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

Most of the world’s top female players now have the NWSL on their radar. With soaring attendance, rising salaries, and broadcast deals that put it on screens globally, America's top flight has become a premier destination. But wanting to play in it and actually getting a foot in the door are two very different things.

For every Trinity Rodman or Sophia Smith who seems destined for the league from a young age, there are hundreds of other talented players scrapping for a chance. So, how do you actually get a trial and earn a professional contract in the National Women's Soccer League?

This isn't about luck. It's about understanding the specific pathways clubs use to build their rosters and positioning yourself to be seen.

Understanding the NWSL Landscape

First, let's be clear: the NWSL is one of the best and most athletically demanding leagues in the world. You'll be competing for a roster spot against US Women’s National Team stars, seasoned international players from Brazil, Spain, and Japan, and the best domestic talent America has to offer. The speed of play, the physical demands, and the tactical level are elite.

This isn’t a league you can just show up to. Getting a trial requires a high-level playing background, peak physical conditioning, and a clear understanding of the recruitment process. There are three main doors to get through: the NWSL Draft, open tryouts, and direct recruitment (usually via an agent).

The Main Pathway: NCAA College Soccer & The NWSL Draft

For decades, the American college system has been the primary production line for professional female players in the United States. It remains the most common and structured path to an NWSL contract.

Getting Recruited for a Top College Program

The journey to the NWSL often starts years earlier, around age 14 or 15. The goal is to get seen by and signed to a top NCAA Division I soccer program. These are the programs NWSL scouts and general managers watch week in, week out.

To get on their radar, you need to be playing at the highest level of youth soccer available to you. In the US, this means playing for a top club in the ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) or the Girls Academy (GA). Excelling in these leagues is your first audition. Beyond that, you need a professional-grade highlight video and a player CV that you actively send to college coaches.

The NWSL Draft Process Explained

The NWSL Draft is the league's annual event where teams select the best college players who are finishing their NCAA careers. Typically, players must be in their fourth and final year of college eligibility to register for the draft.

If you're selected, your rights are held by that NWSL club. They will invite you to their pre-season camp, where you'll trial alongside their returning veterans and other new signings. It’s here that you must prove you belong and earn that final professional contract. The hard reality? Less than 5% of NCAA Division I players get drafted. It’s an exclusive club.

Can You Get a Trial Without Being Drafted?

Yes, absolutely. Every year, players who weren’t selected in the draft still earn professional contracts. This is where resilience and a proactive approach come in. If the draft doesn't work out, your focus immediately shifts to open tryouts and earning a spot as a non-rostered invitee to a pre-season camp.

Open Tryouts: Your Chance to Impress

Most NWSL clubs hold open tryouts during the off-season, typically between December and February. These events allow players from any background to pay a registration fee and get seen by the club's technical staff.

You have to be realistic. Clubs might see hundreds of players over a weekend for just one or two potential pre-season invitation spots. The odds are long, but it’s a direct opportunity.

To make the most of an open tryout, you must:

  1. Arrive in Peak Condition: This is non-negotiable. You need to be one of the fittest players on the field. Your technical skills will fall apart if you can't keep up with the pace.
  2. Play Your Game: Don't try to be a tricky winger if you're a lockdown center-back. Coaches are looking for players who understand their role and execute it effectively. Be the best version of your player profile.
  3. Be Loud and Confident: Communicate on the field. Organize players around you. Show leadership qualities. In a sea of nervous players, confident organizers always stand out.
  4. Research the Club: Look up the team's head coach and their preferred style of play. Do they play a high press? Do they build from the back? Knowing this can give you a small edge.
  5. Control Your Nerves: Everyone is nervous. The player who can perform under pressure is the one who looks like a pro. Focus on your first touch, your first pass, and build from there.

The Pre-Season "Non-Rostered Invitee"

The ultimate goal of a successful open tryout is to be invited to the team's official pre-season camp as a "non-rostered invitee" (NRI). This is your extended trial. You'll train for several weeks with the contracted professionals, giving the coaching staff a much longer look at your abilities, mentality, and how you fit into the team culture. This is where roster spots are truly won and lost.

What About International Players?

If you don't hold a US passport, the pathway is narrower and more difficult, but still possible. The key challenge is the limited number of international roster spots. Each NWSL team is only allowed a small number of international players, making those spots incredibly valuable and competitive.

Do I Need an Agent?

For an international player, trying to navigate the NWSL recruitment process without a reputable agent is nearly impossible. A good agent will have direct lines to General Managers and Head Coaches. They understand the league's complex roster rules, like the "Discovery Process" (where clubs can claim exclusive rights to players not in the league), and can advocate for you.

A quality agent will:

The "Unofficial" Tiers: UWS and the WPSL

Don't overlook America's top pro-am summer leagues: United Women's Soccer (UWS) and the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). These leagues are critical development grounds. Their seasons run from May to July, perfectly aligning with the NCAA off-season.

NWSL coaches and scouts actively monitor these leagues. Performing at a high level in the UWS or WPSL is essentially a season-long audition against other serious pro prospects. Many players who go undrafted find their way onto a NWSL pre-season roster after a standout summer season in one of these leagues.

FAQ: NWSL Trials and Pathways

What is the average NWSL salary?

As of the 2024 season, the minimum player salary is $60,000 per year, with the league-wide salary cap rising steadily. Top players, of course, earn significantly more through bonuses and allocation money.

Can you play in the NWSL without going to college?

Yes, but it's rare for American players. Players can sign professionally from age 18. Several top teenagers have chosen to bypass college and sign directly with NWSL clubs, but this is usually reserved for generational talents already in the youth national team system. It's more common for international players to have not played in the NCAA.

How do NWSL expansion teams find players?

Expansion teams build their initial rosters through an Expansion Draft, where they select a limited number of players from existing NWSL teams. They also get a high pick in the college draft, sign free agents, and pursue international players to fill out their squad.

The road to the NWSL is tough, with fierce competition for every single roster spot. But whether you're coming through the college draft, fighting your way through an open tryout, or trying to land a spot as an international player, the pathways are clear. It takes a top-tier playing history, a professional mindset, and a relentless desire to prove you belong.

Building your profile with a strong CV and highlight video is the first step, and using a platform like My Football Future can connect you with the agents and opportunities needed to make your case to clubs at the highest level.