Before we dive in, do me a favor and move my emails to the primary inbox so you can see the next edition. Each of my emails going forward will have the “⚽️” emoji so they are easy to find.

Key Takeaways ⚽️

1. Step-by-step guide to DM’ing coaches ⚙️

2. Next steps ‼️

3. Top gear 👟

(This newsletter is a 5-minute read in total)

Reaching out to college coaches through direct messages (DMs) can be one of the quickest ways to start a conversation about your future in college soccer. However, with dozens of messages flooding their inboxes daily, it’s essential to stand out by being professional, concise, and strategic.

Why DMs Work:

• Over 90% of coaches use social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter to scout and connect with players.

• DMs allow direct communication without needing formal introductions or lengthy processes.

• Personalized messages show initiative and a quality coaches value in recruits.

Social media platforms to use this strategy on: 

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

• Twitter

Here is a video that highlights the preferred platform for social media college soccer recruiting per ZevFutbol, not created by Playmaker FC. It will give a good introduction to our DM strategy.

Social media recruiting is becoming more and more popular in 2025. We are going to hyper-focus on the DM aspect of social media recruiting and show you a sequence of messages you can send to receive a response.

Follow along below ↓

Step 1: Send a Video of Yourself

Video Script:

1. Introduce Yourself Clearly

   • Your name, position, graduation year, and current school/team.

   • Example:

2. Show Genuine Interest

   • Reference a specific aspect of their program, such as a recent accomplishment or playing style.

3. Provide Key Information

   • Include your highlight reel link (Hudl, YouTube, or Trace).

   • Add your GPA and notable soccer achievements.

4. Make It Easy to Respond

   • End with an invitation to discuss further.

Step 2: Bump Sequence

To make an impact, keep your message brief, informative, and action-oriented. Here’s a proven structure:

Maximizing Your Chances of a Response

• Send DMs at the Right Time: Avoid game days or major tournaments. Instead, aim for weekdays during recruiting periods.

• Follow Up Respectfully: If you don’t hear back within 1-2 days, send 3-4 polite follow-ups:

  Bump #1:

  Bump #2 - show some personality 🙂 (insert any GIF pointing up to the previous message)

  

  Gif by Toskonaut on Giphy

  Bump #3

  Engage with Their Content:

  • Like and comment on team updates.

  • Share their posts (when relevant) to show your interest in their program.

Build a Recruit-Worthy Social Media Presence

• Use a professional profile picture.

• Include key details in your bio: graduation year, position, and contact info.

• Post regularly: highlight reels, training clips, and updates about awards or achievements.

Next Steps 💯

Challenge: Send 20 videos to coaches this week

1. Send 20 videos to coaches.

2. Put them through the DM sequence of follow-ups.

3. Track in a Google sheet.
   Are you ready to make an impression in a coach’s inbox? Start crafting your first DM today using the tips above.

If you like this type of content. Our exclusive community breaks down our full college recruiting process, join below ↓

Top Soccer Gear: January

Browse our top picks, hand-selected to help you or your child improve their game.

Soccer Equipment - Soccer Net and Backstop

Soccer Equipment - Soccer Rebound Board

Recovery Equipment - Leg Air Compression Massager

Feedback is appreciated! Let me know in the comments what pain points, topics, and questions you have so I can continue to provide the most value for this community :)