The month of August is a pivotal month in the youth soccer calendar. With High School teams starting up and travel clubs both getting ready for their upcoming seasons players are getting ready for both practices and games. It is also a pivotal month on the NCAA recruiting calendar as teams not only begin their seasons, but also can review the progress that potential recruits have made over the summer months.
Student-athletes may begin signing their National Letters of Intent on November 8, 2023 and have until August 1, 2024 to sign. Prior to November 8, players may only verbally commit to a college or university.
There are two major dead periods each for Division 1 Men’s and Women’s soccer. Both sports will have a dead period from November 6-9 and then have one over the winter break (December 8-10 for the men and December 5, January 15 for the women). Division II players will only have one dead period: November 6-9.
Below are some key recruiting dates to follow throughout the 2023-2024 season broken down by Division. For Division III, the recruiting rules are more relaxed and coaches/players may communicate with one another at any time.
Key Note: Dates are for both Men’s and Women’s Soccer unless otherwise noted.
Division I Key Dates To Know
- November 6 – 9, 2023: Dead Period. This Dead Period takes place from Monday through Thursday of the initial week for the signing of the National Letter of Intent. (NCAA)
- November 8, 2023: National Letter of Intent initial signing date begins
- December 8 – 10, 2023: Dead Period for Men’s Soccer. This Dead Period takes place from Friday through Sunday during the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship.
- December 15, 2023 – January 5, 2024: Dead Period for Women’s Soccer
- December 23 – 25, 2023: Quiet Period for Men’s Soccer
- June 15, 2024: Communication after sophomore year may begin with college coaches
- August 1, 2024: Unofficial and official visits to campuses may begin before junior year (
- August 1, 2024: Off campus contact may begin before junior year
- August 1, 2024: National Letter of Intent final signing date.
Division II Key Dates To Know
- November 6 – 9, 2023: Dead Period. This Dead Period takes place from Monday through Thursday during the initial week for the signing of the National Letter of Intent.
- November 8, 2023: National Letter of Intent initial signing date begins
- June 15, 2024: Allowable date for college coaches to initiate or engage in recruiting-related discussions with prospective student-athletes (after sophomore year)
- August 1, 2024: National Letter of Intent final signing date.
