How to Get a Football Trial in the USA (A Player's Guide)

Tue Aug 04 2026

''' Every year, more players from Europe, Africa, and South America start looking seriously at the United States. The 2026 World Cup is acting like a giant magnet, pulling attention, money, and talent toward Major League Soccer (MLS) and the rapidly growing lower leagues. But the American system is nothing like the traditional pyramid you know back home.

Forget simple promotion and relegation. The pathway to a pro contract in the USA is a unique beast involving college drafts, franchise teams, and strict visa regulations. For an outsider, it can be confusing. For an insider, it presents clear opportunities. Let's break down exactly how you can navigate it.

Understanding the American Soccer Pyramid

First thing you need to know: the top leagues are "closed." You can't start a Sunday league team and climb your way to the top. Clubs are franchises that buy a license to play in a league. This changes how they recruit.

The main professional tiers you should know are:

Major League Soccer (MLS): The top flight. Think LA Galaxy, Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders. Getting a trial here is incredibly difficult without a top-tier professional background or being a high draft pick out of the college system.
USL Championship: The second tier. It's a very competitive, professional league filled with excellent players, many of whom have MLS experience. For most foreign players, this is the most realistic and desirable entry point.
USL League One: The third professional tier. Still a good standard and a solid place to land a first pro contract in the states, especially for younger players looking to prove themselves and move up.
MLS Next Pro: A newer league, essentially a reserve league for MLS clubs. It’s used for developing young talent and players on the fringe of the first team.

Below this, you have leagues like NISA and NPSL, which are a mix of pro and semi-pro teams. They can be a good starting point to get game footage on US soil, but the goal is always to move up to the USL or MLS.

The College Soccer Pathway (NCAA & NAIA)

For players between 17 and 21, the college system is the single most important pathway to becoming a professional in America. It's a production line for MLS and USL clubs. For many young internationals, it's also the most accessible route into the country via a student visa and a potential scholarship.

How to Get Scouted by a US College

This is a full-scale recruitment process. College coaches act like managers, and they're looking for players to fill specific roster spots. You can't just show up for a trial.

You need to prepare well in advance, usually 12-18 months before you plan to enroll.

Your first step is getting eligible. This means meeting academic standards, which includes taking the SAT or ACT exam. You must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to get certified. Without this, coaches can't recruit you.

Next, you need to get on their radar. Coaches recruit through a few key methods:

ID Camps: These are camps hosted by the university where players pay to attend and train in front of the coaching staff. It's a direct way to get seen.
Recruiting Platforms: Services like NCSA or Signing Day Sports are widely used by college coaches to find and evaluate talent.
Highlight Videos: A sharp, 3-5 minute video is essential. Coaches don't have time for more. Put your best actions in the first 60 seconds. (We have a full guide on this at My Football Future).
Direct Emails: A well-crafted email with your CV, video link, and academic information can work if sent to the right coaches at appropriate programs.

From College to Pro: The MLS SuperDraft

Historically, the MLS SuperDraft was the primary way clubs signed young talent. Each year, the best college players who declare for the draft are selected by MLS teams. While its influence is waning as clubs develop their own academies, the draft is still a major source of talent, especially for the USL.

How to Trial Directly with Pro Clubs (USL & MLS)

If you're over 21 and have a strong playing history (pro or high-level semi-pro), the college route isn't for you. You'll be targeting a pro contract directly.

Open Trials vs. Invited Trials

Many USL Championship and USL League One clubs hold "open trials" in the pre-season (usually January-February). You pay a fee (from $100 to $250) to participate in a one or two-day event with hundreds of other hopefuls. It’s a lottery ticket, but it’s a chance. Players do get signed from these events every year, but you have to be exceptional to stand out.

Invited trials are different. This is where the club asks you to come in for a week or two to train with the first team. This only happens if you have a strong CV, professional footage, and ideally, an agent who has a relationship with the club or its technical director.

MLS clubs do not hold open trials. The only way to get a trial with an MLS team is to be invited.

The Visa Situation for Foreign Players

This is the biggest hurdle. To play professionally in the USA, you need a work visa. The most common one is the P-1A, granted to "Internationally Recognized Athletes." To get one, the club must sponsor you and petition U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. They have to prove that you are an athlete of caliber. This is why a strong CV with appearances in reputable leagues is so important. Without it, a club can't even begin the visa process.

Key Steps for Any Player Targeting the USA

Whether you're 17 or 27, some things are non-negotiable if you want to be taken seriously.

Build a Professional Player CV: It must be clean, one page, and detail your club history, position, height/weight, and key achievements.
Create a High-Quality Highlight Video: This is your most important tool. It must be easy to watch and immediately show your value.
Get a Transfermarkt Profile: Having a profile on Transfermarkt is a sign of legitimacy. If you've played for a club in a recognized league, ensure your data is on there and up to date.
Network and Find an Agent: An agent with proven contacts in the USL or with college coaches can open doors that you can't. Do your research and find someone reputable.
Be Realistic: Research the level. Watch USL games online. Understand the style of play. Don't email an MLS club if you're playing in the 5th tier of England. Target the right level for your ability.

What Do American Scouts and Coaches Look For?

While technical skill is always important, the American game places a huge emphasis on a few key traits.

Athleticism: The game is fast and physical. Players are expected to be strong, quick, and have the engine to cover a lot of ground for 90 minutes. This is often the first thing coaches notice.
Coachability: Are you a good teammate? Do you listen to instructions? Can you adapt your game? Coaches want low-maintenance, high-character players.
Mentality: They want winners. Players who are resilient, hard-working, and professional on and off the pitch.
Versatility: The ability to play a couple of different positions can make you more valuable to a squad with roster size limits.

How much do USL players earn?

Salaries vary widely. In the USL Championship, monthly salaries might range from $2,500 for a player on his first contract to over $10,000 for a star player. In USL League One, it's lower, often in the $1,500 to $4,000 per month range during the season. Many clubs also provide housing and a car.

Can I get a football scholarship in the USA as a foreigner?

Yes. This is a very common pathway. US colleges in NCAA Division 1, Division 2, and the NAIA offer scholarships to international student-athletes. You must meet academic standards and be scouted by the coach. A full scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, and food.

What is an MLS SuperDraft?

The MLS SuperDraft is an annual event where MLS clubs select the best players from the US college system. To be eligible, players must have finished their college eligibility or signed a Generation Adidas contract (a special contract for top underclassmen). While not as dominant as it once was, it remains an important entry point into pro soccer.

Do I need an agent to play in the USA?

You don't need one, but it helps tremendously. A good agent with connections in the US market can get your CV and video in front of the right people (head coaches, technical directors) and bypass the slush pile of emails they receive daily. For contract negotiations and visa processes, they are invaluable.

Getting a foothold in the American soccer landscape requires a targeted strategy. You need to understand the different pathways, be realistic about your level, and prepare your CV and video to a professional standard. With the game growing at an explosive rate, the opportunities are there for players who are good enough and smart enough to seize them.

My Football Future is constantly updated with the latest trials, contract openings, and agent connections in the USA and worldwide. Your journey starts with being in the right place at the right time. '''