How to Get a Football Trial in the USA (MLS, USL, MLSNP)

Tue Aug 25 2026

Every year, thousands of players dream of landing a pro contract in the United States. The pull of Major League Soccer (MLS), the rising quality of the USL Championship, and the structured pathway of MLS Next Pro is strong. But here's the reality: the American soccer pyramid is unique and can be confusing to navigate, especially for international players.

Unlike Europe, where open trials are common, the U.S. system is heavily built around the college (NCAA) system, a handful of pay-to-play combines, and a growing but still exclusive academy structure. Getting a trial isn't about just sending an email; it's about understanding this system. This guide will break down the realistic pathways to getting scouted and securing a trial in the USA.

Understanding the American Soccer Pyramid

First, you need to know where to aim. The professional men's football landscape in the U.S. is primarily made up of three tiers that you should focus on. Forget about the idea of getting a trial with a Sunday league team and working your way up; the system isn't built like that.

• Major League Soccer (MLS): The top tier. Think LA Galaxy, Inter Miami CF, or Seattle Sounders. It's extremely difficult to get a trial here directly unless you are a high-profile player or coming from another top-tier league. Most new players enter the league through the MLS SuperDraft after playing college soccer, as Homegrown players from their academies, or as established international signings.
• USL Championship: The second tier. This is a highly competitive professional league and a more realistic target for many talented players looking for their first pro contract in the States. Teams like Sacramento Republic, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and San Antonio FC are well-supported professional clubs.
• MLS Next Pro & USL League One: The official third tiers. MLS Next Pro is a developmental league for MLS clubs, essentially their reserve teams. USL League One is a competitive professional league. Both are excellent stepping stones. Landing a spot here can put you directly in the shop window for MLS and USL Championship clubs.

The College Soccer (NCAA) Pathway: The Main Route

For players aged 17-21, the U.S. college soccer system is the single most important pathway to turning pro in America. It's how the vast majority of American and many international MLS players get their start. You get a degree, train in top-class facilities, and play a high level of competitive football for 3-4 years.

How does it work?

1. Get Recruited: You need to be scouted by college coaches. This process starts early, often when you are 15 or 16. You must create a strong player CV and a high-quality highlight video.
2. Academics are Crucial: You must meet the academic standards of the NCAA and the specific university. This means taking exams like the SAT or ACT and having good grades.
3. The MLS SuperDraft: After your college career, the top players are selected by MLS clubs in the annual SuperDraft. Many others sign directly with USL or MLSNP teams.

If you are a youth player outside the U.S., you need to actively market yourself to college coaches. They travel to major international youth tournaments, but you can also use specialist recruiting services and directly email coaches with your profile.

How to Get a Trial as a Non-College Player

What if you're over 21 or the college route isn't for you? It's harder, but not impossible. Your focus should be on the USL Championship, USL League One, and MLS Next Pro. Here's how to approach it.

1. The Professional Player CV & Highlight Reel

This is non-negotiable. Your football CV and highlight video are your passport to a trial. Clubs in the U.S. receive thousands of applications. Yours must stand out.

• CV: Must be a one-page PDF detailing your club history, position, key stats (height, weight, preferred foot), and any achievements. Include your agent's contact details if you have one.
• Highlight Video: Keep it 3-4 minutes long. Start with your best actions. Show a variety of skills relevant to your position: a defender making clean tackles and smart passes, a winger beating players and delivering crosses, a striker's movement and finishing.

2. Targeting the Right Clubs

Don't waste time emailing every club in the MLS. Your best bet is a targeted approach to the lower tiers.

• Research USL and MLSNP clubs. Look at their current rosters. Do they have a lot of international players? What kind of age profile do they have for your position?
• Find the right contact. Look for a "Technical Director," "Head of Scouting," or "General Manager" on the club's official website. Avoid sending your CV to generic info@ email addresses.
• Write a professional, concise email. Introduce yourself, state your position and playing history, mention why you are specifically interested in their club, and link to your CV and video.

3. Open Trials and Combines

While MLS clubs don't hold open trials, many USL and MLS Next Pro teams do. These are often held in the pre-season, typically from January to March.

• Check the "News" or "Club" section of their official websites regularly.
• These trials often have a fee, which can range from $100 to $300 for a one or two-day event.
• Be aware that hundreds of players attend these. You need to be in peak physical condition and mentally prepared to stand out in a very short period.

Visas and Green Cards: The International Player Hurdle

Getting a trial is one thing; being eligible to sign is another. If you don't have a U.S. passport, you will need a visa. Clubs have a limited number of international player slots, making you more expensive and complicated to sign than a domestic player.

• P-1A Visa: This is the standard visa for internationally recognized athletes. To qualify, you must prove a high level of achievement, typically by having played for a professional team or a youth national team before.
• Green Card: Holding a U.S. Green Card makes you a domestic player, which is a massive advantage. The process of obtaining one can be long and complex.

You must be honest about your visa status with any club you contact. Having a passport from a country with a visa waiver program can make it easier to travel for a trial, but you will still need a work visa to sign a contract.

FAQ: Getting a Football Trial in the USA

What is the best age to get a football trial in the USA?

For the college pathway, the process starts around 15-17. For a direct professional trial with a USL or MLSNP club, the ideal age is typically 18-23, when you have some senior experience but are still seen as having high potential.

Do MLS teams have open trials?

No, MLS clubs do not hold open trials for the public. First-team players are sourced through the MLS SuperDraft (from college), their own youth academies (Homegrown players), or by signing established professional players from other leagues.

How much do USL players get paid?

Salaries vary widely. In the USL Championship, salaries can range from around $30,000 to over $100,000 per year for top players. In USL League One, the minimum salary is lower, typically starting around $15,000 for a full season, though many players earn more.

Can a foreign player play in MLS Next Pro?

Yes, but international roster spots are limited, just like in MLS and USL. This makes it more competitive for non-domestic players. Having a U.S. passport or Green Card gives you a significant advantage.

Getting a professional trial in the United States requires a clear strategy. The college system remains the dominant route for young players, but for those on a different path, a professional approach targeting the USL and MLS Next Pro can open doors. It demands persistence, a high-quality CV and video, and a realistic understanding of the visa challenges involved. To find the latest opportunities, you can use platforms like My Football Future to discover clubs and agents actively looking for players in the American market.