American Football Trials: How to Get a Pro Contract

Wed Oct 07 2026

It's a common dream for players worldwide: get a trial in America, sign a pro contract, and build a career in one of the world's fastest-growing football landscapes. The women's game is already a global powerhouse, and the men's game is climbing fast with the MLS gaining traction and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. But how do you actually do it?

Unlike many European countries, the path in the USA isn't always a straight line from open trial to first-team contract. It's a complex system of professional leagues, a dominant college sports framework (NCAA), and semi-pro tiers that act as a feeder system. Getting it wrong can waste years of your career. Here’s how to get it right.

Understanding the American Football Pyramid

First, you need to know the landscape. The USA doesn't have a promotion and relegation system like most of the world. It's a tiered, franchise-based model. For men, the pro pathway generally looks like this:

• Major League Soccer (MLS): The top tier. Think LA Galaxy, Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders. It's extremely difficult to get a trial here directly without a top-tier pro background or being a high-potential draft pick.
• USL Championship: The second tier. Highly competitive, professional, and a common landing spot for players aiming for MLS. Many ex-MLS players and international veterans play here.
• USL League One: The third professional tier. Still a very good level, with a mix of experienced pros and young players trying to move up.
• MLS Next Pro: A developmental league for MLS clubs, essentially reserve teams. It's a pathway for young talent and players on the fringe of the first team.
• NISA (National Independent Soccer Association): Another third-tier professional league.

For female footballers, the professional setup is more streamlined but equally competitive:

• NWSL (National Women's Soccer League): The undisputed top tier of women's professional football in the world. Attracting the biggest names from across the globe.
• USL Super League: A newly sanctioned Division One professional league, set to launch in August 2024, creating more top-flight opportunities.

Where do you realistically fit in?

Be honest with yourself. If you're playing in the 8th tier in England or an amateur league in your home country, you aren't walking into an MLS or NWSL trial. Your most realistic entry points are the lower-tier pro leagues (USL Championship, USL1) or the elite semi-pro leagues which clubs use for scouting.

College soccer (NCAA Division I) is the other major pathway, especially for players aged 17-21. It's a professional environment in all but name and the primary source of talent for the MLS SuperDraft and NWSL Draft.

The College Soccer (NCAA) Pathway

For players under 21, the US college system is the most structured and well-trodden path to a pro career. You get a high-level education while playing in a fully professional setup.

How it works:

1. Get Recruited: Coaches scout talent globally. You need a strong player CV, a high-quality highlight video, and good academic grades. You must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.
2. Scholarships: Most international players will need an athletic scholarship to cover the high cost of US university tuition. These are competitive and awarded based on your football ability and academic standing.
3. The Draft: After 3-4 years in the college system, top players are selected by pro clubs in the MLS SuperDraft or NWSL Draft. This is the primary way clubs sign domestic-based talent.

Getting a scholarship is a long process. It often starts 18-24 months before you plan to enroll. You'll need to proactively email coaches, attend ID camps (university-run trials), and potentially use a specialist recruiting agency.

How to Get a Professional Trial (Non-College Route)

If you're over 21 or the college route isn't for you, your focus should be on the USL and NISA. Here’s a step-by-step plan.

1. Build Your Player Package

Before you contact anyone, you need two essential tools:

• A Professional Football CV: One page, clean format. List your clubs, positions, key stats (appearances, goals, assists), and personal details (nationality, date of birth, height). Don't include your high school hobbies.
• A Killer Highlight Video: 3-4 minutes max. Put your best actions in the first 30 seconds. Show a range of skills relevant to your position. No slow-motion, no distracting music. Make sure the footage is high-quality.

2. Target the Right Leagues and Clubs

Your focus should be the USL Championship and USL League One. These clubs hold open trials and are actively looking for international talent that fits their budget. Research clubs individually. Look at their current roster. Do they have other international players? What's the average age of their squad? Find the teams where you have a realistic chance of playing.

3. Open Trials vs. Invited Trials

There are two types of trials in the US system:

• Open Trials: These are common, especially in the USL and NISA. You pay a fee (typically $100-$250) to attend a one or two-day event with hundreds of other players. It's a chance to be seen, but it's a cattle call. To stand out, you must be exceptionally good and physically dominant.
• Invited Trials: This is the goal. A club sees your video and CV and invites you to train with their first team for a week or two. This means they are genuinely interested. You get these by networking, having an agent with US connections, or by sending a highly professional email that impresses the right person (usually the Head of Recruitment or Technical Director).

4. Visas: The P-1 Visa Hurdle

To play professionally in the USA as a non-citizen, you will need a P-1A visa, which is for internationally recognized athletes. To qualify, you must provide evidence of a significant level of performance, such as having played for a national team or a major foreign professional club. For many players, this is the biggest obstacle. A club must sponsor your visa, and they will only do so if they are convinced you are a top talent worth the significant legal and administrative effort.

FAQ: American Football Trials

What is an MLS Next Pro contract like?

An MLS Next Pro contract is a professional deal, but the salaries are developmental. It's designed for players on the cusp of the first team. You're paid to play full-time, but it's not the life-changing money of an MLS designated player. Think of it as your final audition for the big show.

Are USL open trials worth the money?

It depends on your level. If you are a top player with a proven semi-pro or pro background, an open trial can be a good way to get in front of coaches quickly, especially if you're already in the country. However, for most players, the odds are very low. Your money is often better spent on a high-quality highlight video or a scouting event run by a trusted agency.

Can I play in MLS without being in the SuperDraft?

Yes, but it's uncommon for players without a significant professional track record. Clubs can sign players through other mechanisms, like acquiring their 'discovery rights' for international players or signing them as a Homegrown Player if they came through their academy. If a club really wants you, they will find a way, but the draft is the main entry point for domestic-based talent.

Getting a pro contract in the USA is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires a clear understanding of the unique league structure, a professional approach to your CV and video, and a realistic assessment of your own level. Whether through the proven college pathway or by targeting the USL, opportunities are there for talented and persistent players.

When you're ready to take the next step, My Football Future is the place to find legitimate trial opportunities, agent connections, and contract openings in the USA and around the world.