If you’re looking for opportunities to get noticed by college coaches from across the country, chances are you’ve come across soccer combines in your search. Similar to a college showcase, combines offer exposure to college coaches and the chance to create connections. Combines differ from showcases in that players sign up individually, rather than with their team, and scrimmage with athletes from a variety of backgrounds. Combines also deliver the added benefit of informative presentations and Q & A sessions with coaches.
The National Sports Center is hosting its third annual College ID Combine this Winter, and all serious athletes looking to get scouted are invited to attend. This event will look a little different than previous years, so here’s everything you need to know about the NSC Premier College ID Combine powered by College Exposure Camp.
1. It’s an overnight event
This year’s combine will take place from Saturday through Sunday afternoon, which maximizes players’ time to show their skills and build connections with coaches. Players will stay overnight in the National Sports Center dorms, eat breakfast and dinner with college coaches and have the opportunity to kick-back and play games with each other in the evening.
2. What’s on the schedule
A common misconception about combines is that they exclusively consist of drills and tests. While you’re on campus at the NSC Premier ID Combine, your schedule will include classroom sessions and seminars, training sessions and full-sided games.
Interaction with college coaches is a key part of the recruitment process, and classroom sessions are an excellent opportunity to ask questions, learn about collegiate programs and demonstrate that you are serious about playing at the next level. Be sure to put your best foot forward and come prepared with questions for coaches about technical skills or about their programs.
3. Coaches in attendance
The NSC is ecstatic about the diverse group of coaches from across the country who will be attending the girls’ and boys’ ID Combines in 2023. Here’s a glance at which programs will be represented so far:
Boys ID Combine confirmed coaches:
– Benedictine University (IL)
– Cornell College (IA)
– Concordia University Chicago (IL)
– University of Minnesota – Morris (MN)
– University of Northwestern (MN)
– Concordia College (MN)
– Wisconsin Lutheran College (WI)
– Upper Iowa University (IA)
– Cortland University (NY)
– Mount Marty University (SD)
– Riverland Community College (MN)
– University of Dubuque (IA)
Girls ID Combine confirmed coaches:
– Hamline University (MN)
– Clarke University (IA)
– Culver-Stockton College (MO)
– Knox College (IL)
– North Park University (IL)
– Bethel University (MN)
– Augsburg University (MN)
– Macalester College (MN)
– University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire (WI)
– Defiance College (OH)
– Upper Iowa University (IA)
– Chicago State University (IL)
– Luther College (IA)
4. What to bring
There’s a lot to keep track of when you’re focused on getting recruited, so be sure to pack your bag ahead of time with our packing list in mind:
- White T-shirt
- Dark Shorts
- Dark Socks (preferably black)
- Molded cleats or Turf Shoes (training/games on artificial turf)
- Shin Guards
- Soccer Ball
- Water or Sports Drink of preference
- Snack (concessions will be available on site)
- Pen or Writing Utensil
- Notebook
- Any toiletries or necessary overnight items
5. Early Bird deals!
Early bird pricing is a new feature of this year’s registration process. As the boys’ and girls’ combines take place on different weekends, they have different early bird deadlines. Registering before the early bird deadline is a quick and easy way to save $20!
Boys Early Bird Registration Deadline: January 13, 2022
Girls Early Bird Registration Deadline: January 20, 2022
We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 College ID Combine!
NSC Premier Boys’ ID Combine
January 28-29, 2022
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NSC Premier Girls’ ID Combine
February 4-5, 2022
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