Support Chat
Welcome to our support chat! How can we help you today?
Welcome to our support chat! How can we help you today?
With limited roster spots, fewer scholarships, and an overcrowded domestic system, less than 10% of U.S. high school players reach college soccer. For many ambitious student-athletes, the pathway simply ends too early.
This is where elite development soccer academies offer opportunities the domestic system often cannot: consistent high-level training, meaningful competition, and direct exposure to international football environments.
Through PlayAbroad, U.S. & Canadian players access all-inclusive elite soccer academies and international soccer pathways across 22+ countries, including Europe and South America.
Click here to know more!
Elite soccer academies abroad aren’t short-term trials or weekend showcases. They are multi-year, structured programs built around athlete development, academic stability, and daily immersion in high-performance football.
American soccer-athletes that go abroad spend more time on the pitch, receive an accredited degree in less time, and expand their soccer network globally. Here’s how the academy soccer in Europe compares to U.S. college soccer:
|
Development Area |
U.S. College Soccer  |
Elite Soccer Academies in Europe  |
|---|---|---|
|
Season Duration & Games Played |
3 to 4 months season: 18-22 competitive matches |
10 months season: 40+ competitive matches |
|
Training & Development |
Part-time training with heavy roster rotation |
4-5 training sessions per week with UEFA-licensed coaches & individualized development plans |
|
Academic Integration |
Accredited College degrees(4 years) with rigid schedules around NCAA rules |
Accredited University degrees (3 years) that are integrated into training schedule |
|
Exposure & Recruitment Pathways |
Localized exposure through club & NCAA showcases |
Year-round visibility to international clubs, scouts & professional academies |
|
Cost & Scholarship Structure |
$120k–$200k+ total for 4-year degree with limited soccer scholarships spots |
Academy fees vary by country with access to Internal PlayAbroad soccer scholarships. |
Through PlayAbroad, over a hundred U.S. & Canadian soccer student-athletes have received personalized guidance to find soccer academies that are tailored to their Academic & Sporting ambitions!
PlayAbroad works with a vetted network of elite soccer academies and international soccer schools across 22+ countries, including the UK, Spain, France, Germany, Argentina and more.
Each soccer academy in our network is selected upon meeting strict standards for training, academic integration, player welfare, and long-term development outcomes. Our global reach allows us to connect you with soccer opportunities based on your future goals, age, budget and eligibility timeline.
The PlayAbroad network offers:
Clear cost ranges, tailored budgets, and access to internal PlayAbroad soccer scholarship support.
Studying and playing at an elite soccer academy abroad requires careful financial planning. That’s why PlayAbroad provides transparent soccer academy cost ranges and access to internal soccer academy scholarships before any commitment is made.
Through PlayAbroad-only rates and performance-based soccer scholarships, many families reduce elite soccer academy costs by $10,000+ per year. Every athlete receives a clear financial range tied to their pathway, level, and academic plan.
More than 90% of our players receive Internal soccer scholarships based on performance and academic standing
Join hundreds of student-athletes developing at elite international soccer schools
Any questions?
We got you.
Absolutely. Many universities in Europe and South America offer English-taught programs across majors like Business, Sports Science, Engineering, Communications, and more. Furthermore, you can also take optional local language classes if you want cultural immersion.
All PlayAbroad athletes live in supervised on-campus dorms or verified student accommodations that are located near an academy or club’s training facilities.
All players have access to medical staff, physiotherapists, insurance guidance, and structured rehabilitation protocols. Your Placer also stays involved with trainers, coaches, and families.
Although we do not submit the final application for your visa process, Your International Placer and soccer club/academy ensure that you prepare the correct documents and meet all deadlines for your visa application.
The UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Argentina and Portugal host the deepest academy and semi-pro networks. PlayAbroad operates in all of them.
No problem. Chat with our international education counselor now, or call us at
