Fall Showcase Season: How to Maximize Every Game and Interaction
Fall showcase season can feel overwhelming — flights to book, hotel rooms crammed with multiple teams, fields spread out across three zip codes, and parents juggling work meetings, game schedules and stress. On top of all that, you’re wondering:
Is my athlete actually getting noticed?
The truth: showcases are one of the best opportunities for exposure — but only if you know how to approach them. Most families treat them like just another tournament. That’s a costly mistake.
Here’s how to make sure every game, every sideline chat, and every follow-up counts.
Step 1: Do the Pre-Work Before the Whistle Blows
What most families miss: The work starts before you ever step on the field.
Reach out to coaches early (2–3 weeks ahead) with your athlete’s schedule, field numbers, and jersey color/number.
Keep emails short but professional — no long bios. Coaches need quick, scannable info.
Confirm attendance the week of the showcase (plans change, and a reminder keeps your athlete top of mind).
Step 2: Treat Warm-Ups Like Part of the Showcase
Coaches often arrive before kickoff. They’re watching:
How does your athlete carry themselves in warmups?
Do they connect with teammates?
Are they focused or distracted?
Tip: Remind your athlete — “eyes are on you” starts long before the whistle.
Step 3: Showcase the Right Way During Games
Consistency over highlight moments. Coaches want to see work rate, communication, and soccer IQ — not just flashy plays.
Play your position. Don’t chase the ball trying to impress; show you can execute your role.
Body language matters. Slumped shoulders after mistakes can send the wrong signal.
Step 4: Parents, Stay in Your Lane
It’s tempting to wave, clap, or strike up conversations with coaches on the sidelines. Don’t.
Coaches are there to evaluate, not to chat.
Your role is support, not sales. The best impression is made by your athlete, not you.
Step 5: The Follow-Up Game Plan
The showcase isn’t over when the final whistle blows.
Within 48 hours, your athlete should email every coach who watched them.
Include: a quick thank-you, one or two highlights from the weekend, and next steps (their next event or updated video link).
Update highlight reels if the weekend produced strong new clips.
Step 6: Don’t Forget the Off-the-Field Interactions
Hotel lobbies, team meals, even walking the complex — your athlete is being observed. Coaches ask around about attitude, teamwork, and leadership.
Encourage them to carry themselves with the same maturity off the field as they do on it.
Step 7: Keep It in Perspective
Not every showcase leads to an immediate offer. That’s okay.
Sometimes the takeaway is feedback, not a commitment.
The goal is progress, not perfection — each showcase builds momentum.
Fall showcases are expensive and exhausting, but when approached strategically, they’re worth every dime. Your athlete can walk away with more than just sore legs — they can come home with real traction in their recruiting journey.
Want a proven step-by-step strategy (emails, highlight reel checklists, camp + showcase planning tools)? That’s exactly why I created the College Soccer Recruiting Playbook.
📘 Get your copy here → and make sure every showcase counts.