Your Journey to US College Soccer Starts Here: What to Expect at a FirstPoint USA Assessment Trial!

5 min read

Are you a talented young male or female footballer, aged between 15 and 22, with aspirations of playing and studying in the USA? The good news is, FirstPoint USA's soccer scholarship assessment trials up and running across the UK and Ireland over the next few weeks! These trials are your first crucial step towards a life-changing opportunity, and we're here to give you an inside look at what to expect.

At FirstPoint USA, we work on behalf of our vast network of US college coaches, who rely on us to assess and pre-qualify athletes on their behalf. Every year, hundreds of talented youngsters like you progress onto US colleges, enjoying the best of both worlds – high-level soccer combined with a top-class education.

So, what does a FirstPoint USA assessment trial entail? Our comprehensive events are designed to give both players and parents a clear understanding of the US college athlete experience, while allowing our expert coaches to identify your potential.

The Trial Day

Upon arrival at one of our venues across the UK and Ireland, you'll be greeted by our team at registration ahead of our informative session:

1. Pre-Event Presentation: Life as a College Athlete

This is an invaluable opportunity for both players and parents to learn about the realities and incredible benefits of being a student-athlete in the US. Our experienced team, many of whom are former US college athletes themselves, will cover everything from the academic commitments and training schedules to the social aspects and the unique cultural experience. You'll gain insights into the various divisions (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA) and how they might align with your ambitions, giving you a clear picture of what your future could hold, and highlight some of the incredible sporting facilities available within collegiate sport.

2. The On-Pitch Assessment: Show Us Your Talent!

Once the presentation concludes, it's time to lace up your boots, head pitch side and showcase your skills. Our UEFA-licensed coaching staff will lead you through a dynamic on-pitch assessment designed to evaluate your all-round capabilities. This includes:

Fitness Assessment: We'll put you through your paces with various drills to gauge your speed, agility, endurance, and overall physical condition.
Skills Drills: This is your chance to shine with the ball at your feet. You'll participate in a range of technical drills focusing on passing, dribbling, shooting, and first touch, allowing us to assess your fundamental soccer abilities.
Small-Sided Games: This is where your tactical awareness and decision-making come to the fore. You'll be involved in small-sided games, enabling our coaches to see how you perform in game-like situations, including your movement off the ball, communication, and work ethic.
In-Game Analysis: Our coaches will be observing closely, providing real-time analysis of your performance. They'll be looking at your positional play, ability to influence the game, and your overall understanding of the sport.

FirstPoint USA's Director of Sport, Stuart McCaffrey, emphasizes the significance of these trials:

"These assessment trials are the first incredibly exciting step on the road to securing a scholarship in the US, and the chance for players to demonstrate their abilities and suitability for a place on a college roster. The opportunities they offer in the States are truly life-changing, providing a unique pathway for talented young footballers to combine their passion for the game with a world-class education."

“We very much encourage parents and guardians to attend, particularly for the presentation element, as its important for the family to get an understanding of the opportunity, as well as the process.

At the end of every session, our coaching team will give players a short debrief and, following the trial, our team will provide feedback on your performance within 48 hours of the event, informing you as you success or otherwise in our evaluation. For those identified as having the talent and potential, you'll be invited to an interview to discuss the next steps in securing your US college soccer scholarship, which will typically take place within 7 days.

Don't miss out on this incredible chance to kickstart your journey. These trials are your gateway to a future where you can excel both on the pitch and in the classroom.

Our next events are taking place on the following dates and venues – register your place here.

Tuesday 27 May: University of Surrey Sports Park, Surrey

Wednesday 28 May: Lakeside Sports Ground, Essex

Thursday 29 May: University of Bristol, Bristol

Friday 30 May: Bellevue Sports Village, Manchester

Monday 2 June: Stafford RUFC, West Midlands

Tuesday 3 June: Brunel University Sports Park, London

Wednesday 4 June: Barnet FC, The Hive, London

Thursday 5 June: National Sports Campus (Indoor), Dublin

Monday 23rd June: Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park

Tuesday 24th June: Lakeside Sports Ground, Essex

Wednesday 25th June: University of Surrey Sports Park