Your recruiting video is often the first impression college soccer coaches will have of your abilities. In a competitive landscape where coaches receive hundreds of videos every recruiting season, yours needs to stand out and showcase exactly what they're looking for.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of creating a professional soccer recruiting video that captures attention, demonstrates your skills, and increases your chances of getting recruited.
Keep it between 3-5 minutes. Coaches are busy and won't watch lengthy videos. Show your best clips first.
Use HD quality (1080p minimum). Clear footage allows coaches to evaluate your technique and decision-making.
Focus on 80-90% game footage from competitive matches. Coaches want to see how you perform under pressure.
Start with your name, position, grad year, GPA, test scores, and contact information clearly displayed.
College soccer coaches are evaluating multiple aspects of your game. Make sure your video showcases all of these key areas:
Position the camera at midfield, elevated 10-15 feet above the field. This captures your positioning, movement, and tactical decisions. This is the most important angle.
Great for showcasing shooting, finishing, and attacking runs. Position camera centrally behind the goal for best view.
Having footage from different perspectives shows the same play from various viewpoints, giving coaches a complete picture of your abilities.
iMovie (Mac/iOS)
Free, user-friendly, great for beginners
Adobe Premiere Pro
Professional-grade, more advanced features
DaVinci Resolve
Free professional software with great color tools
Hudl Highlights
Sports-specific app, easy clip selection
Choose the Right Music
Use upbeat, energetic music that doesn't overpower the video. Avoid explicit lyrics or overly loud tracks.
Copyright-Free Sources
Audio Balance
Keep music volume moderate. Some coaches prefer to hear natural game sounds.
Opening Slate (5-10 seconds)
Name, Position, Grad Year, Height/Weight, GPA, Test Scores, Contact Info, Club/High School
Best Clips First (60-90 seconds)
Lead with your most impressive moments. Coaches may only watch the first minute.
Variety of Skills (2-3 minutes)
Show different aspects: attacking, defending, passing, technical ability, etc.
Full Possession Sequences (Optional)
Include 2-3 longer plays showing your tactical awareness and decision-making over time.
Closing Slate (5 seconds)
Repeat your contact information and thank coaches for watching.
YouTube is the preferred platform for recruiting videos. It's free, easy to share, and coaches can view it on any device.
Optimization Tips:
Once your video is uploaded, it's time to get it in front of college coaches.
Share your video via:
Creating a standout soccer recruiting video takes time and effort, but it's one of the most important tools in your recruiting arsenal. A well-crafted video can open doors, spark interest from coaches, and ultimately help you achieve your goal of playing college soccer.