+940 M
Us dollars in scholarship
820
Colleges in USA and Canada
+16,500
International student athletes
An investment in your son’s or daughter’s professional and personal future
Develops independence, a sense of responsibility and time management
Unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories
Competing at a high sporting level while earning an internationally recognized degree
Your student-athlete immediately becomes part of a group, with resources around them: housing types, meal plans, nutritionists and coaches
Studying in the USA is a valuable investment in your son or daughter’s future. In the US, they will benefit not only from a high-quality academic education with an internationally recognized degree, but also from competing in sport at the highest level. This experience teaches responsibility and time management, all while spending 4–5 adventurous years abroad with people who share the same passion. Since 1998, Keystone Sports has helped student-athletes find their path to college in the US and made college recruiting a straightforward process.
There are more than 1.2 million international students in the US, and colleges and universities are well used to hosting students from all over the world. They provide helpful resources such as housing, meal plans, and nutritionists. In other words, your student-athlete gets the ideal conditions for an unforgettable experience and creates memories that last a lifetime.
USA
Closely linked, so athletes can build their sporting and their professional future at the same time.
Europe
Usually separate, which creates scheduling and logistical conflicts and often forces a choice between the two.
USA
Scholarships often cover a large share of the cost — tuition, housing, meals and training
Europe
Little or no athletic funding, depending on the sport
USA
First-class facilities, athletic performance centres, physiotherapists, nutritionists and sports psychologists. Daily training
Europe
Depends on the club and is often limited. Structures comparable to the USA generally exist only at Olympic training centres or professional clubs
USA
Can act as a springboard into professional sport, even while still a student
Europe
Often no further route if you have not already reached professional level. In many sports a major cut happens at 18–19 and a lot of dreams end there
USA
High. Many of the world’s most renowned universities are in the USA, and the degree is internationally recognised
Europe
High, but less sport-oriented
USA
Extensive
Europe
Limited
Your son or daughter will have the opportunity to earn an internationally recognized degree (bachelor’s/master’s) in the USA. They can also take a double major or minors without extending their studies. The US is one of the most diverse countries to study in, with colleges and universities in all shapes and sizes. Thanks to our wide network, the school can be selected specifically around the subject your student-athlete wants to study. This way, their academic path fits their goals and interests.
Studying abroad has several benefits in terms of employability and career development. Research shows that the skills students build through international experience, including adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication. are highly valued by employers. Moreover, 44% of employers say they would be much more likely to hire a candidate with a global learning background. Studying abroad doesn’t just open the first door – it builds a foundation of skills that keeps paying off throughout the entire career.
Many colleges also help set students up for their career from day one, with internships, career centers, and help with resume and interview prep. For a student-athlete, this mix of a degree, competing at the highest level, and career support makes the US college experience a springboard into their future career.
The heart of college life is the campus. This is where you’ll find lecture halls and classrooms, along with libraries and training facilities. Many campuses also offer halls of residence, which are supervised. Students can opt in for a meal plan or go self-catering in the campus dining hall. Individual dietary needs and preferences are usually catered for as well.
Campus is also where they’ll connect with other student-athletes and regular students. It’s a supportive community with various groups and initiatives to get involved in. There’s never a dull moment on campus!
We are aware that your son or daughter is far from home, and their wellbeing is Keystone Sports priority. Wellbeing and support are also a top priority for the colleges we work with. You will have access to comprehensive support services on campus, and some even offer medical care here. So, you can be confident your student-athlete is in good hands.
Episode 1
Why the USA?
Lenox, 18, and his father Oliver, a UEFA Pro Licence coach, explain why they chose US college soccer over the academy route: top-level training plus a degree. His mother shares her worries and pride.
01
Episode 2
Why an agency?
The Zapel family explains how they compared agencies and why they chose Keystone. Lenox recalls his first calls with US coaches and how he had several scholarship offers within weeks.
02
Episode 3
Showcase
Lenox takes you inside the Keystone Showcase in Ratingen: two days of matches in front of US college coaches. A goal from 30 metres, new interest and, finally, his commitment to a college in Buffalo.
03
Episode 4
Organisation
School records, NCAA eligibility, the student visa interview and the English test: Oliver and Lenox explain the paperwork every family must handle, and share tips to get through it smoothly.
04
Episode 5
Buffalo
The family visits Lenox’s future college in Buffalo before his first semester. They tour the campus, meet the coaches and teammates, and explain why seeing it in person put their minds at rest.
05
Episode 6
Countdown
A surprise farewell party, emotional goodbyes and a demanding 10-week fitness plan from his new coaches. Lenox and his parents share how they prepared for the final weeks before leaving.
06
Keystone Sports Community is built as comprehensive support for aspiring, new, current, and graduated student-athletes. This initiative provides 360-degree support and resources, including:
Throughout the year, Keystone Sports arranges various events such as showcases, scouting days, clinics, and UTR tournaments. These are excellent opportunities for your student-athlete to get in front of recruiting college coaches.
Parents are welcome too! It’s a great chance to learn more about college sports, meet with coaches interested in recruiting your son or daughter, and meet the Keystone Sports team in person.
Ready to take an important step towards a football scholarship in the USA? Then Keystone Sports College Soccer Scouting Day is the event for you! On April 26 at Spencer Mill Football Club in Northampton, we dedicate a full day for footballers who want to get a better understanding of the US college pathway, showcase their talent, and get evaluated by experts.
