August 2, 2024

Why You Should Play Summer League Football in the USA

How Playing in the Summer League Can Boost Your Season as a Footballer at University

The Summer League is in full swing with matches and tournaments happening all over America. But what is the Summer League, and what are the benefits of participating in it as a university football player?

The Summer League is in full swing with matches and tournaments all over the USA. But what is the Summer League and what are the benefits of participating as a university football player? Melker, Recruitment Associate at Keystone Sports Nordics, guides you through the Summer League and its benefits for footballers playing for university teams.

What is the Summer League?

The Summer League consists of various semi-professional or amateur football leagues that take place during the summer months. College football (soccer) is primarily an autumn sport, with the season running from August to December. Since these leagues are scheduled between the autumn and spring seasons, they provide footballers playing for university teams an opportunity to remain competitive, enhance their skills, and gain exposure during the off-season.

Why Play in the Summer League as a University Player?

Every summer, several summer leagues are held across the country, with USL League Two being the most prominent. Previously known as the Premier Development League (PDL), USL League Two is an amateur/semi-professional football league in the United States under the United Soccer League (USL).

This summer, there are 128 teams in 18 divisions across 4 conferences in USL League Two. The competition is fierce, featuring players from all college divisions. For ambitious university student-athletes, it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase their talents in front of numerous coaches and scouts from across the country, paving the way for life after university.

I spent two summers playing Summer League Football. Between my junior and senior years, I played for Kings Hammer FC in Cincinnati, Ohio. Between my senior and redshirt senior years, I played for South Carolina United Bantams in Columbia, South Carolina.

Preparing for the College Season Ahead

Playing in a summer football league is an ideal way to prepare for the upcoming university football season. You’ll be in top form when it’s time to report for pre-season at your school. Instead of merely running all summer, you will engage in competitive matches on a weekly basis. It’s a win-win situation!

Maintaining Fitness During the Off-Season

Spring training for university football players is typically rigorous, with a strong focus on fitness and strength training. However, there is a gap of about three months between the spring and autumn seasons. It’s easy to lose your training rhythm over the summer, but by playing in a summer league, you stay fit and ready for the autumn.

The Experience of Playing Summer League Soccer

Summer League is not just about competition and fitness; it’s also about the overall experience. You get to live in a different part of the US, immerse yourself in a new culture, and make new friends. I have countless memories from my two summers in the US that I will cherish for the rest of my life. For example, spending the 4th of July at a lake house in South Carolina, visiting Myrtle Beach for a few days with my roommates, or exploring the nightlife in Cincinnati!

The Experience of Playing Summer League Football

Summer League Football provides an excellent platform to showcase your skills in a new environment. The main reason players choose to participate in summer league is to be seen by coaches and scouts from across the country.

Additionally, while you cannot be paid directly to maintain your amateur status and eligibility to compete at university level, most summer teams cover your housing, living, and food expenses.

I highly recommend that everyone try playing summer league football at least once. Seize the opportunity and make the most of it!

Do you want to study in the USA and play for a university team on a scholarship? Fill out Keystone Sports’ free assessment to evaluate your chances! A football scholarship can help cover the costs of both your sport and higher education. Apply now!

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About the author

Melker Anshelm

Melker Anshelm, Recruitment Associate at Keystone Sports Nordics, earned his Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Communications and Advertising while captaining James Madison University’s football team. Melker wants to inspire and inform young Scandinavian athletes about the great opportunity of going to university in the US to become a Student-Athlete.