If your child is athletically inclined, then they might have a chance of securing a football scholarship. Many students dream of playing sports on a more professional level, and getting a college football scholarship is the gateway to doing that.
Securing a football scholarship means that your child can pursue their love of the sport while also having the chance to attend a reputable school. It helps to release the burden of college debt and contributes to their success in their athletic career, and if they decide to pursue an academic career too.
As a parent, there are ways that you can help and support your child as they work towards getting a football scholarship.
Balance sports and school
Solely excelling at football or excelling academically will not secure your child a football scholarship. They must excel at both to meet the eligibility requirements set out by the NCAA. It’s essential that your child finds a balance of training and practice, as well as a focus on their academic studies. Often test scores and GPA will be the first questions college coaches ask, even before asking about football season stats. You can support your child by encouraging them to balance both areas and not pushing them too much in either direction.
Flexibility
There may be one school that you have in mind for your child or one they dream of playing for. That said, if you limit yourself to only that school, then the chances are that they won’t get any scholarship at all. Being flexible about where your child plays will give them a better shot of getting in. Do your research and explore both the athletic and academic programs available from a variety of schools. There are a total of 778 colleges and universities now offering football in the U.S. That gives you many opportunities for your child to get noticed.
Encourage your child to put themselves out there
Unless college coaches see your child in action, they have no shot of getting a scholarship. You can research possible college programs and their coaches with your child, but it is their responsibility to reach out. If you are reaching out to coaches on your child’s behalf, you can damage their chances of getting a scholarship. Instead, they should contact the coach directly to begin building a relationship with them.
You should also seek out opportunities for your child to play outside of school to increase their chances of being seen. Playing in tournaments, events, or football camps will give them multiple opportunities to show coaches their skills. Larger scale events often have many coaches there scouting for potential new athletes. It can happen as soon as they are in their freshman year, so it’s a good idea to start early.
Conclusion
By supporting your child and guiding them in the right direction, you can increase their chances of getting a football scholarship. If you notice their academics and athletics are becoming imbalanced, talk to them about it, and identify how you can create more balance in their schedule. Be flexible about your school choices, and encourage your child to put themselves out there and go for their dreams.
