How to Walk On to a College Soccer Team

Not every college soccer player is a recruited athlete. Walk ons contribute to programs at every division. Here is how to make it happen.

Who Walks On?

• Athletes who developed later than their peers
• Players who did not pursue recruiting in high school
• Transfer students from schools without soccer programs
• Athletes who want to play at a specific school regardless of recruiting status

How Walk On Tryouts Work

Most college soccer programs hold walk on tryouts before or during preseason. The format varies:

• Some programs hold an open tryout day
• Others invite specific players to preseason training
• Some coaches evaluate walk on candidates during fall practice

Before Tryouts

Contact the coach. Email the head or assistant coach expressing your interest in walking on. Include your highlight video, athletic resume, and academic information. Coaches are more likely to give you a fair evaluation if they know you are coming.

Get in peak physical condition. College preseason is intense. If you show up unfit, you will be cut immediately. Run, lift, and train at high intensity for at least 2 to 3 months before tryouts.

Know the team's playing style. Watch game film of the team. Understand their formation, pressing triggers, and build up patterns. Showing that you fit their system gives you an edge.

During Tryouts

• Give maximum effort from the first minute
• Be vocal and communicate constantly
• Play simple and effective (tryouts are not the time for tricks)
• Show coachability by responding to instructions immediately
• Be a good teammate (encouraging others shows character)

Realistic Expectations

• Walk ons at D1 programs are rare but happen every year
• D2 and D3 programs are more welcoming to walk ons
• You may not play immediately (or at all the first year)
• Walk ons can earn scholarships over time based on performance

FieldVision AI for Walk On Candidates

FieldVision AI helps walk on candidates identify programs where they have the best chance of making the roster. Our AI assesses your level and recommends schools where your ability matches the team's talent level.