A guide for players and parents · updated October 2026
The short answer
Email the coach a week or two before the camp. Keep it short, make it clear who you are and what position to watch, and give one real reason you're interested in their school. The player should write and send it, not a parent.
A template
Copy it, fill in the brackets, and cut anything that doesn't apply.
Subject: [Grad year] [position] attending your [camp name] on [date] – [your name]
Coach [last name],
My name is [first and last name], a [grad year] [position] from [city, state]. I play for [club team] and [high school]. I'm registered for your [camp name] on [date] and I'm looking forward to it.
I'm interested in [college] because [one specific reason: a program you study, the team's style, something real].
A few details:
- Position: [primary / secondary]
- Club / high school: [team, league, level]
- Academics: [GPA, test scores if you have them, intended major]
- Video: [link to a short highlight video]
- Upcoming schedule: [tournaments or showcases before the camp]
Thank you for your time. I hope to meet you at camp.
[Name]
[Email] · [Phone]
[Parent or guardian name and email]
Tips
Write to one coach at a time. Use their name, and say something specific about their program. Coaches can tell a mass email.
Lead with the camp. "I'm attending your camp on [date]" gives the coach a reason to remember you.
Keep video short. Two to four minutes, best clips first, with your number and position noted.
Follow up after camp with a two-line thank-you and anything they told you to work on.
Know the rules. NCAA rules limit when coaches can reply to younger players. A quiet inbox doesn't always mean no interest.
Find the camps
ID Season puts the ID and prospect camps of every US college soccer, baseball and softball program (6,352 programs) on one map and calendar, checked every night.