If you've ever wondered what it really takes to play college sports in the U.S. and whether it’s the right move for your family, this session was made for you.
In our most recent Platform Sports webinar, Founder Amrit Rai and former college athlete turned recruiter Joseph McInnes pulled back the curtain on the American college system. What followed was a real, honest conversation about pathways, expectations, and how to make the right choices early.
Unlike a polished sales pitch, this wasn’t just about getting signed. It was about understanding how the system actually works, what families often get wrong, what athletes need to know now, and why finding the right fit beats chasing the biggest name.
Raised in New Plymouth, Amrit never made it to the U.S. college system himself. But watching friends secure full scholarships while he stayed behind sparked a fire. "Some of the guys I beat in local tennis were flying around the States, getting degrees paid for. I had no idea how they did it," he said.
That frustration became fuel. Platform Sports was born out of the simple idea: build the company Amrit wishes had existed when he needed help. Today, it’s guided over 1,800 athletes through the U.S. college journey.
Joseph McInnes took the long road—from Scotland to a junior college in the U.S., then transferring to NAIA and finally NCAA programs. His path proves there’s no single route to success.
"I turned down a full ride to stay at a program where I wasn’t growing," Joseph shared. “The NAIA program I transferred to had stronger players and a better environment for me.”
His takeaway? The division label doesn’t always reflect the quality. Some JUCO and NAIA schools outperform smaller NCAA programs in both facilities and coaching.
Amrit and Joseph broke down key parts of the U.S. system:
“Everyone wants to start in D1. But sometimes, the smartest move is starting where you’ll actually get to play and build from there.”
– Amrit Rai
Beyond case studies and scholarship stats, Amrit emphasized what makes Platform Sports different: family values, honesty, and real support. “We don’t just push athletes toward any offer. We look at their goals, values, and the long game.”
The team’s personal experiences fuel the mission. From working with grassroots clubs to securing multimillion-dollar scholarships, their priority remains the same: the right fit, every time.
🎥 Watch the Replay
Couldn’t attend live? Catch the full replay here and learn what most recruiters won’t tell you:
