Many students play soccer as a pastime. But only a few know about available scholarships. Although soccer isn’t the most popular sport, it still provides plenty of financial support.

If you are a promising athlete, you can receive a scholarship to cover your expenses. Down below, you will find the list of top soccer scholarships in the U.S., along with eligibility and submission criteria.

Do I Qualify?


It is crucial to highlight an important notion of submission and eligibility criteria. Every program is exclusive, and the requirements often vary.

Aside from scholarships provided by academic institutions, private sponsors also have a unique set of requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to check every program separately.

Nonetheless, there is a list of typical components candidates must meet to become eligible. For example, scholarships usually require meeting the following criteria:


  • Be a student of 18 years of age or more

  • Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above

  • Be a citizen of the United States (alternatively, hold a permanent residence)

 

When it comes to submission criteria, the committee often requires submitting:


  • FAFSA report

  • Application form

  • Resume

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Proof of leadership and commitment to service

  • Essay

Academic performance is equally important when applying for a soccer scholarship. That’s why candidates often have to provide a transcript of records. More importantly, applicants are frequently required to write an essay because it helps the committee evaluate their mindset, aims, and means to accomplish them. Such papers don’t usually have a strict structure. Still, it’s imperative to know how to make it well-organized and appealing. Many writing services have examples of scholarship essays that scored the highest mark from the admission officers, so it would be reasonable to visit such web pages and take a glance at Custom College Essays. Other than that, here is the list of top-notch soccer scholarships in the US.

Augustana College Athletic Grant


Augustana College is a private, Lutheran-affiliated liberal arts educational institution located in Illinois. The program is widely known among student-athletes, which is why it goes first on the list. Those who strive to receive the Augustana Grant have to be part of its academic cohort and maintain a GPA of a minimum of 3.0. Recipients can get their scholarships renewed if they keep their average the same. Besides, applicants must demonstrate outstanding athletic performance. Augustana College Athletic Grant has a unique approach to every candidate, so the award amount varies. The program offers federal, state, and institutional grants. It also hinges on a student's financial situation. Amounts range from $4,000 to $27,000.

Foot Locker Scholar Athlete Program


Foot Locker Scholar Athlete Program is one of over 20 scholarships the Foot Locker Foundation offers for talented and aspiring students. Candidates must be ongoing high school seniors entering a four-year, accredited by the United States institution in the upcoming fall. Typically, students must hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be citizens of the U.S. or hold a permanent residence. Plus, every applicant must be a high school sports team member or attend after-school sports classes and have it documented. The award amount is $20,000. The application deadline is due January 08th, 2022.

Massachusetts Youth Soccer Scholarship Program


The Program is designed for high school seniors who want to attend a post-secondary academic institution. The main requirement set by the program is to be associated with Massachusetts Youth Soccer for two years. In addition, candidates must add:

  • Transcript of records

  • SAT scores

  • Proof of extracurricular activities

Students can also attach academic and/or athletic awards. To complete the application, each contestant must:

  • Fill out an application form and submit it along with supporting documentation

  • Compose a 500-word essay on how the game of soccer has positively impacted their lives

The award amount is $1,000.

ACF Bryan Cline Memorial Soccer Scholarship Program


Eldorado High School seniors have an excellent chance to receive a soccer scholarship. ACF Bryan Cline Memorial Soccer provides a scholarship for students who demonstrate a strong interest in sports. Candidates don’t necessarily need to be experienced and nearly professional players. Instead, they must demonstrate a potent involvement in soccer and leadership qualities. ACF Bryan Cline Memorial Soccer Scholarship Program awards one female and one male student. And although the total award amount for every recipient is $800, the program provides many opportunities for the winners. Among other things, recipients can play in well-known teams after graduating. The application deadline is set for April 2022.

CCU Athletics Scholarship


Student-athletes attending the CCU College of Undergraduate Studies can apply for this program. Before applying, applicants must be recommended for scholarship recommendation by the CCU Athletics Department. To be nominated, candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, be a citizen of the U.S., or hold a permanent residence. Apart from that, each applicant should demonstrate high academic performance. The scholarship committee has an exclusive approach to every person, so the submission and eligibility criteria may change.

Men’s Soccer Alumni Term Scholarship


Awarded by Embry Aeronautical University, this scholarship awards several students based on their sports performance. Men’s Soccer Alumni Term Scholarship requires applicants to submit:

  • A letter of recommendation

  • FAFSA report

  • Official transcript of records

Besides, candidates must be current students on Daytona Campus. The application deadline varies. The total money awarded for the program is $10,000.

Sports Unlimited Scholarship


Sports Unlimited offers a $1,000 scholarship for every student-athlete. The requirements are kept to a minimum to boost everyone’s chances of receiving financial support. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a graduating high school senior or freshman/sophomore in college

  • Be unrelated to the Sports Unlimited Organization

  • Be a U.S. citizen or hold a permanent residence

Candidates should also write a 1000-word essay on the following topic: “How has the pandemic affected your relationship with sports?” It should be sent via email as a Word doc or PDF attachment to an official email address. The file name must contain the applicant's full name, state, and date of birth. Finally, every candidate must provide the name of the educational institution they belong to.

The deadline is September 30th, 2021.