Starting college is tough, but it is even tougher when you have to move all the way across the world to do it. Here are some tips and things to expect from Skidmore's Lauren Greaves; an international athlete from England.
The Game is Very Fast
In England, you can only make 3 subs per game so teams can't be as high pressing. Trying to press as hard and fast would quickly wear out teams who have unlimited subbing. Before you arrive, you should practice making fast decisions with the ball and handling the ball under quick pressure. It's a bit of a wake-up when you get here, but eventually you will get used to pressing fast and not holding the ball for too long.
Related: 4 tips for International Athletes Applying to College in the United States
The Huge Rosters
The 30 person rosters are unique to the U.S. In England, a roster that size would be split into a first team and a development team. Every weekend, both teams would get their own teams to play against. Be prepared to have it be normal for some people to not appear in games at all. If that person is you at first, don't stress too much about it. It takes some time to get used to the style of play and the team atmosphere.
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Fitness Oriented Culture
All players have to be very fit and strong to play in a U.S. soccer game. Be prepared to have your trainings mixed in with cardio and lift sessions. Passing your fitness tests are so important to the culture of U.S. college teams. At many schools, you will not be able to play in a game until you successfully pass the fitness test. In some ways, the U.S. seems to value athletics development of player skill and technique, whereas in England, it is very much the opposite. You probably wouldn't touch a weight room with your team unless you started lifting on your own time.
No Progression Pathways After Graduation
In England, you have many options to play for a team for as long as your body can handle playing. Unless you are a topnotch Division I player, you basically have to quit playing competitive soccer once you graduate. There are not many competitive clubs or teams to play for once your NCAA eligibility runs out. England's club football system allows for you to play for as long as you want to.
Better Facilities, Coaching Staffs, and Trainers
Being a college athlete within the NCAA gives you the privilege of having the access to nicer facilities, more diverse coaching staffs, and athletic trainers. Colleges put a lot of money into their sports programs to bring in top recruits. In England, you don't need to put as much money into their programs to recruit people, so you would likely only have one or two practices a week and facilities of lower quality.
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Image Credit: Skidmore Athletics
* Originally published on June 1, 2023, by Bella Nevin
