How to sign a professional soccer contract in USA and Europe
Lucas Stauffer was born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky. He went on trial for the German Bundesliga academy Werder Bremen before playing for youth academies in the Netherlands and Denmark.
After his experiences abroad, he decided to attend Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where he played for the highly-rated college soccer team. Lucas was drafted by the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS SuperDraft and then signed with the New York Red Bulls 2nd team, where he played a full season in the USL Championship (the second division of professional soccer in the United States).
After his season with the Red Bulls, Lucas wanted to explore his options in Europe and was sent on tryouts by Warubi Sports. He was eventually signed by SV Wacker Nordhausen 90, a fourth division team in the Regionalliga in Germany. After a successful season with Nordhausen, Lucas transferred to FC Carl Zeiss Jena, a traditional team in the Regionalliga Nordost. He has now been with Carl Zeiss Jena for two seasons and is a starting player. Lucas recently moved back to the USA and signed a professional contract with Las Vegas Light in the USL Championship before transferring to El Paso Locomotive FC in the USL Championship.
Based on Lucas career, here are some steps that may help you become a professional soccer player:
Start playing soccer at a young age and try to join a youth academy or club team. This will give you the opportunity to develop your skills and get noticed by scouts.
Consider attending college and playing soccer at a high-level college program. This can help you gain exposure to professional scouts and improve your skills.
Consider trying out for professional teams, either in the United States or abroad. You may be able to get signed to a team through the MLS SuperDraft, or by participating in tryouts with professional teams.
Keep working on your skills and consider playing for lower division teams in order to gain experience and potentially move up to higher division teams.
If you are able to sign with a professional team, be prepared to work hard and be consistent in order to succeed at the professional level.
