In a sub‑60‑second YouTube short, the creator known as “The College Soccer Guy” shares three critical recruiting mistakes ECNL youth players should avoid if they aim to play college soccer. First, never email a college coach without including your club coach’s contact information, because coaches often trust or verify players through familiar club coaches. Second, don’t underestimate the importance of 8th‑ and 9th‑grade showcases; use footage from those events to give coaches a visual reference when they can’t see you in person. Third, if you’re already playing ECNL as an 8th‑grader or freshman, aggressively email many coaches early, treating yourself like the first customer in line for a new product—early outreach can secure attention before the market fills up. The video ends with a call‑to‑action inviting viewers to comment “call” to schedule a conversation with the speaker and the player’s parents.
Chapters
3 things I would never do as an ECNL player if I want to play college soccer. I'm The College Soccer Guy and I help you play college soccer in under 60 seconds. Number 1, never email a coach without your club coach's number at the bottom of your email. These coaches, especially at the ECNL level, either played college soccer or they know coaches. And if that college coach says, "Oh, I know that club coach," it is much more likely they will read your email and/or give that coach a call about you, especially when you're a freshman or a sophomore. Because remember, technically speaking, they cannot talk to you, but there's really no rules about them contacting your coach and going, oh, what about this player? And that happens all the freaking time, especially to the best level players. Number 2, do not underestimate your showcases when you are in 8th and 9th grade. Yes, college coaches may not prioritize you as much as a 2025 that they need tomorrow, but also they— those 2025s, they're done with that class. So yes, they focus on 26s. If they have a spare moment, they'll go focus on the 28s. If you're really a baller, they will go to your 29s and 2030s, or they will send a coach to find out and learn about you. Most of all, you cannot underestimate them because you need the footage from those showcases to send to the coaches because the coaches go to those showcases, see the level of other teams and go, "Hey, I maybe didn't get to see you in person, but I got to see you, see the tournament, and I saw the tournament was a really high level, so I didn't get to see you in person. I can basically imagine what it would have been like in person because you sent me your video." 3, if you're playing ECNL as an 8th grader or a freshman, really take advantage of it and send a lot of emails out. Some of them will tell you they're not ready. Good. It's like being the first in line at the Apple Store. Maybe they will open— the store is not open yet, but you are the first one there. If you wait, then you can be in the middle of the line and the best deals have gone, or there are no more iPhones. If you want more help, comment "call" and we can schedule a call with you and your parents.
