THE SUMMER LEAGUE
What is a Summer League?
As a college athlete, the Summer League gives you the chance to gain football experience outside of university. You also have the opportunity to live in a new area and make new contacts. The Summer League can best be compared with European club soccer. For the summer months (approx. May to July) you are released from your college and can play for a club during this time. In the Summer League there is a table and at the end of the regular season there are playoffs. Many players use the Summer League as a platform to present themselves to the professional teams. Here we show you the advantages of the Summer League and explain the American soccer system.
THE AMERICAN LEAGUE SYSTEM
MLS and what else?
MLS
Major League Soccer
The MLS is the most famous and highest soccer league in the USA. Even if the reputation of the MLS in the USA is far behind the competition from other sports (NBA, MLB, NFL), an upward trend can be seen. As more and more European players join the MLS, interest in the top American league increases and will most likely continue to grow in the next few years. In addition, European top clubs are scouting more and more in the MLS to guide young, talented players to Europe. Alphonso Davies from FC Bayern is an excellent example.
USL - CHAMPIONSHIP
United Soccer League Championship
The USL Championship is the second highest division in the USA. Since a team in the USA cannot be promoted or relegated, it happens that teams in the USL Championship are on a similar level to the lower teams in the MLS. Many players use the USL Championship as a stepping stone into MLS after college.
USL 1
United Soccer League 1
The USL 1 is the third division and the last professional. The USL 1 players are usually only paid during the season (approx. 9 months). The salary is not particularly high, but in most cases the clubs provide an apartment and pay for other costs.
USL 2
United Soccer League 2
The USL 2 is the highest amateur league in the USA. This league can be interesting for you if you are interested in the Summer League. College players who have performed well during their college season are happily recruited by USL 2 coaches. The level in this league is quite high and can help you stand out in college and increase your professional chances.
NPSL
National Premier Soccer League
The NPSL is at almost the same level as the UPSL. Some of the NPSL teams are on a very good level and can compete with USL 2 teams. However, there are also some teams where the level is not too high. For the Summer League, most college players play in NPSL or UPSL teams. Especially in your early years, the NPSL is a great way to get your first experience outside of college sports.
UPSL
United Premier Soccer League
As already mentioned, the UPSL can be compared to the NPSL. There are some very good teams, but there are also some less good teams. It is often difficult to distinguish between good and bad teams if you don't have the necessary experience and contacts. Of course we are happy to help you here! In the UPSL, as well as in the NPSL, there are some teams that are ideal for college athletes to reach the next level in football.
ADVANTAGES OF THE SUMMER LEAGUE
SOCCER DEVELOPMENT
EXPAND YOUR NETWORK
INCREASE YOUR PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Drive your athletic development forward
Make new contacts
Present yourself to the professional teams
The Summer League offers you a good opportunity to further advance your soccer development. The Summer League is often very intense and the competition is high. You measure yourself against some of the best college players and ex-college players and can thus reach your full potential. You will learn to deal with new formations and playing styles and will often be used in different positions.
In the soccer business, contacts are extremely important and can open the door to something bigger. The fact is, if you have contacts in football, you have a much better chance of getting a professional contract. The Summer League gives you the opportunity to make new contacts in the soccer world. You meet new players and coaches who may be useful to you as your career progresses.
In addition to college soccer, the Summer League is the ideal stage to present yourself to the professional teams. Many professional teams invite players with good Summer League performance to tryouts. This gives you the best possible chance of getting one step closer to your dream of becoming a professional soccer player.
PROFESSIONAL THROUGH COLLEGE SOCCER
Optimal professional chances through college soccer
Unlike in Europe, after your studies you still have the best chances of a professional soccer career. Many college athletes make the leap into the professional field during or after their studies. Are you someone who has not yet given up the dream of professional soccer and want to optimize your chances? Then you are exactly right here!
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In addition to the MLS draft, through which some players are recruited for professional teams, many teams offer tryouts. This gives you the chance to convince coaches of your potential if they don't have you on their radar yet. While the draft mainly focuses on NCAA D1 players, the tryouts also give you the best chances of a professional career as a D2 or NAIA (or even NJCAA) player. Of course, you don't have to stay in the US. Many players go back to their home country to play professionally or travel all over the world as professional footballers. If you want to get one step closer to your professional career, then fill out our free opportunity assessment ...
