Creating a standout highlight video is one of the most important steps in getting recruited to play college soccer in the U.S. Whether you're aiming for NCAA Division I or a competitive NAIA program, your highlight video is often a coach's first impression of you. Here's everything you need to know about crafting a powerful video that grabs attention and earns responses.
With thousands of players competing for limited roster spots and scholarships, college coaches don’t have the time or budget to travel and watch everyone live. Your video is your virtual trial, and for most players, it’s the main way you’ll be evaluated in the early stages of recruitment.
A strong video can lead to:
Direct contact from coaches
Scholarship offers
Invites to campus visits
Priority over other recruits who don’t submit one
Do include:
Clear identification of who you are in each clip
Clean, unedited game footage (avoid slow motion or effects)
Tactical awareness: your movement off the ball, pressing, support runs
Technical ability: first touch, passing, dribbling, finishing, defending
Decision-making under pressure
Don’t include:
Overly flashy editing or music
Training footage only (unless it's position-specific and high-quality)
Non-match footage (e.g. celebrations, warm-ups, etc.)
Opening Slide (5 seconds):
Name, position(s), grad year, current team(s)
GPA, SAT/ACT (if strong)
Contact info (email and phone)
Main Body (3–6 minutes):
Organize by game moments or skill categories
Use arrows, circles, or spot shadows to identify yourself
Start with your strongest clips to grab attention (Goals/Assists)
Closing Slide:
Thank them for watching
Include contact again and reference full-match links if available
Game Footage should always be the priority. Coaches want to see you in real match conditions.
Training Clips can supplement, especially for goalkeepers or during off-seasons, but shouldn’t be the bulk of your video.
Best-case scenario: multiple angles from competitive games, preferably with high-quality camera and consistent lighting.
Goalkeepers:
Include shot-stopping, distribution (feet and hands), crosses, 1v1s
Defenders:
Show tackling, heading, positioning, passing out of the back
Midfielders:
Emphasize vision, through balls, pressing, combination play
Forwards:
Focus on finishing, movement off the ball, assists, 1v1 attacking
Using long clips with little action
Repeating the same action
Not identifying yourself clearly in every clip
Uploading in low resolution
Making the video too long (3–6 minutes is ideal)
At Soccer Student Pathway (SSP), we don’t just tell players to send in a video — we guide them through every step. Our team offers:
Personalised video audits
Highlight video script guidance
Editing tips and structure suggestions
Feedback from coaches to refine your footage
We understand what college coaches want because we’ve been on both sides of the process. With the right footage and advice, your video can open doors that emails alone cannot.
A well-crafted highlight video is one of the most powerful tools you have to secure a soccer scholarship. With smart planning, honest feedback, and attention to detail, you can create a video that not only showcases your talent but gets coaches excited to learn more.
If you're unsure where to start or want help polishing your footage, book a consultation with SSP today. We're here to help you get seen — and signed.
