Parents' Guide to Recruiting (Global Families Edition)

Your athlete needs you involved, but in the right way. The most effective recruiting parents are organized supporters, not overbearing managers.

Your job is to handle the logistics (paperwork, travel, finances, timelines) so your athlete can focus on performing. You are the project manager. Your athlete is the talent.

Recruiting pathways vary dramatically depending on sport, country, and level:

School-based systems (U.S., Canada, Japan): Athletes compete through their school teams. Recruiting is tied to academic eligibility and school schedules.

Club-based systems (Europe, Latin America, Africa, most of the world): Athletes compete through clubs and academies. Recruiting is based on club performance and scout networks.

Hybrid systems: Some regions blend both. Understanding which system your athlete is in determines your strategy.

Use Coach Leo to research specific pathways for your athlete's sport and target region. The AI can explain eligibility requirements, timelines, and opportunities you may not know about.

Do: - Help organize film, academic documents, and communication logs - Research programs and opportunities together - Attend events and games as a supportive presence - Ask coaches how your athlete can improve (not why they aren't playing more) - Build a realistic budget for camps, travel, and equipment - Encourage your athlete to own the communication with coaches

Don't: - Contact coaches on your athlete's behalf (after initial introductions) - Argue with coaches, referees, or event staff publicly - Make promises about your athlete's commitment before they decide - Compare your athlete to others publicly - Pressure your athlete into a program they do not want

Beyond your involvement as a parent, consider assembling a team:

• Current coach: Your athlete's primary advocate and reference
• School counselor or advisor: For academic planning and eligibility
• ScoutSync profile: A centralized, professional presence that coaches can access anytime
• Coach Leo: 24/7 AI guidance for questions about pathways, programs, and recruiting strategy

Remember: the goal is not just placement. It is finding the right fit where your athlete will thrive athletically, academically, and personally. That requires patience, research, and honest conversations about expectations.