American Soccer Player’s Experience in Germany
As young soccer players, many of us dream of one day playing on an international stage, competing against the best players in the world, and testing our skills against different styles of play. For Avery Hipps, this dream became a reality when he spent a year playing soccer in Germany.
In this interview, Avery reflects on his experience and offers valuable advice for other young players looking to take their game to the next level. While competing in Germany for one full season, Avery received interest and offers from multiple college coaches and ultimately committed to CCU to return back to the United States and start his college soccer career in the RMAC Conference.
Competitive and Authentic Experience
One of the biggest takeaways from Avery’s experience is the level of competitiveness in German soccer. The promotion and relegation system adds an extra layer of pressure and stakes to each game, making the level of play more intense. Avery was able to play against some of the top academies in Germany, including RB Leipzig, a team with players that have gone on to play in the first team and even in the Champions League.
But it’s not just the level of play that sets German soccer apart from American soccer. Avery notes that tactics are emphasized a lot more in Germany, and the games are generally more physical. This was a challenge for Avery, but one that ultimately helped him grow as a player.
Facilities
Another aspect of Avery’s experience that stood out was the quality of the facilities. In Germany, Avery had access to nearby turf and grass fields, indoor facilities, and a gym. This allowed him to train and improve his skills year-round, regardless of the weather.
Avery’s time in Germany also helped him grow as a person. He noted that the dorms were great and that his teammates were welcoming and supportive. This made the transition to living in a foreign country much smoother.
Playing in Germany helped in getting a college soccer scholarship
Avery’s experience in Germany was a valuable one that helped him grow as a player and as a person.
By competing at a top level week in and out, receiving coaching from UEFA licensed coaches, and playing in one of the world’s most reputable systems with a top track record of forming pro and college players, the likelihood of catching the eye of college coaches enhances dramatically! Coaches love to see players stepping outside their comfort zone.
Avery offers the following advice for young players considering playing abroad: “Take advantage of the time you have in Germany because it goes by quick and then don’t be intimidated by German football.” It can be scary to leave the comfort of home, but Avery’s experience shows that the rewards of playing abroad can be well worth it.