NCAA College Soccer Divisions - NCAA Soccer Teams

NCAA college soccer divisions are considered to be amateur, even though the best division I players in the NCAA are generally compensated by scholarships. College soccer is a great springboard into MLS and the National Team.

The three NCAA divisions are determined by different financial commitment and also what level of competition the college school wants to participate in. At the Ncaa college soccer divisions I and II, schools are allowed to sponsor their players with scholarships, while div III schools are not allowed to do so.

NCAA Div I
This is where you will find the best players for both men and women. Schools that are participating in division I are allowed to give 9.9 scholarships per season so you really need to be talented and perform well in order to get your hands on one of these.

However, if you make it to the Division I you are probably half way to the professional as MLS coaches are frequently looking for new players in these leagues. The formula for success is pretty simply; Perform well in Division I and you are on your way into professional.

NCAA Div II
The quality of soccer in division is not at the same level as the division I. However, these schools have still managed to produce several professional soccer players. Also, colleges in division one has also more liberal rules and many foreign soccer players in their teams.

Many division II players pay for their college through a combination of scholarship money, grants, loans and employment earning’s. With other words, you need to be prepared to get a job in order to fulfill your visit at a Division II college.

NCAA Div III
The NCAA Div II consists of colleges and universities that choose not offer their soccer players financial scholarships. However, you should not feel discouraged just because you are playing in Div III. Actually, it doesn’t matter where you are playing as long as you are playing well. In Div III there will also be less competition which means that you will play regularly.

Believe me, there is no point for you to join a Div I club that already consists of 30 players. Chances that you will watch the game from the side are pretty high. In order to develop your game you need to play regularly. This is why you should consider joining a Div III team instead of struggling with getting a place on the bench as a substitute in a Div I team.