Should 8th graders start college soccer recruiting? The speaker says it depends on skill level. Exceptional players gain an edge from early ID camps and highlight videos, while less certain ones should wait and enjoy the game. Low-intensity steps like making a school list and attending a few camps don't hurt.
If you're in 8th grade, it's too early to start this recruiting process. You should just wait. That's what I always thought. It's too early to start in 8th grade. I mean, it's not like anyone else who's my age is starting. Well, I don't really know about that. I do think there are some players and some parents who do want to get ahead of this process and probably are starting in 8th grade. Do you think that should make you start in 8th grade, or you should just not worry about them? Well, I guess I kind of have to worry about them because we're probably going for the same spot. So if they're already starting places with the coach before I do, and we play the same position, I guess I might be in a little bit of trouble. I mean, what are the chances? That's not really going to happen. 8th grade, 9th grade, even 10th grade. It's too early. You should just start— just relax. It will happen when it happens. But like, what if it doesn't happen? Like, what if a coach tells me that I'm too late? I think I'll really regret that. Starting the recruiting process doesn't necessarily mean emailing schools. It could just be you should start to create a list of schools. It could be starting to go to an ID camp or two. It could be writing some emails. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to go full force. But maybe just beginning can play a role, especially making your video, because sometimes it can take months to make a good video, and if you take months, you might be in 9th grade at that point. Whether or not you should start the recruiting process in 8th grade is really dependent on the level you are. If you're an exceptional player for your age, you should be going to ID camps right now because there's a leverage point where coaches can see your progression. If you're not that good or you're not really sure if you should start, then don't. Start much later in the process and just enjoy your soccer. All I can tell you is other players are starting, including some of my students. If you comment "call," we can schedule a call with you and your parents.
