How to Get a Football Trial in the NWSL (A Pro Guide)

More than 1.4 million fans attended NWSL games in 2023, and global viewership is smashing records every season. The National Women's Soccer League in the USA isn't just growing; it's exploding. For elite female footballers, it has become one of the most sought-after destinations to play professionally, alongside top leagues in Europe like the WSL and Liga F.

But let's be direct. Getting a foot in the door is incredibly difficult. This isn't a league where you can just email a coach and get a tryout. The playing standard is arguably the highest and most athletic in the world, and roster spots are fiercely protected. So, how do you actually get a trial or a contract?

This guide will break down the real, legitimate pathways into the NWSL. No fluff, just the facts on how clubs identify and sign players.

Is the NWSL a Realistic Goal?

Before we get into the "how," you need to honestly assess if you're at the required level. Roster sizes are small, typically around 22-26 players per team, and that includes some of the biggest names in women's football. We're talking about World Cup winners, Olympians, and the best collegiate talent from the NCAA Division I system.

To be a genuine NWSL target, you generally need to fall into one of these categories:

If you're not in one of those brackets, the odds are very long. It doesn't mean it's impossible, but you have to understand the level you're trying to break into. The pace, power, and technical speed of the NWSL are a huge step up, even for very good players.

The 4 Main Pathways Into the NWSL

Clubs primarily fill their rosters through four established methods. The NWSL College Draft is the main entry point for players coming out of the US university system, but other routes exist for international and other domestic players.

Pathway 1: The NWSL College Draft

This is, without a doubt, the most common way American-based players enter the league. Every year, NWSL clubs select the best graduating talent from the university system.

To be eligible for the draft, a player must register and typically be in her final year of NCAA eligibility. For decades, the US college system has been the primary development pipeline for the national team and the professional league. If you are a youth player in the US, becoming a star player at a top university program like UNC, Stanford, UCLA, or Florida State is the clearest (though still very difficult) path to a professional career in the NWSL.

Clubs scout these players for years. By the time the draft rolls around, head coaches and General Managers have extensive lists and have seen these players live dozens of times. Getting drafted is the culmination of a brilliant collegiate career.

Pathway 2: NWSL Open Trials

Several times a year, often in the preseason (January-February), some NWSL clubs will host "open trials." Anyone who meets the age and eligibility requirements can register, pay a fee (usually $100-$200), and participate in a one or two-day event run by the club's technical staff.

So, can you get signed from an open trial? It's possible, but you have to be realistic. You might be competing against 200-300 other hopefuls for perhaps one or two invitations to join the first team for preseason training camp. The chances are slim.

If you do attend an open trial, you have to be exceptional. Here's how to give yourself the best possible chance:

  1. Be Fitter Than Everyone Else: The NWSL is an athletic league. If you're not in peak physical condition, you won't be able to show your technical quality. Arrive ready for demanding physical tests.
  2. Play Your Game: Don't try to be a player you're not. If you're a simple, effective holding midfielder, don't use the trial to try out ten step-overs. Show you are elite at your specific role.
  3. Communicate Loudly and Clearly: Coaches notice players who organize, lead, and aren't afraid to talk. It shows confidence and game intelligence.
  4. Make an Impact Immediately: In a trial with hundreds of players, you might only get a few moments on the ball to impress. Be decisive. Make that forward pass, take the shot, or win that big tackle.
  5. Be Memorable (For the Right Reasons): Coaches might not remember your name, but they'll remember the "tall, left-footed center-back who won every header" or the "quick winger who was dangerous in 1v1s."

Pathway 3: The "Discovery Player" Route

This is a more complex, behind-the-scenes mechanism. A "Discovery List" allows clubs to essentially claim the signing rights for players who are not in the NWSL draft system. This could include international players or American players who didn't go through college.

This is where having a reputable agent is critical. Your agent can create a professional CV and a high-quality highlight video and present your profile to sporting directors at various NWSL clubs. If a club is interested and believes you have the potential to make their roster, they can add you to their Discovery List. This gives them the exclusive right to sign you.

This route is uncommon for unknown players; it is typically used for players who are already on the professional radar but just aren't eligible for the draft.

Pathway 4: International Player Slots

Each NWSL club is permitted a certain number of international player spots on its roster (the exact number can change year to year). These spots are like gold dust.

They are almost always used to sign established, senior national team players from countries like Brazil, England, Canada, Australia, Japan, or Spain. These are not for speculative signings. The player must be good enough to start or be a major contributor immediately.

To be considered for an international spot, you'll typically need:

FAQ: NWSL Trials and Contracts

How much do NWSL players earn?

The NWSL has a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that sets salary standards. For the 2024 season, the minimum player salary is $60,000, and the maximum is $200,000. However, top players can earn significantly more through allocation money, bonuses, and endorsement deals. It's a viable, professional career.

Can I play in the NWSL without going to college in the US?

Yes, but it is the harder road. Your two main options are to be signed as a top-tier international player with national team experience or to have an agent work to get you placed on a club's Discovery List. Both scenarios require you to already be a proven professional at a very high level.

What is the NWSL U-18 Entry List?

This is a newer mechanism that allows the league's best and brightest youth talent to sign a professional contract before going to college. The rules are strict: the player must be signed to a full contract, and special housing and education support must be in place. It's reserved for a handful of truly generational talents each year and not a standard pathway.

The NWSL is a phenomenal league, but it demands an elite standard. The NCAA draft is the primary highway for domestic players, while international spots and discovery signings provide narrow pathways for others. Be honest about your current level, build an undeniable playing record, and create professional materials (CV, video) to back it up.

For many players, targeting a different professional league first may be a better step toward an eventual NWSL move. You can find live professional trials, contract opportunities, and FIFA-licensed agents on My Football Future to help build your career, wherever it takes you.