The Pathways to Become a Pro Soccer Player in 2024

With the legendary Alex Morgan’s retirement and the drafting of some of the youngest players we’ve ever seen in the league, 2024 has been an instrumental and transformational time for women’s soccer and the influx of the next generation of players. Want to go pro and be a part of the new generation of professional athletes? Read on to learn more about becoming a pro women’s soccer.

Youth Academies & Club Soccer

 

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Join a Club Academy! Five NWSL teams currently have youth academies, including NC Courage Academy, Portland Thorns Academy, Seattle Reign Academy, Racing Louisville FC Academy, and Houston Dash Academy. Joining one of these academies provides access to elite coaching, facilities, and competitive opportunities, increasing visibility to scouts and college opportunities.

Play for the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). The ECNL is another great option for young athletes. In the U.S., the ECNL is a top-tier youth league recognized for player development. It offers exposure to college coaches and professional scouts. Some of the above teams, including NC Courage Academy, Portland Thorns Academy, and Racing Louisville FC Academy, play in the ECNL. The ECNL has over 120 member clubs throughout the country. Many of the gold medalists on the USWNT are notable alumni of ECNL clubs, including Naomi Girma, Lindsey Horan, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and more.

Youth National Teams

Get a spot on U.S. Youth National Teams! Receiving a call-up to a U.S. Youth National Team helps showcase young talent nationally and internationally, whether in the U-15, U-17, or U-20 leagues. Many NWSL players have played for national teams. Angel City FC player Alyssa Thompson played for the U-20 team at the 2022 CONCAF Women’s U-20 Championship before being drafted to the NWSL. 18-year-old Riley Jackson of NC Courage got her first call-up to the U-15 team in 2019 and played for the U-17 team. Bay FC’s Savy King was invited to U-15 training camps and played with the U-17 team at the 2022 CONCACAF Championship. And the list doesn’t end there!

College Soccer

Playing for a college team is another path to entry for most professional sports, including soccer. Many NWSL players have emerged from the college system. Some top women’s soccer programs include Stanford, Duke, University of North Carolina, Santa Clara University, UCLA, Florida State, and more.

International Opportunities

If professional soccer is the goal and not necessarily U.S. professional soccer, playing abroad is another option for young players. Pursuing professional leagues in Europe or other countries with established women’s soccer scenes can provide broader exposure and potentially lead to contracts. There are also plenty of NWSL current and former players who have spent time playing abroad. Examples include Lindsey Horan, who plays in Lyon; Emily Fox, who plays for Arsenal; and Korbin Albert, who plays for PSG.

Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram

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