Why One More Year Can Make All the Difference

The Power of the Post-Grad Year

At Highlanders, there’s an understanding that player development rarely fits a tight schedule. Some young athletes break through early. Others need more time to grow. Pushing a player too soon can end a career before it even begins.

That’s why Highlanders offers a post-graduation U19 year. An extra season designed to give players room to focus on their game, mature off the field, and plan their next step wisely.

The approach borrows from a proven European model. In soccer-rich nations like Germany, Spain, Portugal, France and the Netherlands, young players often remain in professional training environments while finishing school, improving academics, working part-time and preparing for college or university. They don’t feel rushed. They stay ready.

For many Highlanders players, that additional year removes the pressure. They have the talent to meet the standards of European elite academies but need more time before clubs view them as true professional prospects. The extra season gives them that chance.

The results speak for themselves. Six Highlanders players signed professional contracts with German clubs last year, many after choosing to stay an extra year.

In development, time isn’t just helpful. It’s essential.