Behind
SUMMIT 61

For athletes with academic and athletic aspirations, navigating the shift from school and youth soccer into higher education and senior sport is challenging.

While a pathway overseas can often be a great choice, establishing whether it’s actually the right fit for an athlete and their family is essential - and a crucial first step in our process. For athletes who do decide on the US college pathway, we partner with them to manage the recruitment process - taking care of business to land a college placement that is a good all-round fit for the athlete.

SUMMIT 61 was founded by Emma and Richard Bates, bringing together a wealth of lived experience in elite and professional sporting environments; playing, coaching, talent identification and executive management. Built on a foundation of professional playing and international coaching backgrounds and firsthand experience on the US college circuit, our team led by Emma and Richard offers an insider’s view of what it truly takes to transition, perform and succeed at the highest levels.

To ensure our athletes are fully protected and supported at every turn, our core team is backed by a trusted global network of business partners and US College alumni consultants and advisors - including an active presence across Australia, the US and Europe.

Having walked these pathways ourselves as coaches, athletes and mentors, we established SUMMIT 61 out of a genuine desire to guide the next generation. We know how complex the recruiting landscape can be, and we pair industry expertise with local-on-the-ground presence in the US to ensure our student-athletes are empowered, protected and placed in environments where they can truly thrive.

Your Talent. Your Vision. Your Legacy.