For Parents of Elite High School Soccer Players:
Learn How To Study & Play Soccer in Europe
American Players aged 14 to 23 can study while playing soccer in countries like France, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, UK and more!
Want to explore how PlayAbroad can help your student-athlete find opportunities to play and study overseas? ⬇️ Apply Now
Select An Option To Get Started
Are you a parent exploring options for your child, or are you a player looking to study and play abroad?
Select the Student-Athlete's Birth Year:
Student-Athlete Passport Type:
What's Your Yearly Budget?
This is an all-inclusive estimate (housing, food, insurance, education, transportation, soccer, etc.) Understanding this allows us to match the best pathway for your family's profile. All Options are listed in USD.
What's Prompting You To Look For Opportunities Abroad?
Share anything that helps us understand your situation — goals, concerns, or what you're hoping to find.
When Are You Looking to Take That Step?
If you find the right opportunity for your kid to play and study abroad, when are you looking to potentially take this step?
Tell Us About You
Attention: Players under the age of 18 years old can submit this form, but parents or legal guardians must be involved in the recruitment process. We will contact your parents using the information provided below.
Parent / Guardian Contact Information
our students
Players We Helped Find Opportunities Abroad
Reeves Cates
Reeves faced a difficult choice as a high school senior: accept a Division III offer he wasn't excited about — or walk away from soccer entirely. He took a Gap Year in Spain with one of our partnered clubs, and the experience transformed him both on and off the field. After returning to the U.S., Reeves earned a spot at College of Charleston, a top-level NCAA Division I program with a strong international roster.
Barrett Eidson
Barrett was a standout Division I college player who, after graduating, went undrafted and suddenly found herself without a professional pathway. Through our network, we secured multiple professional trials, ultimately placing her with Cork City FC in Ireland where she earned her first professional contract. She now plays professionally in Germany as a starting central midfielder, continuing to work with PlayAbroad for long-term career development.
Bryce Hanna
Bryce, a 6'6" center back with an elite resumé, had just two offers — one from Division II and one Division III — both far from ideal fits. He chose a Gap Year in England, maintaining full NCAA eligibility while studying at The University of Sheffield. After returning to the U.S., Bryce earned a scholarship to Wingate University, a top-25 DII powerhouse known for its international roster. Without his year abroad, this opportunity would not have existed.
Meet Some PlayAbroad Students...
Micah Miller
"The last year I have continued to develop as a soccer player, travelled all over Europe, and studied Business at an amazing University, all while saving money!"
Ava Bjorkman
"They truly care about their clients and communicate well. If you're looking to take your game to the next level while getting an education, choose PlayAbroad."
George Robbins
"PlayAbroad inspired hope to my soccer journey both mentally and opened it up geographically. Seeing new options flow in reinstalled confidence in my college recruiting."
Answers To The Questions Parents Ask Most
Is studying and playing abroad safe for my athlete?
Yes. Every program we work with is vetted by our team — we visit the facilities, meet the staff, and stay in contact with the club and your athlete throughout the journey. High School and Gap Year players live in on-campus accommodation with 24/7 supervision.
Will going abroad hurt my athlete's NCAA eligibility?
No. With the right planning, going abroad can actually strengthen your athlete's recruitment profile. Players return more mature, physically stronger, and more technically proficient — far more attractive recruits to college coaches. We help you plan the NCAA eligibility timeline with an advisor.
How much does it cost compared to US college?
In most cases, studying and playing abroad saves families money. Tuition and living costs are generally lower, and degrees are often completed in 3 years instead of 4. Residential programs we partner with start at around $18,000 per year, all-inclusive (housing, food, insurance, education, soccer, and more).
Are scholarships available?
Yes. 90% of PlayAbroad student-athletes receive international soccer academy scholarships. The vast majority of universities we work with overseas are FAFSA eligible for financial aid, and we help identify and apply for academic, international student, and soccer scholarships.
What ages can participate?
We work with players aged 14 to 23. Pathways include High School (14–18), Gap Year (17+), University (17+), and Post-Grad University (20+). Each pathway is tailored to your athlete's age, academic goals, and soccer level.
Which countries are available?
PlayAbroad currently provides pathways in 26 different countries across Europe, the UK, and South America — including Spain, Italy, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden, Argentina, and more.
How does the placement process work?
We build a tailored player profile, create or optimize a highlight video, and present 5+ vetted residential program options with coaches eager to recruit your student-athlete. We schedule direct video calls with coaches and recruiters before you commit, and provide full support with visas, travel, and housing.
What happens after I submit the form?
After submitting, you'll choose the best day and time for a quick 15-minute introduction call with our team — via Google Meet or phone. During this call, we'll learn more about your family, your player, your goals, and any concerns you may have. If it's a good fit, you'll then be connected with a specialist advisor who will dive deeper into how everything works, answer all of your questions, and walk you through the program from start to finish.
What if my athlete wants to come back to the US?
Going abroad doesn't close any doors. Players can return to the US for college soccer at any point, and many come back more competitive recruits than when they left. We retain access and support if your athlete transfers back to the US or abroad.