The college soccer recruiting journey is full of milestones — emails, highlight videos, phone calls, and showcase performances. But one of the most important (and exciting) steps in the process is visiting a college campus. For student-athletes, visits provide a real glimpse of what life could look like as a college soccer player in the United States.

Still, not all visits are the same. The NCAA distinguishes between official visits and unofficial visits, and understanding the difference is key for players and families navigating recruiting. Each type of visit has its own rules, benefits, and potential impact on your college soccer future.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about official and unofficial college visits — what they are, how to prepare, what to expect, and how to use them to move closer to your dream of playing college soccer.

Why Campus Visits Matter in College Soccer Recruiting

Emails and phone calls can only take you so far. Visiting a campus allows recruits to:

• Experience the team culture and training environment.
• Meet coaches and players in person.
• See the facilities, dorms, and campus life.
• Get a sense of whether the school is the right fit both academically and athletically.

For coaches, campus visits are equally important. They use them to:

• Assess your personality, maturity, and how you fit into the team culture.
• Observe how you interact with players, parents, and staff.
• Gauge your genuine interest in the program.

In other words, visits often serve as the final “test” before scholarship offers and roster spots are decided.

What Is an Official Visit?

An official visit is when a college program pays for part or all of your trip to campus. This may include:

• Transportation to and from the school.
• Meals during the visit.
• Lodging (often in the dorms with current players).
• Tickets to a home game or other campus events.

NCAA Rules for Official Visits:

• You can start taking official visits August 1 before your junior year of high school (for NCAA Division I).
• Each athlete is allowed up to five official visits to Division I schools.
• Each visit can last up to 48 hours.
• You must provide the program with your transcripts and test scores before the visit.

Why Official Visits Matter:

When a program offers an official visit, it’s a strong signal of genuine interest. Coaches don’t spend money on athletes unless they see real potential for recruitment.

It’s also your chance to see how the team lives day-to-day and build stronger connections with current players.

What Is an Unofficial Visit?

An unofficial visit is when you and your family pay for the entire trip. This includes travel, meals, and lodging.

However, you’re still allowed to:

• Tour the campus.
• Meet with the coaching staff.
• Watch practices or games.
• Explore athletic facilities.

NCAA Rules for Unofficial Visits:

• You can take unlimited unofficial visits to colleges.
• You can start visiting campuses at any time, even before your junior year.
• The only thing a school can provide is complimentary tickets to a home sporting event (usually for you and your family).

Why Unofficial Visits Matter:

Unofficial visits give you more flexibility. They’re a great way to get an early look at schools, build relationships with coaches, and demonstrate initiative. Many recruits use unofficial visits before official visits are offered, making them a smart first step in the process.

How to Prepare for Both Types of Visits

Regardless of whether it’s official or unofficial, preparation is key to making the most of your time on campus.

1. Do Your Homework

Research the school’s academic programs, soccer history, and recent performance. Be ready to ask thoughtful questions — coaches appreciate recruits who show genuine interest.

👉 If you’re unsure what coaches are looking for, check out this guide on what college soccer coaches expect during campus visits.

2. Prepare Questions for Coaches and Players

Coaches want to see that you’re proactive and serious. Some good questions include:

• What is your coaching philosophy?
• How do freshmen usually transition into the team?
• What does a typical week look like during the season?
• What academic support is available for student-athletes?

3. Bring the Right Materials

Always carry copies of your transcript, test scores, and athletic resume — especially for official visits where coaches will need them.

4. Practice Communication Skills

Remember, coaches want to recruit players who are mature, independent, and confident. Practice speaking up for yourself during meetings rather than relying on your parents. For more tips, read how to communicate with college coaches after ID camps and showcases.

What to Expect on an Official Visit

Official visits often follow a structured schedule, which may include:

• Meeting the coaching staff.
• Touring athletic and academic facilities.
• Sitting in on classes or team meetings.
• Staying overnight with current players.
• Attending a home game or training session.

This is your chance to immerse yourself in the full experience of being a student-athlete at that school.

👉 To prepare even further, explore tips on how to impress college coaches at showcases and tournaments, since many of the same principles apply to in-person visits.

What to Expect on an Unofficial Visit

Unofficial visits are usually less formal, but they’re still important. A typical visit may include:

• A campus tour.
• A sit-down meeting with the coach.
• Watching a practice or game.

Because unofficial visits are flexible, they’re a great way to start exploring your options early. Even if you’re not yet eligible for an official visit, you can still learn a lot about the school and show coaches your initiative.

Common Mistakes Recruits Make on Visits

To stand out, avoid these common errors:

🚫 Letting Parents Do the Talking – Coaches want to hear from you, not your parents.

🚫 Failing to Prepare Questions – Showing up unprepared signals lack of interest.

🚫 Being Too Casual – Treat visits like interviews; dress appropriately and stay professional.

🚫 Not Following Up – Always send a thank-you email to the coach afterward. For guidance, see this breakdown of how to write the perfect email to college soccer coaches.

Making the Most of Both Visits

Here’s how to maximize your time:

• During the visit: Be engaged, ask questions, and observe everything.
• After the visit: Reflect on what you liked and didn’t like. Keep notes for comparison.
• For parents: Provide support with travel and logistics, but let your athlete lead conversations with coaches.

Unofficial visits can help you explore a wide range of schools early on. Official visits should confirm your top choices and may directly lead to scholarship offers.

Final Thoughts

Official and unofficial college visits are two of the most important tools in the soccer recruiting process. While unofficial visits allow you to explore schools on your own terms, official visits signal strong coach interest and often play a direct role in scholarship decisions.

By preparing well, asking the right questions, and taking ownership of the process, you’ll turn these visits into opportunities that bring you closer to your dream of playing college soccer in the United States.

👉 For more resources and expert guidance, explore Select Generation’s full blog library.

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