College Pathway

What does the player do?

A Gjøa travel player interested in college soccer should begin by considering the bigger picture: what are your goals for college, and how does soccer fit into those goals? From there, build a list of schools where you would like to apply, then contact the coaches directly with a personal email that includes your highlight video.

Research each school carefully before reaching out — a thoughtful, specific message makes a stronger impression than a generic email copied to multiple programs. Coaches value character and intelligence as much as soccer ability, so making a professional first impression is key.

Highlight reels are an important part of this process. Gjøa records select games with the club’s Veo camera, and we highly recommend that each team purchase their own camera so every game, home and away, is captured. The best highlight reels draw from a player’s top 3–4 games within the last 12 months, showing both technical quality and consistency.

If possible, attend an ID Clinic or visit the campus of a school you’re interested in. This shows commitment and gives coaches a chance to see you in action. Be realistic about your level — focus on clinics at schools where you have a genuine chance to compete. You can also share your upcoming game schedule with coaches and invite them to attend.

Player’s Check-List:

• Research and make a list of schools you want to attend
• Create a highlight video (best 3–4 games from the last 12 months)
• Email college coaches with your highlight video and game schedule
• Attend ID Clinics at schools that match your playing level

Coaches are not randomly scouting games and tournaments each weekend, nor does signing up for recruitment websites guarantee a roster spot. The process is player-led, and success depends on being proactive and organized. Parents can support, but it is the player’s responsibility to take the lead. At Gjøa, we’re here to help by reviewing highlight reels, providing feedback on emails, and advising players along the way.

Resources

– FirstPoint USA Digital Recruitment Hub – As part of our partnership, every Gjøa player can register and create a free profile in FirstPoint’s Digital Hub. This platform provides resources for families, connects players directly with college coaches, and links our staff with programs nationwide. Create your free profile here: FirstPoint Digital Hub Registration

– FirstPoint USA Paid Service – In addition to free resources, FirstPoint USA offers a comprehensive paid service for players seeking personalized support throughout the recruitment journey. This includes one-on-one guidance, enhanced promotion, and tailored help with securing a place at the right school. Learn more about FirstPoint USA’s service

– Player Highlight Tapes (Dylan Williams) – Dylan is one of our full-time coaches and a professional videographer and video editor. He has created many high-quality highlight reels for players and brings firsthand experience from having played collegiately and professionally. View an example highlight video here. Contact Dylan directly at dylan@gjoa.org if you’d like him to create a video.

– Player Highlight Tapes (Ashton Evetts) – Ashton is a professional videographer and a friend of the club. He has produced many high-quality highlight reels for our players at very reasonable rates. View an example College Highlight Video here.. Contact Ashton directly at ashtonevetts@gmail.com if you’d like him to create a video.

– College ID Clinics – ID Clinics are a valuable way to connect with college coaches, but players should be realistic and attend clinics at schools where they can genuinely compete. Contact the coaches at schools of interest for details, or explore independent clinics such as: EXACT Sports, Future 500, andGO Sports