Soccer, also called football outside the United States, is an incredibly popular sport that’s as much a source of competitive pride as it is a pillar of cultural cohesion. Competitive leagues of all skill levels exist worldwide to bring in eager players and scout talent that has the potential to succeed as professional players. The industry needs organizations and support structures to keep the top-level teams supplied with players that are driven, skilled, and hard-working.
One successful example of such an organization is Select Generation, a global talent identification agency. Select Generation serves as a resource for players, scouts, and coaches to bring opportunities and exposure for soccer players both at the collegiate level and with professional academies in Europe. Through select partnerships built via live scouting or recommendations from trusted contacts, the agency provides high-value and personal mentoring for top players that want to continue soccer after graduating from high school.
“We are looking for under-the-radar players who have a chip on their shoulder and are motivated to play at The Next Level,” says Sam Henneberg. “We have successful experience in winning soccer scholarships and playing soccer at all collegiate levels.”
Select Generation continues to identify and scout high-level talent across North America in order to bring exposure to elite-level athletes not already at pro academies, but the agency’s vision extends far past either coastline. Between initiatives developing youth soccer in the EU, new business partnerships in the UAE, and competitive international programs in select countries, the agency has plans to continue fostering and developing the sport worldwide. With an existing presence on three continents already, Select Generation’s journey is well underway.
A Select-ive Experience
Founded as it was by players from the United States, Select Generation has always been keenly aware of the anemic soccer culture in the country, and was created in part to address that weakness. Young soccer players in America are, on average, woefully uneducated about the various pathways the sport can offer them after high school and club soccer; Select Generation creates a bridge between these aspiring athletes and real opportunities, helping them navigate the recruiting process and international pathways to reach their potential.
“As an agency committed to long-term success, we don’t just send players somewhere and forget about them,” explains Henneberg. “We want them to thrive, because many will transfer, or down the line, may want to pursue professional opportunities with our help.”
Select Generation is not a pay-to-play agency, but one built on trust and on-the-ground insights. Traditional models often ask families for thousands of dollars in annual investment that may result in minimal returns; in many cases, there’s little focus on coach development, no individualized plans for player growth, and a lack of clear direction. There are resources and supporting infrastructure, but not as much direction, purpose, and discipline. Select Generation chose to eschew that model in favor of something different.
“We realized there was a real misinformation gap, and a real opportunity for players to develop and be seen,” Sam says. “The game globally is growing and especially in the US with the world cup coming players want opportunities. With the transfer portal and international recruitment becoming prevalent in the normal pathway of college soccer, we set out to create something beneficial for the players and for coaches needing players ready to win matches.”
Select Generation takes a hands-on approach with both players and staff to ensure that athletes are served as well as possible. Select Generation operates two academies currently, based in Salamanca, Spain and Bournemouth, England specializing in scouting North American players who want to go professional or get NCAA scholarships, providing them with elite-level training, expert coaching, and exposure to scouts and recruiters. From day one, qualified coaches, trainers, logistics coordinators, and methodology directors, and other key support staff are available to assist athletes alongside their journey.
“Our team coaches are focused on the football side training and winning, while on the agency side, we regularly discuss rule changes, recruiting shifts, and how to translate that into clear advice for our players,” says Henneberg “It’s a collaborative effort with real-time learning.”
A Vision Of Global Expansion
While Select Generation’s camps and Academy in Europe are already effective and well-established, the agency has been expanding internationally in order to reach, find, and empower new players—wherever they may be. It’s a decision inspired by the founders’ own personal journeys and their players’ international backgrounds. Players attending Select Generation’s teams are often adapting to living in a new culture (and often a new language), which mirrors the experiences of the founders and shapes how Select Generation approaches community involvement with their teams. Put simply, approaching soccer development on an international level has always been the plan, and that plan is being put into action.
One of the avenues for that expansion has been in the form of new partnerships with existing clubs. In 2025, Select Generation partnered with Precision Football Club in Dubai to give players an opportunity to be seen by Precision’s first team and Select Generation for career pathways in Europe and the NCAA. The two organizations worked together closely on facilities, coaches, logistics, and marketing, and their initial efforts culminated in 39 players attending the Global Pathway Showcase event on January 11th, 2025—all wearing Select Generation x Precision kits. This showcase featured top players from all over the UAE, Europe, and Africa, and presented them to opportunities across the NCAA, Europe, and beyond.
“One thing that surprised me about football was the athleticism, explosiveness, and physicality,” said Sam Henneberg, co-founder of Select Generation. “Players from the UAE, Africa, Asia all bring different qualities and especially at one day events, you have to be aggressive and make an impact quickly.”
Beyond professional partnerships, Select Generation has invested effort and resources into various grassroots youth development initiatives across Europe, where players visited local schools and helped coach at local clubs. Part of that expansion is the establishment of a new agency base in Bournemouth, England, which offers a different style of football and a different academic pathway. Select Generation also works with charitable and nonprofit organizations like Miami Scores, which provides underserved children access to after school soccer programs and educational support.
“Soccer has a unique ability to bring people together,” says Sam Henneberg “During difficult times having teammates shared goals and a healthy routine can be incredibly powerful. For local communities that sense of unity and shared purpose can make a real difference.”
