Someone more familiar with soccer can chime in but wouldn’t a top program require you to be playing at the national level at this point?
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There isn’t really a difference that I can think of, between repeating 12th grade vs doing a PG year, except that the schools probably have their own policy with regards to that, and I believe they would want you to do the PG year.
If you want to do research, the boarding schools I am familiar with that have many d1 recruits, as well as d3, are South Kent, Berkshire, Millbrook, Northfield Mount Herman, Taft and now maybe the Salisbury School. Northwood is a school in Lake Placid, whose focus is on high level soccer and getting players recruited, and not so much on the academic side.
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No!! National level in England?? We’d be seeing him already playing in the Premier League on TV if that were the case!
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I just meant take a gap year - look to be recruited as a ‘25
There is also the advantage that in ‘25, the covid era 5th year will finally be over, and rosters will hopefully not be as overcrowded.
You are also young. Most coaches don’t exactly mind a more physically developed athlete, which is part of the reason many PG.
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So I shouldn’t try and reclass because ideally, I would want to be associated with a school whether that is as a reclass or as a PG
You are overthinking this. I (we?) an just saying that you can reach out to the college coaches for a ‘25 spot even though you are graduating ‘24. You can even discuss with the coaches how they think would be best for you to spend the year.
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Oh my bad I was getting confused thanks for clarifying
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But the top D1 programs MIGHT expect someone who played at youth or academy level at U-13 - U-15, and never made the cut beyond that, and who dropped down a level or two. And ESP if that player needs substantial money to attend.
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Agreed.
Haha, yes. “County” (I think that is what they said?) Didn’t seem quite high level enough. I have no idea what it takes to be an impact player at a top US program.
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Does anyone have more knowledge on this type of comparison? What level of player would you have to be here in the UK to be around the level of an impact player at a top US program?
Look at the rosters of schools that interest you. Most have a synopsis of each player’s pre-college experience. You’ll see variety (i.e., some teams have lots of national youth team members, some more international students), and it may help you figure out who to target.
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As an example - Clemson won the D1 championship this year. They have a first year on the squad from England. Will Cain.
Hartlepool Academy
Sunderland U-18s
FA Youth Cup
Has not seen any game time this year. (And this is the other thing - even if you do get in a ‘top’ program, you might not be playing in matches. If you go to a lower ranked soccer school, then you will see more game time).
At Notre Dame, ranked no 2… there is one player from England also: Eno Auto. His bio says:
- Plays for Derby County FC Academy
- 2019 Academy Player of the Year Nominee
- Helped lead Derby County FC to U18 Premier League Champions in 2019
- Made a UEFA Youth Champions League Appearance vs. FC Minsk in 2019
- Has 20 goals and 14 assists at Derby County
- Earned training experience with the men’s side at Derby County
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I see, it’s just I have always aimed for the best but it seems I will have to compromise to get sufficient game time as I really do have aspirations of playing professionally.
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Is going to a US college the best way for you to achieve your goal of playing professionally?
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I believe so, yes.
Because I’m currently not playing for an academy and reaching graduation I think it is best because the US college system does provide players with a direct pathway to professional football where UK universities don’t at all
I am not sure that will be true, especially if you consider choosing a non-top tier D1 soccer program. Especially if you don’t get quality playing time.
I defer to you though, your coaches, and hopefully recruiting consultant. 
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A Quinnipaic, who are near the bottom of the D1 ranking (205), there is a player from England. His bio:
- Most recently played for Crewe Alexandra from 2018-2020
- Played for Everton FC Development from 2009-2011, then joined Crew Alexandra Academy from 2011-2018
I don’t want to disappoint you, but the KYL, which is made up of youth teams for Ramsgate and Whitstable… is not an equivalent to the experience which these recruits have.
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Which is why I want to be at a top tier D1 program because I trust in myself that once I get there even if I don’t get initially my performances in training will force the coach to play me.