I can tell you players from top teams that develop quality video highlight reels (trace makes it easier) have good grades, are realistic about the college level of play AND work hard to make college connections get signed. College soccer doesn’t have a lot of money but they get a bit of a discount, and more importantly get into colleges that they may not, get priority registration and can play the great game another 4 years.I would be very curious to know how TRACE footage/stats is impacting college recruiting. It seems like it would be more efficient than being seen at an ID tournament.
if your low income and are fortunate to get an offer from a state school- CSU and UC you will play for free.