Should I Attend a Winter ID Camp?

Winter ID camps can feel like a real gamble.

The fall season just ended, you’re probably tired, and now you’re weighing whether to spend money and time at another showcase.

But here’s the truth: winter camps can be one of the smartest moves in your college soccer recruiting journey—if you know what you’re getting into.

Coaches Have More Time to Actually Watch You

During the fall, college coaches are locked into their own seasons. They’re traveling, game-planning, and managing their rosters.

Come winter, that pressure lifts. Many coaches enter their off-season, which means they can focus more on recruiting. At a winter ID camp, you’re not competing with game-day chaos for their attention. They’re there to evaluate players—and that’s it.

Translation? You might actually get noticed.

Smaller Groups Mean More Eyes on You

Winter camps tend to draw smaller crowds than summer showcases. Fewer players mean more touches on the ball and more chances to stand out.

If you’ve been lost in the shuffle at larger events, a winter camp could give you the individual attention you need to make an impression.

Coaches can see your decision-making, work rate, and technical ability up close.

But Be Honest About Your Readiness

Here’s where players slip up: they show up out of shape or rusty. If your fall season just ended and you’ve been on the couch for three weeks, a winter camp might not be your best look.

College coaches want to see sharp, fit athletes who can compete at a high level. Take a week or two to rest, but don’t let your fitness slide.

If you’re not game-ready, you’re better off waiting until spring when you’ve had time to train properly and rebuild your sharpness.

Weather and Travel Can Be a Factor

Let’s not ignore logistics. Winter travel can be unpredictable—flights get delayed, roads ice over, and outdoor fields turn into frozen tundra. Many winter camps use indoor facilities, which is great for consistent playing conditions but can feel cramped or limit what coaches can evaluate.

Factor in travel costs and time, especially if you’re flying across the country in December or January.

Who Benefits Most From Winter ID Camps?

Juniors and seniors should absolutely consider winter camps. You’re in prime recruiting mode, and coaches are actively filling their rosters. A strong winter performance can lead to offers or keep you on a program’s radar heading into spring.

Freshmen and sophomores can benefit too, but your goals should be different. Use winter camps for exposure, feedback, and relationship-building. Don’t expect offers yet—focus on getting your name out there and learning what coaches want to see as you develop.

The Bottom Line

Winter ID camps aren’t for everyone, but they offer a unique window when coaches have time and smaller groups give you visibility. Just make sure you’re prepared, honest about your readiness, and strategic about which camps you attend based on your NCAA eligibility timeline and target schools.

Ready to build your college soccer recruiting plan? Our platform, CollegeNovo, helps you identify the right camps, create standout highlight videos, and connect with college coaches who fit your goals. Let’s make your recruitment process smarter, not harder.