Athletic Recruitment Opportunities Understanding the pathways into - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Athletic Recruitment Opportunities

Understanding the pathways into the US College System

Continuing to play football beyond high school...

When you come out of high-school you’re expected to make a decision: Go to university, get a job or pursue your football?

...if football is anywhere in your answer, these are your options:

Balance university, work and amateur soccer while trying to get trials at pro clubs here in Australia Sign a pro or semi-pro contract with an A-League or NPL team Fly to Europe and try your luck there

Many players quit, feeling like they never really got their shot to make it.

Employment Framework for A-League

In the 2016/2017 season: All facts and statistics have been sourced by the offjcial PFA 16/17 A-League Report*

• f A-League players are out
• f contract at the end of the

season is the average number of years that players spent at their club

• f players coming ofg

contract were under the age

• f 22
• f match minutes were

played by players under 21

53% 2.4 34% 9.2%

The A-League is one of the most volatile labour markets in world football

Player Churn

PERCENTAGE OF

players coming ofg contract

AGES OF THE PLAYERS

coming ofg contract at the end of the 2016/17 season

The A-League continues to track poorly on consistent employment at individual clubs Player Churn

THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS

used in each of the last fjve seasons

The US Soccer System

Tier 3 PDL (Premier Development League - U23) 74 teams, 11 Conferences Tier 5 NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)

• Div. 1 and Div. 2

Tier 4 NPSL (National Premier Soccer League and other local leagues) Tier 2 USL (United States League) 33 teams, Eastern & Western Conference Tier 1 MLS (Major League Soccer) 23 teams, Eastern & Western Conference

Facts to Consider in the US Soccer System

70 percent of all MLS draftees since 2010 have PDL experience, including a record 66 selections in 2018 There are 195 PDL alumni competing in MLS in 2018 and 320 in USL for a grand total of 515 active alumni Unlike Australia, the MLS relies on the superdraft to fjll the rosters of each and every club The PDL is not the only pathway into the MLS but it is proven pathway for elite college players The PDL season runs between May and July each year, this is the summer break for college players

Benefits to a US College Sports Scholarship...

Train like a pro in world-class facilities Massive school fee reductions, essentially being paid to play Earn a distinguished college degree in your fjeld of study Compete with and against the best and brightest international college prospects (NCAA Div.1 &

• Div. 2)

Playing in front of thousands of fans in college stadiums Opportunities to play for a PDL team in the summer break in front

• f MLS scouts

Live the American dream whilst making friends and memories that will last a lifetime

How do I get recruited for a sports scholarship?

Many students risk their eligibility without the correct guidance and support through the recruitment process

Academic grades Efgective Marketing Amateurism Network and Contacts Sporting ability I20 VISA and F1 Waiver

There are many factors and requirements to be eligible for a US sports scholarship:

Thomas Torzsok Harrison Delbridge Rhys Lambert Andy Rose Kip Colvey

US Case Studies of Pro and College Players

• Trainee contract at Brisbane Roar, later released
• 100% scholarship at Lewis & Clark Community College (valued at $39,500 US)
• Graduated with a Business Administration degree and an associates in science degree

with Phi Theta Kappa honours

• 100% scholarship at NCAA Div.1 college: Gardner-webb University (valued at $90,000 US)
• BPL winner and Australia Representative in China
• School record for longest rep (kick) for a live play fjeld goal (55 yards)
• Final year of College paid for Degree and housing and football scholarship valued at

$45,000

• Played trial games with Chicago Fire U23 in PDL

Thomas Torzsok

• 2014 QLD NPL Premiership Winner
• 100% Athletic Scholarship to Montana State University (valued at $32,000 US per year)
• Named captain of MSUB in 2015
• Successful trial at Seattle Sounders u23 PDL squad in 2016
• Studied Exercise Science & got internship opportunities with Seattle Sounders MLS

sports science stafg

• Various successful trials in England Conference North in 2017
• Currently awaiting a new US visa to return to MSUB
• Hopes to pursue college coaching in 2019 with USL soccer on the West Coast

Rhys Lambert

Australian born, 13/02/1990

• Tried his luck at Bristol City from age 14-18 before being released.
• Paid his way to University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) then received a scholarship

in his junior and senior year. (2008-2011)

• Played in the Premier Development League (PDL) for Seattle Wolves in 2009
• Got drafted in 2012 by Real Salt Lake (sixth overall pick) and was traded immediately to

the Seattle Sounders

Andy Rose

New Zealand born, 15/03/1994

• Spent all 4 years at California Polytechnic State Uni. 2012-2015
• Played PDL 2013-2014 for Ventura County Fusion
• 49th overall pick in 2016 draft by San Jose Earthquakes
• Transferred to Colorado Rapids
• Out on loan to USL team Colorado Springs FC
• Got a call up to New Zealand whilst at College

Kip Colvey

Australian born, 15/03/1992

• Played 4 years at Appalachian State University 2010-2013
• Played PDL for Carolina Rawlhawks
• Signed professional contract in USL for Sacramento Rep.
• 1 year with Portland Timbers 2
• Signed for FC Cincinnati made USL ALL-star team 2016
• Signed 3 year contract with Melbourne City FC

Harrison Delbridgew

If playing college sports is something that might interest you. Fill in E.O.I form so one of

• ur Recruitment Scouts can contact you and evaluate your eligibility.

Express your Interest

First name* Last name* Email* Mobile*

spark-recruitment.com Spaces are limited, enrollment depends on academic studies and sporting ability

Thank you for your time, we welcome any questions?