The qualification must serve the student long after the final match.
For student-athletes & their families
Your Sport.
Your Degree.
Your American Experience.
Keep competing at a serious level while earning a degree in the United States. Explore the right college, sporting environment and financial fit, with personal guidance for your family at every stage.
Chapter one
The Opportunity
at a Glance
The United States is the world’s number one destination for international students. This is not a niche opportunity—it is a well-established, well-funded system, and with the right guidance, it is absolutely accessible to you.
1.2MInternational students studying in the U.S. in 2024/25
$55BContributed to the U.S. economy by international students annually
25K+International student-athletes competing in NCAA sport
$4BIn athletic scholarships awarded by U.S. colleges each year
More than a placement
Imagine the next four years without giving up the game.
Train and compete every week. Live on an American campus. Travel with your team. Build friendships from around the world. Earn a degree that moves your life forward. The U.S. college route gives student-athletes from around the world the chance to pursue all of it at once.
Your academic starting point
Your education comes with you.
Your options can grow.
Understand your qualifications
Your school qualifications, previous study, subjects and grades help shape the right college options. Each institution assesses your academic record individually.
More room to explore
Majors, minors, electives and, where awarded, prior-learning credit can give you room to explore your interests and build a degree around your goals.
Plan beyond the first degree
For some athletes, graduate study becomes part of the journey. Academic progress, sporting eligibility and institutional requirements all shape what is possible.
Academic credit, admission and degree timelines vary by institution, qualification, subject and grade. We work through the academic picture with your family and the receiving college.
The placement guide · what every family should understand
The right decision starts with knowing the system.
A successful placement is not simply finding a coach who says yes. It is aligning the degree, eligibility, sporting level, cost, visa, campus and long-term plan. Here is the knowledge we want every family to have before they decide.
Level, minutes, coaching style and development matter more than a famous badge.
Every offer is compared across tuition, housing, meals and every form of aid.
02The American academic system
Four years, built with more
room to find your direction.
A standard bachelor’s degree runs across eight semesters: autumn from late August to mid-December and spring from mid-January to May. Students usually take around five classes each semester, moving from freshman to senior while choosing a major and shaping the wider degree around it.
Roughly 40 classes to graduateGeneral education, major requirements and electives combine into one degree plan.
Majors, minors and dual majorsThe system can support broader study or two connected areas of specialism.
Credits can change the timelineAdvanced prior study may reduce repetition and create more room in the plan.
Graduate study can followRemaining eligibility and careful planning can open a route into a master’s degree.
03Visa & work opportunities
Your student visa supports the degree. Your degree can create options beyond campus.
International students normally study on an F-1 visa for the duration of their programme. After completing each degree level, eligible graduates can apply for Optional Practical Training in work related to their field of study.
F-1The student visa used for full-time study at an approved U.S. institution.
OPTPost-study work authorisation connected to the subject studied.
Up to 3 yearsPotential work authorisation for eligible STEM graduates through the OPT extension.
04The athletics structure
There is no single “college sporting level.” There is a landscape of different opportunities.
The right home depends on academics, current level, development ceiling, playing opportunity, coaching environment and financial package. A smaller badge with the right role can be a far better decision than a bigger name with no clear pathway.
NCAA Division IHighest profile, larger budgets and intense year-round expectations.
NCAA Division IIStrong competition with a broad mix of athletic and academic balance.
NCAA Division IIICompetitive college sport, no athletic scholarships, but strong academic aid potential.
NAIACompetitive, often scholarship-rich programmes with flexible recruiting environments.
NJCAAA two-year development and academic route before transferring to a university.
05Choosing your pathway
Start at a four-year university—or use two years to build toward one.
Both routes can lead to a bachelor’s degree and the full American college experience. The decision should reflect the player’s academics, sporting readiness, finances and preferred campus environment—not a one-size-fits-all hierarchy.
Route oneFour-year university
Join a bachelor’s programme from the start, settle into one campus and potentially compete there throughout the degree.
Route twoTwo years + transfer
Begin at a two-year college, often at a lower cost, develop academically and athletically, then transfer into a four-year university to finish the degree.
06Costs & scholarships
A scholarship is not one number. It is a package.
The core cost normally combines tuition and fees, housing and meals. The most effective packages can blend several sources of support, and in some cases cover a substantial share—or the entirety—of the cost. We compare what a family will actually pay, not the headline percentage.
Athletic scholarshipSupport attached to sporting recruitment
Academic scholarshipAid linked to grades and qualifications
Housing supportCampus accommodation waivers or awards
Meal supportFull or partial dining-plan assistance
07The recruiting timeline
Start twelve months ahead if you can. More time usually means more choice.
College coaches commonly recruit well before a player’s intended start date. Beginning early gives us time to improve the profile, target the right programmes and let genuine options develop rather than forcing a late decision.
01Build the evidenceMatch or competition footage, academic records, eligibility details and a credible player profile.
02Create conversationsTargeted coach outreach, introductions, programme evaluation and honest feedback.
03Compare the offersScholarship, total cost, degree, playing fit and the roadmap through graduation.
The pathway, proven
The destination is not theoretical. Our students are already there.
Across divisions, regions and academic profiles, we have built relationships and managed placements at colleges throughout the United States.
Class of 2025/26 — Where Our Students Enrolled
Full management
Full management means exactly that.
Every student-athlete has a different starting point. Age, academics, sporting ability, ambitions and family budget shape the journey we plan together. We help you understand the options on the field and in the classroom, then work with you on each next step.
Your talent, presented properly.
Show coaches the whole picture: your footage, playing experience, academics and goals. Keep track of interest and know what to do next.
No upfront management fee. No automatic monthly retainer. Your profile, agent guidance, introductions and next steps come together in OCS Connect. Create your account and profile free, then choose the introductions and support your family needs, with fees earned incrementally as the selected work is carried out. View services and pricing.
YOUR JOURNEY IN OCS CONNECT
Your profile first.
Your next step, together.
We work hand-in-hand with your family. Your profile, OCS feedback, introductions, meetings and offers come together in Connect, with support chosen at each stage.
Create & connect
The athlete and parent create their own accounts and link to one family profile. Creating an account and building the profile are free.
Build & review
Add your sport, footage, academics, ambitions and family budget. Submit the profile for OCS review; draft profiles stay private from coaches.
Choose introductions
When a coach requests a conversation, review the interest and decide whether to unlock the introduction. We help coordinate the call.
Plan the next step
Review offers and deadlines together. Choose agent guidance, highlights or other available services when they will help your journey.
One family profile. Your own accounts.
Athletes and parents each create their own login. Whoever starts the player profile invites the other family members; accept that invitation to join the same profile rather than creating a duplicate.
HERE’S WHAT IT CAN LOOK LIKE
The right message.
The next step, made clear.
Explore examples of the notifications that keep athletes, parents and coaches moving together.
A COACH SEES A POTENTIAL FIT
Interest you can act on.
You and your parent receive a notification. Open your account to review the request, decide whether to unlock the introduction, decline or ask for more time.
Your next step: review the introduction request.
AN EXAMPLE FROM YOUR OCS CONNECT INBOXSample
SubjectCongratulations! An NCAA DI coach has requested to speak with you
Sample messages use fictional names, colleges and dates. They illustrate the process and do not promise a recruiting outcome.
Working with Oliver was a great experience. He is extremely professional, transparent, and trustworthy. What stood out most was his ability to clearly explain the end-to-end journey, set the right expectations, and guide us every step of the way.Gustavo AlvarezFather of Mikel Alvarez · Miller School of Albemarle, Virginia
Chapters eight & nine · the journey, managed
For your family, it may feel overwhelming. For us, it is Tuesday.
A new country, education system, sporting environment and visa process creates hundreds of moving parts. We have navigated them for hundreds of families.
The right institution, division, location and academic fit—based on honest assessment.
Multiple options compared properly, with the full cost understood before you decide.
F-1 process, I-20, documentation and interview preparation managed with you.
Choose practical planning for housing, travel, arrival and the steps toward settling into campus life.
Choose continued guidance around academic progress, sporting questions, transfers and your family’s next decisions.
OPT and STEM OPT guidance, graduate study and what comes next.
The details matter
Choose the right guidance.
Focus on your next step.
- One shared family profile
- Personal agent guidance
- F-1 visa and I-20 coordination
- NCAA, NAIA or NJCAA registration
- Housing and roommate support
- Flights and arrival planning
- U.S. phone and banking setup
- Academic and grade monitoring
- Transfer management if needed
- OPT and STEM OPT guidance
ON THE GROUND. IN THE GAME.4U.S. semi-pro soccer clubs
in our network plans
in our network plans
3University-backed rugby teams
planned for 2027
planned for 2027
MORE THAN A PLATFORM
We don’t just know
the pathway.
We’re part of it.
Oliver Charles Sports Management owns and operates U.S. semi-pro soccer clubs, with IFC Zion and IFC Kutztown planned to grow our network to four in 2027. Celebrating 12 years of athlete management, our perspective comes from working with athletes, coaches and the day-to-day reality of U.S. sport.
OUR NEXT COMMITMENT · 2027
Three rugby teams.
University-backed ambition.
We’re committed to launching three rugby teams in 2027, backed by our university partners and built to deliver a world-class athlete experience.
Planned launch · further details to followThe proof · players & families
What happens after the promise matters most.
Different starting points. Different colleges. The same long-term commitment to the person, the player and the plan.
“Five years on and Oliver Charles are still managing my son's journey. From the first conversation, they kept their word—the placement, support and check-ins. Louis has thrived at Millersville and we are now planning his next steps together.”Scott WrightFather of Louis Wright · Millersville University
“After being released from Bradford City, I did not know what my next step looked like. Oliver Charles placed me at Hofstra, where I had an incredible experience academically and on the field. That pathway led to the MLS draft.”Eliot GoldthorpHofstra · Vancouver Whitecaps · Pittsburgh Riverhounds
“We trusted Oliver Charles with Marc after he was released from Valencia's academy at 14. Their full-time residential environment was exactly what he needed—not only to develop physically, but to grow as a young man.”Nacho GinerFather of Marc Giner · OCS Residential · Southern Utah
“When I first contacted Oliver Charles, I could not speak a word of English. They built a plan and guided every step. Now I am graduating NCAA Division I with my business degree and staying for my MBA and a final season.”Rikiya UraOral Roberts University · NCAA Division I · Business & MBA
Chapter nine · beyond the bachelor’s
“Shippensburg became home. I made friends for life, competed at a high level and earned my degree. OCSM then helped me stay for my master’s in Sport Management—and now I’m working as a junior agent within the agency. The whole journey started with one conversation.”Seth Crabbe · Shippensburg University
And the pathway keeps moving
From campus to what comes next.
For some, the next chapter is graduate study. For others, it is the professional game. The pathway changes, but the management continues.
“The residential environment taught me what it means to live as a full-time player. Training daily and being held accountable helped me grow fast and prepared me for earning my academy contract.”Dane ValentiColorado Switchbacks
“OCR guided me through the transition from college soccer into the professional game. They helped me understand what was needed to take that next step and be ready for it.”Teddy BakerOne Knoxville
“I attended the OCR summer camp and it played a big role in my development. The level of coaching and structure helped prepare me for the demands of college soccer at Columbia.”Yianni GoulandrisColumbia University
“OCR supported me through the recruiting process and helped me take the next step into college soccer. Their guidance made a real difference in finding the right opportunity.”Nick NkansaUniversity of Tulsa
“Oliver Charles opened doors I didn’t know existed. The placement process was smooth, professional, and they were with me every step of the way.”Owen BarnettFlorida International University
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROGRESS
Real players.
New chapters.
See the college, club and professional experiences of players from the wider OCSM community.
INSTAGRAM@riverhoundssc
THE PROFESSIONAL CHAPTERELIOT GOLDTHORPFrom college.
OCSM player archive photograph
From college.
To the pros.
OCSM player archive photographSelecting Load connects to Instagram, which may use cookies. You can also view the post directly.
INSTAGRAM@fiumsoccer
COLLEGE SOCCER · MIAMIOWEN BARNETTA new city.
FIU player photograph
A new city.
The same game.
FIU player photographSelecting Load connects to Instagram, which may use cookies. You can also view the post directly.
INSTAGRAM@villemarauders
SPORTSCENTER TOP 10 · NO. 7ROY PARKYNSenior day strike
OCSM player photograph
Senior day strike
makes ESPN
OCSM player photographSelecting Load connects to Instagram, which may use cookies. You can also view the post directly.
INSTAGRAM@alex.sanzzz
LIFE AT IFC DAYTONALEX SANZA day
IFC Dayton club photography
A day
at Dayton.
IFC Dayton club photographySelecting Load connects to Instagram, which may use cookies. You can also view the post directly.
Your starting point will be your own. Let’s explore what comes next.
Create your family profileQuestions from players & families
A clearer picture.
Before you begin.
Can I study for a degree and compete in the USA?
Yes. U.S. college sport combines full-time study with competition for your college or university. The right route depends on your academic record, sporting level, eligibility, ambitions and budget.
How will a U.S. college assess my qualifications?
Each institution reviews international qualifications, subjects, grades and any previous college study. Admission, English-language requirements and possible academic credit depend on the institution and programme. We help your family understand what each option requires.
What sporting level do I need?
There are different competitive environments across NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA programmes. We assess your footage, experience, academics and goals before discussing realistic options. An OCS Connect profile or introduction does not guarantee a place or scholarship.
What will college and management cost?
College costs depend on the institution and your individual offer. Tuition, accommodation, meals, travel and third-party charges are separate. There is no upfront OCS management fee or automatic monthly retainer. Optional introductions and support have clear prices before you choose. View services and pricing.
Is it free to create a profile?
Yes. Creating your account and building your profile are free. Your family chooses whether to purchase an introduction or other available service as the journey develops. You do not need to buy a credit pack to begin.
Should the athlete and parent both create accounts?
Yes. Each uses their own login, linked to one family profile. Whoever starts the player profile invites the other family members. Accept that invitation rather than creating a duplicate player profile.
When can coaches see my profile?
Complete your profile and submit it for OCS review. Draft profiles stay private from coaches. Once a profile is approved, coaches can view the sporting and academic picture and request an introduction; the family decides whether to unlock it.
When should we start planning?
Aim to begin 12–18 months before your intended start date where possible. Later applications may be possible, depending on admissions, available places, sporting needs and the practical timeline. Start with your current circumstances and we will help you understand the next step.
How do the visa and arrival steps work?
International students normally study using an F-1 visa at an approved institution. After admission, the school provides the relevant enrolment documents. OCS can help you plan the practical steps; schools and government authorities determine their own requirements and decisions.
Chapter ten · your next step
Your sport. Your education.
Your next chapter.
Share your playing background, academics and ambitions. Build your free profile with your family, then work with Oliver Charles as the right opportunities develop.
Create Your Family ProfileThe athlete and parent each create their own account, linked to the same family profile. Optional paid support is chosen when needed.