitment. These videos will cost anywhere from 200-600 dollars.

Now you have spend between 200-1000 dollars for the one-day clinic.

I will agree that for the right clinic this is a great way to get coaches to see you child in multiple games and probably, on the big picture, better than the showcase tournaments which are diffuse and you might be lucky to get an interested coach to see you in that game that you shine. However, the format and guaranteed amount of playtime is very important to know before you sign up. Suffice it to say, some clinics are more reputable than others.

The final comparison is to compare the one-day clinic for 200-1000 dollars to the 5-7 day overnight camp for 700 dollars. During the latter a group of coaches get to see you play for 4-7 straight days in multiple games........

[Unregistered]

There are definitely some clinics that are great, but all of the clinics are money makers. Before you sign up for a clinic you need to know the format of play and what college coaches are showing up. The cost per player is 100-200 dollars for the day. In addition those hosting the clinic (not usually a particular college) might charge the college coaches a marginal fee to attend or, better yet, require the attending coaches to coach the teams. The cost for the facility is about 1000 dollars (quickly made up in the first 5-10 kids). The kicker is the offer to let you purchase a video, which are very useful for recruitment. These videos will cost anywhere from 200-600 dollars.

Now you have spend between 200-1000 dollars for the one-day clinic.

I will agree that for the right clinic this is a great way to get coaches to see you child in multiple games and probably, on the big picture, better than the showcase tournaments which are diffuse and you might be lucky to get an interested coach to see you in that game that you shine. However, the format and guaranteed amount of playtime is very important to know before you sign up. Suffice it to say, some clinics are more reputable than others.

The final comparison is to compare the one-day clinic for 200-1000 dollars to the 5-7 day overnight camp for 700 dollars. During the latter a group of coaches get to see you play for 4-7 straight days in multiple games........

.....oh....one last thing.....your child will still need to be able to handle the school work so they should still study and get good grades........unless they are going directly to the pros.

[Unregistered]

Not all one day clinics are the same. Some are money making private enterprises claiming to assist in the recruitment process. Some do offer expensive add ons, like videos and various levels of recruiting programs.

Then there are the 1 day clinics tied to a various school. These tend to be for the benefit of the specific school and program. These tend to be less expensive, nowhere near the $1,000 dollar cited. If you are targeting a specific school, these are the best value and quickest guage of whether you childs ability and skill match a specific schools need.

The week long camps are an entire different animal. Again, all are money making endeavors first. There's no guarantee the specific coach of any school you are interested in will attend, or even get a chance to see your child play. The larger camps are are more similar to a week long tournament than a 1 day clinic. Be sure your child is in great physical shape, able to survive 3 sessions of play a day. Also be careful to make sure the schools and specific coaches are definitely attending and interested in your shild before plunking down $650 + travel.

[Unregistered]

There are definitely some clinics that are great, but all of the clinics are money makers. Before you sign up for a clinic you need to know the format of play and what college coaches are showing up. The cost per player is 100-200 dollars for the day. In addition those hosting the clinic (not usually a particular college) might charge the college coaches a marginal fee to attend or, better yet, require the attending coaches to coach the teams. The cost for the facility is about 1000 dollars (quickly made up in the first 5-10 kids). The kicker is the offer to let you purchase a video, which are very useful for recruitment. These videos will cost anywhere from 200-600 dollars.

Now you have spend between 200-1000 dollars for the one-day clinic.

I will agree that for the right clinic this is a great way to get coaches to see you child in multiple games and probably, on the big picture, better than the showcase tournaments which are diffuse and you might be lucky to get an interested coach to see you in that game that you shine. However, the format and guaranteed amount of playtime is very important to know before you sign up. Suffice it to say, some clinics are more reputable than others.

The final comparison is to compare the one-day clinic for 200-1000 dollars to the 5-7 day overnight camp for 700 dollars. During the latter a group of coaches get to see you play for 4-7 straight days in multiple games........

Some good info in there, but the cost isn't as close as you have to back out teh video which is IMHO a waste off money.

You need to do your homework. Narrow down your schools and then target that clinic at those schools or where those coaches are going to be, contact them ahead of time. Just don't show up and hope its all going to work out, that is usually a waste of $$ unless your kids has an incredible day or camp.

[Unregistered]

Then you get to the next question... is it really possible to be that talented (and polished) without some pretty high level and extensive club participation (training)?? The reality of college soccer (especially womens) is that there is very little "player development" i.e. improvement. Players often get physically bigger and stronger (mostly because they do more off field conditioning) and they certainly learn to adjust to the particulairs of the college game (and overall experience) but there is little time or effort spent in polishing/ developing skills.

Who is the last Massachusetts female to land on a D1 roster (and see any playing time) that only played HS? I really can't think of one in the last five years. Is it possible? obviously yes, but if it doesn't happen at all (or really infrequently) than there is your answer about the possibilities.

good question- yes most pre known players come out of the big clubs that go to dallas cup/disney etc- but there are still plenty of highly trained/good players that may reach their peak just before college age (ie was not at the "tournament/academy team at those clubs but are now college ready) or come from a lesser known/smaller club who either were trained by agreat coach there or had private coaching or family/friend coach with pro experience- also there are many kids in the hispanic leagues that may not be on the college por radar from a "big" club but who are as good or better then some of those kids (mls and mls academies know this and are scouting these venues for example)- other got their training in other countries then moved here as a teenager-- all these are examples of kids who may not be known per camp to a college coach from a "showcase tournament or super club team but have the potential to shine---

finally , like any other talent competition there is a person or two who come out of almost nowhere (they were working behind the scenes) and impress. So agree that most prospects come up through the typical super club (top team/coach/or academy) or other ID program ecnl ODP, or top well known high school kid, but there are always a couple of surprises, and if you have the talent you should go for it no matter where you learned/trained for it.

[Unregistered]

good question- yes most pre known players come out of the big clubs that go to dallas cup/disney etc- but there are still plenty of highly trained/good players that may reach their peak just before college age (ie was not at the "tournament/academy team at those clubs but are now college ready) or come from a lesser known/smaller club who either were trained by agreat coach there or had private coaching or family/friend coach with pro experience- also there are many kids in the hispanic leagues that may not be on the college por radar from a "big" club but who are as good or better then some of those kids (mls and mls academies know this and are scouting these venues for example)- other got their training in other countries then moved here as a teenager-- all these are examples of kids who may not be known per camp to a college coach from a "showcase tournament or super club team but have the potential to shine---

finally , like any other talent competition there is a person or two who come out of almost nowhere (they were working behind the scenes) and impress. So agree that most prospects come up through the typical super club (top team/coach/or academy) or other ID program ecnl ODP, or top well known high school kid, but there are always a couple of surprises, and if you have the talent you should go for it no matter where you learned/trained for it.

Conceptually your view makes sense, however, to the best of my knowledge there has not been such a player in Massachusetts during at least the last five years ... on the female side. So the reality is that these camps are add ons for players already participating in club. There just aren't players (on the girls side) that slip through those cracks. The lone possibility would be a superior athlete that concentrated on another sport through most of HS (but played HS soccer) decided very late to forego their first sport and make a go in soccer. Even then its doubtful such a player would get more than an invite to pre-season and no $$. If there are examples of this, please show them?

Not so for the men, the differences in the club system (including the drain of the Academies), the way programs recruit (later w/ less available $$) and the differences in maturity rates makes it possible to find the proverbial "diamond in the rough" amongst "non" club players.

[Unregistered]

For a kid looking to go to college in the northeast, attending 1-day clinics hosted by schools they are interested in makes a lot more sense than spending thousands going to tournaments in FL, NV, VA etc. -- at least if they are only looking at playing D3.

[Unregistered]

For a kid looking to go to college in the northeast, attending 1-day clinics hosted by schools they are interested in makes a lot more sense than spending thousands going to tournaments in FL, NV, VA etc. -- at least if they are only looking at playing D3.

this from an earlier thread "January Camp"...Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered
"Better money spent than that going all over the place trying to catch someone's attention in a mass of other hopefuls. At least with one of these camps you know pretty quickly whether they are interested in you. The trick is going to camps where you have a shot at being considered. You are wasting you money if you go to a camp for a D1 program and really are a D3 prospect."

reply:
"my son went last year and there were D3 coaches working and scouting from Tufts, Babson, Brandeis and Wheaton to name a few. BC handed out player profile booklets to the coaches attending."

[Unregistered]

There are some great pieces of advice on college recruitment strategies. The bottom line is that you have to be seen or heard from. This includes actually having the college coach see you play, or submitting video clips (home made or otherwise) along with a soccer CV. I doubt any serious college will go nuts over a player that comes from a little know club (or even high school) that only presents on paper without anything else for a college coach to go by. If you are fortunate, someone, who is respected by college coaches has seen you play and can write some kind of reference. This sounds exactly like trying to get a job......only because it is.

...and, in the end, if you get to that school and can't do the school work then you will be done playing soccer before you even got started. If you want to make a full impression on a particular school, then show them that you can handle the school work.

[Unregistered]

Conceptually your view makes sense, however, to the best of my knowledge there has not been such a player in Massachusetts during at least the last five years ... on the female side. So the reality is that these camps are add ons for players already participating in club. There just aren't players (on the girls side) that slip through those cracks. The lone possibility would be a superior athlete that concentrated on another sport through most of HS (but played HS soccer) decided very late to forego their first sport and make a go in soccer. Even then its doubtful such a player would get more than an invite to pre-season and no $$. If there are examples of this, please show them?

Not so for the men, the differences in the club system (including the drain of the Academies), the way programs recruit (later w/ less available $$) and the differences in maturity rates makes it possible to find the proverbial "diamond in the rough" amongst "non" club players.

Some good points- we only have been involved on the boys side, interesting to see that it may be less likelyto fall through the cracks and not be known on the girls side - yes there are a lot of very good non academy boys that could get noticed at a camp.

[Unregistered]

Some good points- we only have been involved on the boys side, interesting to see that it may be less likelyto fall through the cracks and not be known on the girls side - yes there are a lot of very good non academy boys that could get noticed at a camp.

The biggest problem on the girls side is everyone seems to think in polar extremes. Either they are interested in the top 10 programs or they are interested in the NESCAC schools. Usually there is very little interest in the schools in the middle until very late in the game. Precious few parents seem to size up their daughter's talent objectively and target schools where they can be successful. As a result these clinics get get flooded by players who typically have no shot at all of playing in the program so the parents get frustrated wth the clinic and complain it don't work. They most certainly work if you pick the right level program. Except for the very cream of the crop, almost every player I know that has played in college got discovered through one of them.