Free guide · 10 minute read
Scoreboard reading: Sunday League 0, NCAA 1 — the underdog result this guide is about.
From Sunday League
to US College Soccer
The true story of a 19-year-old with no academy background who ended up on a US college roster — trials, visas, small-town culture shock, and the mistakes I'd fix if I did it again.
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Kickoff
Why I wrote this down
I've lost count of the friends, family members, and total strangers who've asked me some version of the same question: was it worth it, how does it actually work, what should I watch out for. Instead of answering one by one, I wrote it all down — the honest version, mistakes included. This guide is that story.
Where to go next
The full roadmap
This free guide is chapter one. Here's the rest of the story, sold as standalone guides — or as one bundle.
How to Get Recruited to a College
£4.99How to get a US coach to actually notice you — agencies, direct contact, and the emails that get replies.
The 4 Pillars to Choosing the Right School
£4.99The framework — price, location, team & coaches, facilities — for picking a school that actually fits.
The Only Visa Guide You Need
£4.99The exact steps, documents, and timeline — plus a mock interview Q&A so the embassy doesn't catch you off guard.
Tips to Maximise Your Experience
£4.99The habits that make or break your first semester, and the mistakes I made so you don't have to.
The Complete Guide for International Students
£9.99My full story, recruiting, choosing a school, visas, and settling in — the entire roadmap in one place, for less than buying each guide separately.
Who it's for
Read this if you're...
A player
Outside the academy system, wondering if this route is even possible for someone like you. It is.
A parent
Wanting an honest account before your family commits time, money, and trust to this decision.
Undecided
Still weighing up an agency versus reaching out to coaches directly. This is where to start either way.
Read by players and parents across the UK, Ireland, and beyond.
The author
About James
Grew up just outside London, played Sunday league, no academy background. Trialled for US colleges at 19, signed with an NAIA school in Tennessee, later transferred to play NCAA Division II. Now approaching the end of a college career he almost talked himself out of chasing.
This guide — and the ones that follow it — exist so the next person doesn't have to learn everything the hard way.
Get the full story
Free. Ten minutes. The honest version, mistakes included.
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