"Elite youth soccer players in the USA generally must consider one of two paths after they complete high school. Should they try to play soccer professionally somewhere, perhaps in the MLS or Europe? Or, should they try to play soccer in college? Those two paths are mutually exclusive, because the soccer player that turns professional can no longer play college soccer. Some players delay this decision for a year after high school and choose to take a “gap year” where they may train and play with a professional team for one year before making their final decision on college. These players are hedging their bets: they either succeed abroad and are offered a professional contract; or, they are not offered a professional contract but they receive valuable training from a professional club that will greatly benefit them in college."

https://magmilelaw.com/soccer-and-the-ncaa/

Any academic merit money offered will not be there later.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about playing college soccer? Can one take the gap year to play abroad and come back to still play 4 years in college?

This is OP. This is what I meant to ask, whether deferring not only a college acceptance but one that comes with being recruited to play soccer.

Assuming one does not get into any situations where they compromise their college playing eligibility.

For sure college will always be there but hoping that year will make DS want to just play college soccer and get his degree alrdy or forgo the scholarship and make a go at professional soccer.

Admission to college may be deferred but scholarship and spot on the team not guaranteed to be there the next year. Stuff changes. Coaches change. Transfer portal brings new players.

Anonymous wrote:What about playing college soccer? Can one take the gap year to play abroad and come back to still play 4 years in college?

This is OP. This is what I meant to ask, whether deferring not only a college acceptance but one that comes with being recruited to play soccer.

Assuming one does not get into any situations where they compromise their college playing eligibility.

For sure college will always be there but hoping that year will make DS want to just play college soccer and get his degree alrdy or forgo the scholarship and make a go at professional soccer.

Anonymous wrote:What about playing college soccer? Can one take the gap year to play abroad and come back to still play 4 years in college?

This is what a LOT of pros do. Granted, often harder to return (and finish) at 28. Caveat Emptor.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can an offer to play in college be deferred a year? Like if a kid wanted to take a gap year to train abroad?

Of course. Most colleges actually encourage it if you have a specific plan laid out.

🧌🧌🧌

What about playing college soccer? Can one take the gap year to play abroad and come back to still play 4 years in college?

Don't know about state schools though.

Anonymous wrote:Can an offer to play in college be deferred a year? Like if a kid wanted to take a gap year to train abroad?

Of course. Most colleges actually encourage it if you have a specific plan laid out.

Or 5 years abroad

Why bother going to college then? Colleges will still be there at 25 or 35

Can an offer to play in college be deferred a year? Like if a kid wanted to take a gap year to train abroad?