Major change coming to college soccer amid fallout from NCAA

What is the actual deal with International players? I mean, why are there so many? On the boys side I kinda get it, but on the girls side, I don't. The talent level is not that disparate from American to International. Sure they have caught up to playing closer to our level, but we are still considered a Top 3-4 team in the world (at worst). So why do colleges take so many internationals? 

I've heard everything from, "they pay their own way so it is cheaper to take them" to "they have their scholarships paid for because they are international". What is the story to the amount of internationals at American colleges playing soccer. I'm sure someone on here has a good understanding of this. 

Side note: it's crazy to watch the Olympics (or any other international event) and have players from other teams (not USA) be announced, saying "so-and-so" played, or is currently playing, at "X" university in the USA. 

International players can receive both academic and athletic scholarships. However, they are not eligible for federal financial aid, such as grants or loans from the U.S. government. Many colleges and universities offer their own financial aid programs, which international students can apply for. Additionally, private loans may be an option, though they often require a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer.

On the men’s side, many international ‘freshmen’ have previously been part of football academies in their home countries but did not make the cut. As a result, they often bring a more 'mature' professional approach to the game, sometimes being older and more experienced. This contrasts with true freshman domestic players who maybe used to mom & dad doing everything for them. This could be why college coaches find international players attractive.

However, the influx of international players also presents challenges for American students. The increased competition for roster spots and scholarships can make it harder for domestic players to secure opportunities. Coaches may prefer international players for their experience and professionalism, which can limit the chances for a domestic 18 year old. This usually doesn't apply to players from professional clubs like AU  Additionally, the pay-to-play system in the U.S. can be prohibitively expensive, coupled with we'll take who can pay, as opposed to developing players, further narrowing the pool of domestic players who can compete at the collegiate level.

For women, age and experience also play a significant role. Additionally, the NWSL has a rule requiring foreign nationals to have been enrolled at a U.S. university to be eligible for the draft. While I’m not as familiar with the specifics of this rule, it is an important factor. This season, the NWSL increased the number of international players allowed on each team to eight. I still fundamentally believe the presence of international players can enrich the college soccer experience by fostering a diverse and competitive environment. However, it is essential to recognize and address the barriers that domestic players face to ensure a level playing field for all aspiring athletes. I have always proposed going the professional route and limiting the number of scholarships given to international "students."

We now know first hand that the roster limits are changing things. My daughter (class of 2025) received an email from a coach yesterday (small D1). This is a school she has been working with for a while, and she is on their short list. In the email the coach mentioned the new roster size restrictions and that they now have uncertainty around their limits and how it is going to change scholarship opportunities. So, until further notice they have put 2025 recruiting on hold with no timeframe to resume.

After seeing the email my daughter reached out via Snap to a couple other players she saw at camps for this school, and they received the same message via email.

Unfortunately this school had 30 on their 2023 roster, and look to be in the same ballpark for 2024. So, they probably have to shrink the roster a little and have no idea what the rules are to do so.

Key phrase is “up to 28” full scholarships. AD’s ultimately will assign that scholarship number limit per school. Outside of large state institutions with a relatively modest cost of attendance, the likelihood of that number being 28 is slim. Most soccer programs don’t have the budget to cover the 14 they already offer.

Yes but from a competitive standpoint there will be a major gap from the haves and the have not’s. With the transfer portal the gap will happen immediately.

So I know every situation is differenf but we just came back from a weekend with a P4 Private school where the cost of attendance is pretty steep. We got offered a full scholorship at our visit. I asked the coach about roster limits etc and he said there AD is fully committed to providing the funds to keep pace with other P4’s. So it will definately be interesting how this all really and truly pans out. But I certaintly wish the 2026’s luck on there journey!

@lajolla Congratulations, kind of interesting that your club liason isn't able to position your kid with college coaches but attending a college camp ended up with a full ride offer. Whatever works, but I'd be a little pissed at my kids youth club.

When did I mention club liason or attending a camp? My whole post was around an official visit? 🤔

I hear what you are saying, but this isn't the professional level. This is for student-athletes. I'm for meritocracy as well, but I think of this like in-state vs out-of-state attendance and cost.

If I recall, the Georgia state government was trying to pass a law that they had to have a certain percentage of it's students come from within the state. The idea was that local students would tend to stay local upon graduation and if the state is investing in students, they should try to keep the talent that graduates here at home. No sense investing in too many out-of-state students and international students that graduate and then move back to wince they came, leaving the state little reward for the investment.  

Second, There is plenty of talent here in the USA, especially on the girls side, that I don't think it warrants massive rosters of internationals to make up a talent gap or anything. There is plenty of merit right in the USA. 

It is going to be very difficult for this senior class of boys to get/land a spot at a d1 school this fall.
the hierarchy goes like this for mens soccer in college
1) international player (i've heard that some of their countries will pay for their education)
2) transfer portal -- why take a 18 year old when you can pick up a 22 year old junior or a transferring sophomore who has played
3) domestic player from an mls academy
4) domestic player from somewhere else

seems the better move would have been increase the scholarship numbers like they did, but remove any roster size limitations.
or mandate every rostered player has to have a scholarship..... (this never would fly, but seems that was the intent to ensure all athletes are "compensated")

Biggest issue is football. Sure it generates revenue but no need for roster size that big or 105 scholarships.

Football has 85 scholarships. It doesn't just generate revenue, it generates 80% of it, basketball the other 20%. Those two sports fund all the other sports, which cost more than they bring in.

i'm still confused on how this effects school in non power 4 conferences that don't make money and their is no revenue sharing.