TAMPA, Fla. & MANCHESTER, England – The United Soccer League (USL) today announced a multi-year partnership with FirstPoint USA as the league's Official College Recruiting Platform. Through the league's Preferred Supplier Program, FirstPoint USA will provide services to USL Academy and USL Youth players interested in pursuing a collegiate soccer career.
Founded in 2001 by former University of Cincinnati All-American Andrew Kean, FirstPoint USA is the world's leading sports scholarship and university admissions service, supporting over 60,000 prospective student-athletes each year. FirstPoint USA's partnership with the USL will focus on providing both talent management and recruiting and consulting services to USL Academy and USL Youth players interested in playing collegiately.
"We are thrilled to partner with FirstPoint USA for both the USL Academy and USL Youth platforms," said USL Director of Men's Pre-Professional Pathway, Jason Collister. "From a sporting perspective, this partnership will only enhance the opportunity for our players to earn a chance to play collegiate soccer through the incredible work of Andrew Kean and his staff at FirstPoint USA."
"FirstPoint USA takes pride in its ability to connect athletes to universities, and we're excited to begin this partnership with them," said USL Youth's Director of Operations & Competition, Stanley Smith II. "We are glad that our USL Academy and USL Youth players will have access to learn about the recruiting process and a have chance to continue their playing career with the help of FirstPoint USA."
Featuring a staff of over 70 former college athletes and offices in England, Scotland, Singapore, the UAE and China, FirstPoint USA has secured over $300 million in scholarship deals for student-athletes since its inception in 2001. FirstPoint USA assists prospective college athletes with academic eligibility, highlight compilation, connection with college coaches, SAT preparations, application assistance and more.
"We are very excited to be working in partnership with the USL and proud to have been invited to become the USL's college pathway partner," said FirstPoint USA CEO and Founder, Andrew Kean. "As a consultancy with more than 22 years of experience supporting talented young players on their college soccer journey, we bring vast experience, insights and coach relationships to the partnership, and we're looking forward to delivering our hands-on, in-person service to players and their families, guiding them through every step of the process."
Through its Preferred Supplier Program, the USL connects suppliers with new franchise owners and existing USL clubs to deliver the best possible experience for fans across North America. Preferred suppliers are "Best in Class" companies that provide services and products to professional franchises and stadium developers and must meet the USL's strict quality standards.
For more information on FirstPoint USA, visit the company's website and follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and LinkedIn.