Soccer, known internationally as football, is perhaps the most popular sport in the world. It is fast becoming one of the most played sports throughout the United States. With this uptick in popularity comes opportunities for players, coaches and referees. Soccer scholarships enable talented and gifted young athletes to attend and pay for college more affordably.

Stiff competition for athletic scholarships in a university setting makes obtaining one a challenge. Not only do student athletes need to excel on the pitch, but they also need to stand out in the classroom and other areas of their lives. The international flavor of football makes it a sport that requires a well-rounded approach.

The academic resume for a soccer player is vital. Good grades show a student's discipline and willingness to sacrifice personal desire for overall success. Character counts as a reflection of the whole person, able to handle the rigors of college life. A total resume that excels in education, community service and references that genuinely speak well of the student athlete in various spheres of off-the-field-life is a necessity for obtaining any sports scholarship.

While the whole person matters, players must be able to work wonders with the ball on the field. College-level talent is demonstrated by above average performance on a high school team, superior performance on a club squad, showcasing talents at special tournaments and the presentation of one's abilities through personal and social marketing. An online recruiting video goes a long way toward showing potential coaches what a player has to offer a college program.

Participating in college skills camps builds competitive levels as well as relationships with coaches. Becoming familiar with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and similar organizations brings understanding of the college soccer scene. Hundreds of colleges offer men's and women's soccer scholarships. Some of those scholarships are full rides, while some are partial athletic scholarships and may be combined with academic financial aid for the students who qualify.

The well-rounded student athlete offers a college program skill, character and team building attributes. In return, a player receives tuition breaks, a stage to show off playing abilities and the opportunity to build a career in soccer. College may bring the top athletes the chance to play professionally, but many soccer players will go on to sport-related careers such as college coaching, high school and club level coaching, sports medicine or secondary and post-secondary education opportunities worldwide.