Football Scholarships USA: How I Got One
Mathias Jørstad shares his story on how he got a football scholarship in the United States
Mathias Jørstad, a Norwegian football player, shares his journey from discovering football scholarships in USA to speaking with college coaches and travelling to the United States. Learn more about the college recruitment process and Jørstad’s valuable advice.
What if I told you that someone would pay for your education just because you’re good at your sport? Facilities, coaches, staff, accommodation, and food are carefully crafted into a deal that lets you play your favourite sport while excelling academically. You can always improve your situation depending on your achievements on and off the pitch. Sounds like a dream, right? The reality is that your dream is just one flight away—or three if you’re from northern Norway.
My name is Mathias Jørstad, and I am currently playing and studying at Stonehill College, a Division 1 university in the United States. I train daily and compete against other universities while earning my bachelor’s degree. Want to know how I got here? Read on!
How I Discovered Football Scholarships USA
It all started back in Norway when we got a new player on the team—an Italian striker from the college system. This was my first encounter with the college football world and how I learned about football scholarships for international students. I had never considered it as an option before. But after hearing his stories about the amazing locker rooms, incredible facilities, and daily training, I was instantly hooked. This sounded like a dream—representing your university, receiving all these perks as a student-athlete, and playing the sport you love. Naturally, the next step was to find a way to make it happen.
Like every young adult, I did the only sensible thing—I googled it. “How to get a football scholarship in the US?” And that’s how I came across Keystone Sports. I completed the free assessment form and was quickly contacted to arrange a call. On the call, I got to know Keystone Sports and immediately felt comfortable discussing my ambitions, playing style, and what life is like as a student-athlete in the US. I had a good feeling straight away—the agents were approachable and provided great insight into how the process would work.
The Recruitment Process
I won’t go into extreme detail about the process, but it’s simple to explain. You create a highlight video and compile your athletic and academic information. Then, your assigned agent builds a profile and starts marketing you to American universities.
A mistake I made was not attending a college showcase. Going to a showcase significantly increases your chances of securing a good scholarship! While your agent is promoting you, you’ll also need to complete some paperwork. Luckily, Keystone Sports has plenty of great resources to help with visas, exams, and documentation.
And then it happened… I woke up one day to a very, very exciting message: “A university is interested in you.” That’s when the real work begins.
Speaking with College Coaches
Speaking with coaches for the first time was nerve-wracking but also a great experience. My best advice here is to stay calm, listen carefully, ask questions, and be critical! Show respect, but don’t be afraid to dig deeper.
Remember: coaches are not just coaches—they’re salespeople, and they’re very good at it. When speaking with them, keep in mind that they are selling you something, so you need to approach it critically (in a good way).
I recommend creating a spreadsheet, writing down questions, and filling it in after each call (or during, though it’s important to stay engaged and make eye contact). You want to sell yourself and show genuine interest. Punctuality, professionalism, and authenticity go a long way in making a strong impression. Coaches appreciate it when you talk about yourself, and small talk can help establish a better rapport. Always be polite and thank them for their time—this will reinforce that you’re a strong candidate for their programme.
In terms of what to ask, I suggest focusing on the day-to-day routine. Get a clear picture of their training schedule, the intensity, and their playing philosophy. Make sure there is room for development and that the environment suits your ambitions. And don’t feel bad if a university doesn’t meet your expectations—it’s important to find the right fit.
At the end of the day, this decision might seem huge, but sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith.
Where I Started My College Football Journey
I initially committed to the University of Houston-Victoria, an NAIA programme. With the Texas heat and the lush green pitches, I was ready to go. However, after one semester, I decided to seek better athletic and academic opportunities at a different university. That’s one of the great things about college sports in the US—you have the flexibility to transfer if you want a new environment or a different level of competition.
Although the football style was different from what I expected, my time there provided invaluable experiences, strong friendships, and unforgettable memories. It’s a place I’ll definitely visit again in the future to relive those moments.
Do You Want a Football Scholarship?
Now that you know how the process works, are you ready to pursue a football scholarship? At Keystone Sports, we help international students like Jørstad secure football scholarships. We guide you through every step of the process—from creating highlight videos to connecting with coaches and handling paperwork.
It’s that simple: you reach out to us, and we find the ideal university for you.
Fill out our free assessment form, and let’s make your football journey a reality!
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