For ambitious players dreaming of combining higher education with elite-level football, the USA college soccer pathway offers one of the most exciting opportunities in world sport. This summer, IOF USA is hosting a premium USA Soccer Scholarship Trial Event at St George’s Park—the world-class home of the England National Football Team—designed to give players a genuine pathway into NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA programmes across the United States.
This event brings together top-tier coaching, professional-level performance analysis, and personalised scholarship guidance from two of the UK’s most respected experts in player development and US soccer pathways. Monday 29th December 2025, 11am – 1pm
What to Expect at the IOF USA Scholarship Trial Event
1. A Full Overview of the USA College Soccer Pathway
The event begins with an interactive seminar led by our Head of Talent & Pathways, Jamie Bennett—one of the earliest pioneers in sending UK players to US universities. With a proven track record of placing athletes into top NCAA programmes, Jamie will break down everything players and families need to know:
- Scholarship types and eligibility
- NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA academic requirements
- Recruitment timelines
- How to build an outstanding student-athlete profile
- The realities of life as a college athlete
Whether you’re new to the idea or already committed to the pathway, this session gives you the clarity and confidence to take the next step.
2. Professional Football Trial Match Recorded with VEO Technology
Players will take part in a competitive match hosted on the world-class pitches at St George’s Park. The game will be:
- Filmed in full using VEO performance analysis cameras
- Analysed by our coaching and recruitment team
- Reviewed in line with US college standards and expectations
This footage not only supports the selection process for scholarships—it can also be used as part of your personal recruiting profile sent to college coaches worldwide.
3. Individual 1-to-1 Performance Consultation
After the event, each player receives a personalised review, including:
- Key strengths and developmental areas
- Suitability for different college levels (NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, NJCAA)
- Advice on scholarship potential
- Next steps tailored to your ambitions
These consultations ensure players receive honest, professional feedback from experts who understand both sides of the pathway: football development and college placement.
4. Assessed by UEFA A Licensed Coach Russ Hullett
Player assessment will be led by Russ Hullett, IOF Technical Director, UEFA A licensed coach and former professional player. Russ brings experience from some of the biggest clubs in world football:
- Manchester United FC
- Aston Villa FC
- Nottingham Forest FC
- Chelsea FC
- Head Coach & First-Team Manager at Lillehammer FK (Norway)
Few trial experiences in the UK offer this level of coaching pedigree and professional insight.
5. Exclusive Access to the IOF USA College Showcase Tour — North Carolina, April 7–15, 2026
This trial event also serves as the primary recruitment opportunity for our 2026 US College Showcase Tour, taking place in North Carolina.
Players selected for the tour will experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity including:
- Visits to NCAA Division 1, Division 2, Division 3 and Junior College campuses
- Showcase matches in front of US coaches
- Full university tours and facility visits
- A real immersion into American college life
- Meetings with admissions and coaching staff
This is one of the most comprehensive USA showcase tours available to UK players aspiring to secure scholarships.
Why Attend the IOF USA Scholarship Trials?
Key Benefits
- Assessment from elite coaches with Premier League academy experience
- Footage captured for your college recruitment profile
- Professional performance analysis
- Expert guidance from leading USA pathway specialists
- Potential selection for the 2026 US Showcase Tour
- Experience playing at one of the best football facilities in the world—St George’s Park
This event is ideal for players aged 15–19 looking to take their football and academic careers to the next level.
Secure Your Place
Spaces are limited to maintain the quality and integrity of the assessment process.
To register your interest or book your place, visit www.iofacademy.com or contact our IOF USA team directly.
Start your journey. Play your future. The USA pathway begins here.