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NCSA is the premier scouting and recruiting organization for soccer players who are attempting to maximize their athletic scholarship potential and take their game to the next level.

Check out this FREE e-book that explains the "5 things you need to know" and then "5 things you must do" in order to play college soccer:

"College Recruiting Simplified" e-book

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Featured Recruiting Article - March 2010

Being a Walk-On

A lot of athletes have heard the term "walk-on" but aren't exactly sure what it means. A good way to define a walk-on athlete is a non-scholarship athlete who will try-out for their sport. They are guaranteed nothing, not even that spot on the team. There is always the potential of getting cut, which is a large risk. A walk-on's role can vary but the basic definition remains the same.

If you do make the team as a walk-on, you should be prepared for what comes next. Walk-ons often have multiple roles on a team. You could be somebody who just practices against the starting players and come game time, can be found cheering on the bench. You may not travel to every away game, especially as a freshman. Your role could remain the same all four years, or can change; it's different for athlete and every school. Some players are able to work their way up and are able to see minutes and potentially even receive scholarship money.

If you consider walking on to a team, you need to ask the coach several questions before deciding if it's a good option for you:

• What exactly does it mean to be a walk-on at your school?
• Would I be a preferred walk-on?
• Will I travel with the team?
• How many other athletes are expected to attempt walking-on?
• Is there potential for me to earn scholarship money in the future, if I've earned it?
• Have any walk-ons in the past earned scholarship money?

Walk-on players are important to any team and are necessary for a team to succeed. It's not a position that is for everyone, however, because many challenges are associated with this role. You will need to have a positive attitude and understand that even though your role doesn't receive a lot of recognition, you are still important for that team. You also need to realize that you will be treated differently than the scholarship athletes and your four years of school and soccer will differ. You will be paying your way through school, you will be working hard every day on the field, but most likely not seeing the reward of game time; it's tough and not every athlete can handle a position like this.

If you love the school and think it's worth the risk, then it could be a good option for you. Talk to the coach and try to form a relationship with them before tryouts. They need to know just how much you want to be part of the team and know that you will be a key contributor, no matter what.

NCSA Article Archives for 2010-2009 / 2008 / 2007

Recruiting Tip of the Month - March 2010

What is a preferred walk-on? A preferred walk-on is an athlete who is promised a roster spot at the beginning of the season, but is still not a scholarship athlete.

Archive of NCSA Recruiting Tips

About the NCSA
Since 2000, NCSA -- the National College Scouting Association -- has grown quickly, becoming the leading collegiate recruiting source for more than 35,000 college coaches across the country. NCSA's experienced scouting team helps student-athletes gain acceptance to the collegiate program that best fits their needs.

NCSA uses a high tech approach to monitor the specific wants and needs of college coaches and match student-athletes with the appropriate collegiate opportunities that will allow them to succeed at the next level.

NCSA's high-tech approach includes our Recruit-Match™ database, which helps track more than 100,000 of the top high school student-athletes in the country. The Recruit-Match™ database also houses permission-based contact information and recruiting standards and requirements of coaches at more than 1,700 colleges and universities in more than 25 men's and women's sports.

To receive a free evaluation and recruiting profile, call 866.579.6272 or visit here.

"College Recruiting Simplified" Events

As the official recruiting and scouting partner for Cal South, NCSA recruiting experts will be at many major Cal South events to present "College Recruiting Simplified" - a critically acclaimed, educational event for student-athletes and parents explaining the realities of the college athletic recruiting process. Be sure to look for "College Recruiting Simplified" at your next Cal South event!

If you would like to learn more about scheduling "College Recruiting Simplified" for your club or high school team, call 888.333.6846 - option 4 or visit: http://www.ncsasports.org/high-school-ads-coaches.