College soccer ID camps are often marketed as the golden ticket to getting recruited, offering players the chance to showcase their skills in front of college coaches. But the reality? Many of these camps are money-making machines that provide little to no actual recruiting opportunities.

For players and parents investing time and money into these camps, it’s important to understand what ID camps really are, how to choose the right ones, and what you can do to maximize your chances of being recruited.

1. The Business Side of ID Camps: You’re a Dollar Sign First

Let’s get straight to the point—most ID camps are designed to generate revenue for college programs, not necessarily to recruit players. While coaches do evaluate talent, the chances of getting discovered at a random camp are slim.

Why ID Camps Exist

    •    College programs need funding – Many ID camps bring in thousands of dollars, helping programs cover expenses.

    •    Most campers are not being seriously considered – Unless you’ve had prior communication with the coach, you’re likely just another player on the field.

    •    Some coaches aren’t even recruiting – Many programs invite outside coaches to run their camps, meaning the school you think is watching might not actually be interested.

This doesn’t mean all ID camps are a waste of time—but it does mean you need to choose wisely before spending hundreds (or thousands) of dollars attending multiple camps.

2. The Harsh Truth: Most Players Won’t Be Recruited from an ID Camp Alone

If you’re attending an ID camp without prior communication with the coaching staff, your chances of getting recruited from that one event are extremely low.

Here’s Why:

    •    Most players at ID camps will never play for that school – The majority of attendees aren’t at the skill level required for that program.

    •    Coaches already have a recruiting list – By the time most ID camps happen, coaches already have a list of players they’re actively scouting.

    •    A coach might not even watch you – With 60-100 players at a camp, if a coach isn’t looking for someone like you, you won’t get noticed.

That doesn’t mean ID camps are useless—it just means you need to be strategic about which ones you attend.

3. How to Choose the Right ID Camps

If you’re serious about getting recruited, you shouldn’t just sign up for every ID camp that sounds interesting. You need to be realistic and tactical about where you go.

Before Signing Up, Ask Yourself These Questions:

✅ Have I been in contact with the coaching staff?

    •    If a coach has already shown interest in you (emails, calls, or social media messages), attending their ID camp can be a great way to solidify that connection.

    •    If a coach has never heard of you, your chances of being recruited from their camp are almost zero.

✅ Is this school a realistic fit for me?

    •    Be honest about your level. If you’re a solid D3-level player, attending a D1 ID camp is likely a waste of time.

    •    Focus on schools where you can realistically earn playing time.

✅ Does this school fit me academically and personally?

    •    Even if you’re recruited, do you actually want to attend that school? Make sure it fits your academic and personal goals.

✅ Are the coaches from the actual program running the camp?

    •    Some schools bring in outside coaches to run their camps. If the program’s actual coaching staff isn’t there, don’t waste your money.

By choosing camps where you’ve already built some level of connection, you massively increase your chances of getting recruited.

4. How to Maximize Your Chances at an ID Camp

Once you’ve picked the right camp, your work isn’t done. You need to make sure you stand out—not just on the field, but in how you communicate with the coaches.

Before the Camp:

    •    Email the coaches ahead of time – Let them know you’ll be attending and that you’re excited about the opportunity.

    •    Send your highlight video – If they’ve already seen you play, they’ll be more likely to watch you at the camp.

    •    Know what the school is looking for – Research their playing style and how you might fit into their system.

During the Camp:

    •    Introduce yourself to the coaches – Be confident, shake their hand, and make a strong first impression.

    •    Play to your strengths – Don’t try to overdo it—focus on what makes you a great player.

    •    Showcase leadership and work ethic – Coaches notice players who communicate, hustle, and have a strong attitude.

After the Camp:

    •    Follow up with an email – Thank the coaches for the opportunity and express your continued interest in their program.

    •    Ask for feedback – Even if they’re not recruiting you, constructive criticism can help you improve.

The players who get recruited from ID camps are the ones who already have a relationship with the coaches and use the camp to solidify their standing.

5. The Bottom Line: Be Smart About ID Camps

ID camps can be helpful, but they’re not a magic ticket to recruitment. Too many players waste time and money going to random camps without understanding how the process works.

What You Should Do:

✔ Prioritize schools where you have a realistic chance of playing

✔ Reach out to coaches before attending

✔ Choose ID camps where the actual coaching staff is present

✔ Treat the camp as a chance to confirm interest, not just to “get discovered”

What You Shouldn’t Do:

❌ Sign up for camps at schools that aren’t recruiting you

❌ Expect to get recruited just by showing up

❌ Attend camps without researching the school or team

❌ Waste money on schools that aren’t a good fit for you

If you’re serious about playing college soccer, focus on relationship-building and targeted exposure—not just blindly attending ID camps. The players who get recruited are the ones who understand the process and approach it strategically.

Don’t fall into the ID camp money trap. Be smart, be proactive, and give yourself the best possible chance to play at the next level.