This past Sunday, at the FC Stars facility in Lancaster, Mass., a Division 3 coach remarked to New England Soccer Journal how he never knew such talent existed in prep school girls soccer. That conversation, plus several others, reflected what the first-ever New England Prep School Preseason College Showcase hoped to accomplish.
Featuring 16 teams competing against non-traditional opponents, about 25 college coaches gathered to watch the preseason scrimmages. This format allowed prep coaches to use their entire roster, given the stakes were far lower than a regular-season encounter, and increase exposure for their players.
College coaches came from all divisions, but a scheduling snag prevented more from attending (and no, not the New England Patriots’ season opener). When field space was reserved several months ago, colleges didn’t yet have their 2018 schedules set in stone. As luck would have it, this past Sunday became a playdate for many local college programs, making it impossible for some coaches to drive out.
Still, the event – organized by coaches from Lawrence Academy, Rivers School and Buckingham Browne & Nichols – was a valuable experience. The day featured many top Class A and Class B programs, including several high-level players already committed to Division 1 programs.
