Rush Soccer Latest News

Get Identified for Rush Select This Summer

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:28:08 GMT

This summer, the Rush Select program is launching Identification Centers across the country!

These events are designed for U9+ players who want to train in a high-level environment, compete with top players, and be identified for future Rush Select opportunities. Open to all players, Rush Select Centers offer the chance to be evaluated, challenged, and introduced to the next step in the Rush pathway.

Whether your goal is to earn a future Select opportunity or simply have a great weekend of soccer and development, this is where the process begins.

What Are Rush Select Centers?

Rush Select Centers are player identification events within the Rush Select pathway. Players are evaluated by Rush Select staff and coaches in a competitive environment built to challenge them and highlight future Select potential.

At each event, players experience what makes Rush Select different:

Direct evaluation from Rush Select staff
High-level training and competition
Exposure to college coaches and the broader Rush network
A clear next step toward future Select events and programs

What Are Rush Select Centers?

At each event, players experience what makes Rush Select different:

Direct evaluation from Rush Select staff
High-level training and competition
Exposure to college coaches and the broader Rush network
A clear next step toward future Select events and programs

Locations & Dates

San Diego, CA: June 5th - 7th (In conjunction with the Rush Open )

Virginia Beach, VA: June 18th - 21st

Boise, ID: June 26th - 28th

Springfield, MO: June 27th - 28th

Rush Fest! Denver, CO: July 6th - 11th

Pensacola, FL: July 31st - August 2nd (In conjunction with the South Rush Cup )

Blaine, MN: August 1st - 2nd

What Players Can Expect

U9 to U14 Players:

A full day focused on development and evaluation
Train directly with Rush Select coaches
Compete in a high-level environment
Be evaluated throughout the event by multiple coaches

U15+ Players:

An identification experience built around college exposure
All training sessions are led by current college coaches
College recruitment session on Saturday
Training and 7v7 games with college coaches on Sunday
All-Star games for top performers
Direct exposure to college programs and Rush Select staff

Why Rush Select?

Rush Select gives players more than a single event. It creates access to a broader pathway to collegiate and professional opportunities inside the Rush network.

Players identified through these centers will be invited into future Select Program opportunities, including upcoming Select events and tournaments in November and Memorial Day Weekend 2027.

With more than 175 clubs worldwide, Rush provides players with the chance to step into a larger environment, compete with and against top talent, and continue growing within a connected national network.

Take the First Step

Visit Select Identifcation Events to find your location and register.

From First Whistle to Lasting Impact - Kate Wilson’s Coaching Journey with Rush

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:00:04 GMT

It is not about quick wins or instant results. It is about staying consistent, being patient, and showing up for players until the moment everything clicks. That mindset has shaped her journey and continues to drive the impact she makes every day.

Her path into coaching started simply. A conversation at her brother’s swim class led to an opportunity to volunteer, and she stepped in. At the time, she had ambitions of playing at the highest level, but quickly saw that coaching gave her something different. It gave her the chance to lead, to teach, and to make a real impact.

That early step turned into a long-term journey built on learning and strong mentorship. One of the biggest influences along the way has been Louie Garvey, who has guided her for over 20 years. Even now, they continue to connect, share ideas, and talk through sessions. That consistency reflects what strong environments look like. Growth is not a one-time moment. It is something you commit to over time.

What keeps her going is not a scoreboard. It is the moments when players grow. The moments when something finally clicks. When a player executes something you have been working on and looks over because they know they got it right. Those moments are earned, and they are what make coaching meaningful.

Her journey has also required resilience. Early in her career, she was often the only woman in the room and faced environments that did not always support women in the game. Instead of stepping back, she leaned in. She stood firm in what she believed and continued to push forward. Those experiences shaped how she leads today and how she creates opportunities for others.

One of the biggest shifts in her coaching approach came from coaching her own daughter. It forced her to step back and rethink everything. What works for one player does not work for every player. That realization pushed her toward a more player-centered approach, where every athlete is coached based on their needs, their personality, and their development stage. That is where real growth happens.

She continues to evolve, drawing inspiration from leaders like Emma Hayes, who are raising the standard in the women’s game and building stronger, more connected environments. That same mindset shows up in her work every day.

Her advice to young women who want to get into coaching is simple. Start early. Get your licenses. Find mentors who will push you and support you. Growth happens when you step into the process and stay committed.

Some of the most memorable moments in her career reflect what respect and leadership look like in real time. While coaching a boys' team during her pregnancy, she led them through an undefeated run heading into the final game of the season. Early on, earning their trust was not easy, but consistency and performance changed that. When someone questioned her, one of her players immediately stepped in to defend her. That moment stuck, not because of the record, but because of what it represented. Trust earned. Standards set.

Today, her focus is clear. Continue to grow the girls' game and create an environment where players can fall in love with soccer from the very beginning. At Fort Lauderdale Rush, that growth is already happening, with the program expanding and more players stepping into the game.

For her, success is not defined by trophies. It is defined by how many players develop confidence, build a connection to the game, and stay involved long-term.

That is what strong coaching looks like. And that is the kind of impact that lasts.

Rush Select at the Mayor’s Cup: A Defining Step Forward!

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 14:47:58 GMT

The Mayor’s Cup is more than a tournament. It is a defining moment in the Rush Soccer pathway and a clear reflection of what it means to represent the Blue and White on a national stage.

Each year, the Mayor’s Cup brings together top Rush Select players from across the country to compete against elite national and international opposition. For players, families, and coaches, this event represents opportunity, growth, and the highest level of youth competition.

For players, the Mayor’s Cup is a rare convergence. Athletes who normally compete against one another in their home states come together as teammates, united under one crest. Being selected is earned. It reflects consistency, commitment, and the ability to perform at an elite level. Players are challenged to build chemistry quickly, adapt to new roles, and compete as one.

For families, the Mayor’s Cup is one of the most meaningful recruitment environments in youth soccer. With hundreds of college coaches and scouts in attendance, players compete in front of decision makers who understand the intensity of the event. These matches are not just about results. They are opportunities to demonstrate composure, consistency, and professionalism under pressure.

From the Rush perspective, the Mayor’s Cup is a critical measuring stick. The tournament attracts top competition from across the United States and around the world, including teams from Mexico, Europe, and beyond. Players face different styles, tactical demands, and physical challenges that require adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to the Rush core values, especially Tenacity and Unity.

Beyond the field, the Mayor’s Cup strengthens the Rush community. Families from different regions connect through a shared experience, turning a national organization into a close-knit network built on common values and support.

For many Select players, the Mayor’s Cup serves as a rite of passage. From travel expectations to high-pressure match cycles, the tournament mirrors the demands of the professional game. Players learn how to prepare, perform, and manage pressure under bright lights.

At its core, the Mayor’s Cup reflects what Rush Soccer stands for - Opportunity earned through effort. Growth driven by challenge.

And a community that supports every step of the journey.

Go Rush!

Rosters

Rush Select National Teams Head to PDT 2026

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:04:04 GMT

The Rush Select National Teams are set to compete at the 2026 Presidents Day Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona, taking place February 14 to February 16, 2026. This year’s event will feature 12 Rush Select teams made up of players born between 2011 and 2013, bringing together top talent from across Rush Nation for one national experience.

PDT continues to be one of the premier youth tournaments in the country, offering a competitive environment where players are challenged both individually and collectively. For Rush Select athletes, this weekend is about more than results. It is an opportunity to represent their clubs, compete alongside peers from different regions, and grow within a national team setting.

Throughout the weekend, players will be pushed in fast-paced, high-level matches that highlight the depth, quality, and development within Rush Soccer. Every match is a chance to learn, adapt, and compete against strong opposition from across the country.

Each Rush Select team is led by carefully selected coaches from within the Rush network. These coaches bring experience, consistency, and a shared developmental philosophy that aligns with Rush values, ensuring players are supported on and off the field throughout the tournament.

Follow @rushsoccer on Instagram for live updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the weekend. From kickoff to final whistle, PDT 2026 will be a proud moment for Rush Nation. See you in Phoenix!

Boys Rosters

Girls Rosters

National Girls & Women in Sports Day - Why Experience Matters

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:04:08 GMT

February 4 is National Girls & Women in Sports Day, and it is more than a celebration. It is a moment to reflect on how sport is serving girls today and how we can continue to improve their experience.

We know that when girls stay in sports, the impact goes far beyond the field. Girls who continue playing experience stronger mental health, deeper friendships, higher academic achievement, and long-term confidence. Yet by age 14, girls leave sport at twice the rate of boys. This gap is not about talent or interest. It is about experience.

Girls are more likely to stay in sport when they feel a true sense of belonging. Feeling connected to teammates, supported by coaches, and valued within their environment plays a critical role in long-term participation. For many girls, friendships and team connections are what keep them playing.

One of the most influential factors in that experience is the coach. A positive coach relationship helps girls feel heard, confident, and motivated. When girls feel supported by their coach, they are far more likely to remain engaged and continue developing both as athletes and as individuals.

“Soccer is powerful because it builds confidence, resilience, and leadership in girls, shaping who they become on and off the field. As a female coach, the game gave me a voice and a sense of purpose, and now I get to give that back to other young females.” - Una Einarsdottir | Girls ECNL RL Director of Coaching | Colorado Rush

Organizations that invest in coach education create stronger environments and see higher retention among female athletes. When coaches understand how girls experience sport and how language, expectations, and relationships matter, everyone benefits.

“Engaging in sports serves as a driver for female empowerment, health, academic success, and future career achievement. Participation in sports helps build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills, while also challenging gender stereotypes.” - Traci Sipniewski | Senior Girls Director | Lobos Rush

At Rush Soccer, investing in coaching girls means being intentional. That intention shows up through:

Supporting coaches with education and resources specific to coaching girls
Integrating learning into onboarding and ongoing development
Creating space for conversations about belonging and connection
Recognizing coaches who grow, adapt, and lead with purpose

The long-term impact of these efforts is reflected not only in the players who stay in the game, but also in the leaders the sport helps shape. Many of the women now guiding the future of the game were once young athletes themselves, shaped by the lessons learned through competition, teamwork, and resilience.

“Being an athlete growing up truly shaped who I am as a teammate and leader. Sports taught me how to set goals, overcome challenges, win humbly, and lose gracefully. Regardless of the outcome, tomorrow is always a new day - the score resets to 0–0 and we get another opportunity to try again. I feel so lucky to work in a sport I love, shaping the impact soccer has on kids today.” - Erin Bice, VP Marketing, Rush Soccer

Her perspective reinforces what research and lived experience consistently show: sport teaches life skills that extend far beyond the field. When girls are supported through positive coaching, inclusive environments, and intentional leadership, they gain the confidence to take risks, the resilience to recover from setbacks, and the belief that their voices matter.

These are the same qualities that empower girls to become leaders in sport, in their careers, and in their communities.

This is why coaching girls well is not just about retention, it is about impact. When leaders consistently communicate that coaching girls matters, coaches gain confidence, team environments improve, and girls are more likely to stay in the game.

“We know that 94% of women in Executive Leadership roles played sports. Sport is one of the most powerful catalysts for developing leadership, confidence, and resilience in girls. I’m proud to do this work within Rush Soccer, helping create environments where girls can grow into leaders on and off the field.” - Jess Nash, Executive Director, Rush Wisconsin

Rush Soccer is built on opportunity, development, and community. When we invest in our coaches, we invest in our players. When girls feel supported, confident, and connected, they stay in sport and grow into strong, resilient young women.

Keeping girls in sport is not about doing more.

It is about doing better, together.

That is the Rush way.

San Diego Rush Soccer: The Next Chapter Begins

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:49:05 GMT

Rush Soccer is proud to welcome San Diego Rush Soccer into the Rush family.

This marks the start of an exciting new chapter built around opportunity, development, and connection. Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, the San Diego East campus will operate as San Diego Rush Soccer , fully aligned with the Rush Soccer pathway and global network.

Their focus is simple and unwavering: helping players grow, compete, and thrive on and off the field.

Why They Choose Rush

Rush Soccer is built on a cooperative club model designed to elevate the youth soccer experience at every level. That means shared standards, proven development methods, and access to opportunities that extend far beyond one field, one team, or one season. As part of Rush Soccer, San Diego players and families will be connected to:

A nationally and internationally aligned player development pathway
Shared coaching education and training methodology
Increased access to regional, national, and international playing opportunities
A values-driven environment focused on long-term growth, not short-term results

Rush Soccer supports more than 60,000 players across the United States and around the world, united by a common vision and a shared commitment to doing what is right for players.

Players will continue to train, compete, and represent their community while gaining access to a broader soccer ecosystem. From grassroots players just starting their journey to those pursuing elite pathways, Rush Soccer is built to support every stage of development.

Looking Ahead

The transition into San Diego Rush Soccer will follow a phased and intentional approach, beginning with designated programs and age groups. Club leadership, staff, and volunteers are fully engaged to ensure a smooth and positive experience for all members.

Additional informational meetings for families, players, and coaches will be announced soon, along with details on programming, timelines, and branding updates.

This is about more than a name. It is about community , opportunity , and building something strong together .

Welcome to San Diego Rush Soccer! The journey forward starts now.

Leading From Behind the Scenes: Cheryl Murphy

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 04:05:31 GMT

Not every leader in youth soccer stands on the sideline. Some of the most important work happens behind the scenes, ensuring players have fields, coaches have support, and families stay connected. Cheryl Murphy, an administrator with Elite Sports Admin and a contributor across the Rush network, is one of those leaders.

Cheryl’s pathway into soccer administration began organically. As her children played soccer, she wanted to be more involved. She started as a team manager, moved into the registrar role, and eventually became the Montana Rush Administrator. From there, a recommendation from a Technical Director led her to national administrative work within Rush Soccer.

One of the biggest challenges in her role is balancing many responsibilities at once. Cheryl approaches that challenge by focusing on what matters most. Creating a safe, organized, and positive environment so players can get on the field and play.

“Even though I’m not on the field,” she explains, “it’s my responsibility to make sure kids can get there and have the opportunity to play.”

Without a formal mentor or predecessor, Cheryl learned many aspects of the role on the fly. That experience allowed her to shape her leadership style around flexibility, problem-solving, and continuous learning. Qualities that serve both clubs and families across the Rush network.

For women aspiring to leadership roles in soccer, Cheryl emphasizes empathy, adaptability, and openness. “This is not a cookie-cutter job,” she says. “You’re working with thousands of personalities, and you have to meet people where they are.”

What she finds most fulfilling is knowing her work directly supports players, even if they never know her name. From uniforms and field space to financial assistance and logistics, her behind-the-scenes efforts help thousands of athletes take part in the game.

Cheryl’s advice to her younger self is simple. Learn every step involved in getting a child on the field and always maintain a learner’s mindset. That philosophy continues to guide her work today.

Her final reminder reflects the heart of Rush Soccer. When you step into a volunteer or staff role, your agenda must serve all athletes and coaches. The relationships built through soccer often last a lifetime, and that is one of the game’s greatest rewards.

Vita Coco Becomes Official Hydration Partner of Rush Soccer

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:59:15 GMT

Vita Coco Introduces The Better Fitness Fuel™ to Power the Next Generation of Young Athletes Nationwide

NEW YORK / NEW YORK — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Vita Coco (NASDAQ:COCO), America’s leading coconut water brand, today announced a new partnership with Rush Soccer, the world’s largest youth soccer organization. Through this collaboration, Vita Coco becomes the Official Hydration Partner of Rush Soccer, supporting players, coaches, and families with cleaner, more natural hydration options at a time when youth sports are shifting away from artificial beverages.

Rush Soccer’s network spans more than 55,000 players across the United States and over 50 countries worldwide. The partnership gives Vita Coco direct access to one of the most engaged youth soccer communities on the planet, helping fuel the next generation of athletes with products designed for performance, recovery, and everyday wellness.

The partnership will include national product integration across Rush tournaments, hydration stations at key events, custom content highlighting healthy performance habits, and grassroots activations that elevate the experience of Rush families. Vita Coco and Rush Soccer will collaborate to make this one of the most visible hydration partnerships in youth sports.

About The Vita Coco Company

The Vita Coco Company is a family of brands on a mission to reimagine what’s possible when brands deliver healthy, nutritious, and great-tasting products that are better for consumers and better for the world. This includes its flagship coconut water brand Vita Coco and protein-infused water PWR LIFT. The Company was co-founded in 2004 by Michael Kirban and Ira Liran and is a public benefit corporation and Certified B Corporation. Vita Coco, the principal brand within the Company’s portfolio, is the leading coconut water brand in the U.S. With electrolytes, nutrients, and vitamins, coconut water has become a top beverage choice among consumers after a workout, in smoothies, as a cocktail mixer, after a night out, and more. For more information, visit www.vitacoco.com .

“Rush Soccer shares our commitment to helping the next generation play, grow, and stay healthy. We believe young athletes deserve a beverage option that keeps up with their performance needs without the artificial dyes and colors,” said Jane Prior, Chief Marketing Officer of The Vita Coco Company. “This partnership lets us bring that effort to life with one of the most passionate youth sports communities in the country.”

Justin Miller, CEO of Rush Soccer, said the partnership emphasizes Rush’s commitment to putting athlete health first.

“Hydrating players makes a real difference in performance and recovery,” Miller said. “Our families want healthier options, and Vita Coco delivers. We’re excited to bring a partner into Rush Nation that understands what young athletes need to train, compete, and grow.”

With 3.5 times the electrolytes versus the leading sports drink*, Vita Coco’s expansion into sports performance reflects the company’s mission of providing healthy and nutritious products that are better for consumers and the world. By providing players with a beverage option that helps to fuel their performance, without added artificial dyes and coloring.

The partnership debuts at nationwide Rush events beginning in 2026, with extended programming and visibility rolling out throughout the year.

*Vita Coco Original Coconut Water has 1149mg of electrolytes per 500ml; the leading sports drink has ~292mg of electrolytes per 500ml

Rush Wisconsin’s Jess Nash Represents U.S. Soccer at Global FIFA Coaching Course

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 22:19:47 GMT

Rush Wisconsin Executive Director and U.S. Soccer Coach Educator, Jess Nash, was nominated by U.S. Soccer to take part in FIFA’s Female Coach Educators’ Development Pathway Course, joining 14 other educators from federations around the world in Lisbon, Portugal.

The course brought together FIFA Technical Experts and coach educators from 17 federations, all working toward one shared goal: to grow the women’s game and empower the next generation of coaches worldwide.

“The environment the FIFA staff created was incredible,” said Nash. “Throughout the week, we facilitated and participated in field sessions, classroom discussions, and feedback sessions that pushed us to elevate our delivery. We also explored adult learning and teaching principles that will strengthen how we educate and support coaches back home.”

The program combined online collaboration in September with a hands-on week in October at the Portugal Football Federation, focusing on facilitation, leadership, and learning design. Each session challenged participants to rethink how they guide coaches and create positive learning environments.

Nash, who also serves as a U.S. Soccer Coach Educator for Grassroots and D License courses, described the experience as “transformative both personally and professionally.”

“It was an enriching space where each of us could be authentic, take risks, and learn from one another,” Nash shared. “I left feeling inspired and grateful to have connected with such remarkable women, from those leading federations for decades to those breaking new ground as their country’s first female coach educators.”

Her participation reflects Rush Wisconsin’s commitment to continual growth and coach development . The knowledge and insight Nash brings back will only strengthen the club’s mission to provide exceptional learning experiences for both coaches and players across the Rush community.

From Virginia Rush to D.C. United: 15-Year-Old Oscar Avilez Signs Homegrown Contract

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 22:26:14 GMT

Rush Soccer is proud to celebrate Oscar Avilez, a standout talent from Virginia Rush Soccer Club , who has officially signed as a Homegrown Player with D.C. United of Major League Soccer (MLS). At only 15 years old, Oscar becomes the 22nd Homegrown signing in club history, showing how the Rush pathway, from local development to the professional level, continues to shape the future of the game.

Oscar joined D.C. United’s Academy in November 2024 after progressing through the Virginia Rush system, where his technical quality, focus, and leadership quickly set him apart. Within less than a year, he featured for D.C. United’s U-15, U-16, and U-18 squads, totaling 39 appearances, 12 goals, and six assists, including a hat trick at the MLS NEXT Flex Tournament against the Houston Dynamo.

“Oscar’s journey is a reflection of the investment and structure we’ve built across our Academy,” said Dr. Erkut Sogut, D.C. United Managing Director of Soccer Operations. “The proximity of our Academy to the first team, paired with our residential program, has allowed him to grow in a professional and supportive environment.”

Kevin Flanagan, D.C. United’s Director of Academy and Player Development, added:

“Oscar’s talent created this opportunity, but his work ethic and discipline made it happen. We also thank Virginia Rush Soccer Club for their role in his early development and for being a strong partner in identifying and preparing local talent.”

A proud product of Virginia Rush, Oscar has also earned a call-up to the U.S. Under-16 Youth National Team, highlighting his growing national profile and continued commitment to his craft.

Matt Mittelstaedt, Sporting Director at Virginia Rush Soccer Club, shared:

“This is a tremendous milestone for Oscar and a proud moment for everyone at Virginia Rush. His time with our club helped shape his foundation, and we are thrilled to see his hard work and commitment rewarded. Signing a professional contract at 15 reflects not only his talent but also his maturity, focus, and drive.”

This signing highlights how Rush Soccer’s developmental structure, built on local clubs like Virginia Rush, continues to create opportunities for players to reach the highest level of the game.

Congratulations, Oscar! Your Rush family is proud of you and excited to watch your continued journey.

Leading by Example: Kaitlyn Sisler, Rush Women’s Alliance Scholarship Winner

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 22:33:24 GMT

The Rush Women’s Alliance is proud to spotlight Kaitlyn Sisler , coach at Montana Rush , Girls ODP, the University of Providence women’s program, and this year’s Rush Women’s Alliance Scholarship recipient.

Kaitlyn’s coaching journey started in high school when she co-coached a 6th grade basketball team. With strong leadership skills and a deep love of sport, coaching became a natural way to stay connected as her own playing career wound down. College soccer further shaped her path, where she discovered how rewarding it was to see the game through a coach’s eyes.

For Kaitlyn, nothing compares to watching players grow. “It’s powerful to see the difference from the start to the end of a season,” she shared. Even small moments, like a hug from a less-confident player who said, “That was so much fun,” remind her what success looks like; creating safe, positive environments where kids want to come back.

Like many women in coaching, Kaitlyn has faced assumptions that her male assistants were in charge. “You have to be confident in your role and keep showing up with consistency and credibility,” she said. Her resilience is fueled by the constant challenge of soccer itself: “There are so many right ways to play it. Coaches have to be students of the game.”

Coaching, Kaitlyn explained, comes with challenges that many don’t see. The hours are long, and the job extends far beyond the 90 minutes of a game. “Most people don’t realize the behind-the-scenes work, or how many jobs you have to piece together just to make a living,” she said. “With coaching, you’re always on call for your players. It’s a lifestyle.”

Kaitlyn credits icons like Pat Summitt , mentors such as Heather Blanford and Lindsay Smith , and her father’s example as a coach for shaping who she is today.

Looking ahead, Kaitlyn dreams of a future with more women in head coaching roles. “I never had a female head coach growing up. I’d love to see that change. It’s not about checking a box, it’s about impact.”

Grateful for the opportunities Rush has provided, Kaitlyn reflected: “Thank you to Rush for investing in coaches like me and creating these platforms for us to grow and share our stories.”

Rush Soccer Announces the Launch of The Rush Open Tournament Series

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 22:44:18 GMT

New York, NY – October 3, 2025 – Rush Soccer, one of the world’s largest youth soccer organizations, is proud to announce the official launch of The Rush Open , a new international tournament series designed to deliver world-class competition and unforgettable experiences for youth athletes.

The Rush Open will kick off with two premier events in 2026:

The Rush Open Spain

May 1–3, 2026 in Salou, Spain , open to boys and girls U12–U16.

The Rush Open San Diego

June 6–7, 2026 at Surf Sports Park in San Diego, California , open to boys and girls U9–U19.

Both tournaments will feature elite-level competition, professional event management, and live-streamed matches through Hudl , giving families and fans worldwide the opportunity to share in the excitement.

“We are super proud to launch and announce The Rush Open tournament series, where we will bring together some of the best competition at two of the best youth facilities in the world,” said Justin Miller, CEO of Rush Soccer. “This series reflects our commitment to creating top-tier experiences for players, coaches, and families while showcasing the strength of this global sport.”

Each Rush Open event is uniquely positioned to attract top talent. In Salou, teams from world-renowned professional academies, including Real Madrid, Valencia, and Villarreal, are already confirmed to compete. In San Diego, Surf Sports Park’s reputation for hosting elite competition ensures the participation of some of the best youth teams in the region and beyond.

Registration is now open for both events. To learn more about The Rush Open, visit www.therushopen.com .

Collin Scott Named ECNL RL Girls Coach of the Year

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 22:47:37 GMT

The ECNL RL announced its annual awards, and one name stood out for Rush Nation: Collin Scott, from Lobos Rush , was chosen as Girls Coach of the Year . At only 26, Collin calls the honor “humbling and unforgettable,” but he’s quick to share the spotlight.

“This isn’t just about me,” he said. “It’s about the culture we’re building together, players, families, staff, everyone buying into the standards we set and showing up every single day.”

That sense of passion and pride defines Collin’s approach. He coaches with energy and heart, blending high standards with genuine care for his players. His philosophy is simple but powerful: develop the whole player, on and off the field. “I want an environment where players are challenged, supported, and free to make decisions and learn from them,” he explained. “Winning is great, but the real goal is helping them grow into strong, confident people.”

This season proved that mindset works. Early on, the group bought into his vision for training and how they wanted to play. When tough results came, they responded with grit instead of doubt. “Those moments showed me we had the mentality to keep pushing,” Collin said. “The players grew closer, trusted each other more, and that unity carried us through the big games.”

Collin credits Rush Soccer for shaping him as a coach. “Rush offers incredible resources and mentorship,” he said. “Having access to that network and being surrounded by dedicated players and coaches has pushed me to keep learning every day.”

He lives the Rush Core Values , accountability, respect, and passion, every session, every match. “Those values aren’t just words,” he emphasized. “We work to live them out. I try to model them so players feel supported to uphold them too. It makes us stronger on the field and helps them grow as people.”

For Collin, the award reflects the collective strength of Rush Nation. “It shows what can happen when you give coaches and players the right resources, support, and pathway,” he said. “This recognition highlights the effort of everyone in our club and across Rush.”

His advice to fellow coaches carries the same drive and humility that earned him this honor: “Never stop learning. Be open to new ideas, lean on mentors, and don’t fear mistakes. Keep players at the center of everything you do, if you do that, success will follow.”

Passion. Pride. Accountability. Collin Scott is proof that when a team lives the Rush Way, great things follow, on the field and far beyond it.

Announcing The 2025 All Rush Team: Celebrating Elite Players Who Embody the Rush Way

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 22:56:40 GMT

Rush Soccer is proud to announce the 2025 All Rush Team, an honor recognizing standout players from clubs across the nation who truly live the Rush Way. These athletes bring our 11 Core Values to life every day, on and off the field.

This year’s honorees highlight the next generation of Rush leaders. These are the athletes who inspire their teammates, elevate their clubs, and demonstrate what it truly means to wear the Rush crest. The selection process was designed to identify players who not only showcase their skills, but who also model integrity, dedication, and a commitment to personal growth. They are the leaders who hold themselves and their teammates accountable, the ones who train with relentless passion, and the competitors who never give up.

Rush Soccer has a long and storied history of developing elite talent, producing world-class players like Lindsey Heaps (Horan), Obed Vargas, and Cole Bassett. The 2025 All Rush Team continues to build on that incredible legacy, proving that our commitment to developing the whole person is a proven formula for success.

“The All Rush Team is more than just a roster of talented players; it’s a testament to the character and commitment of our athletes. This group represents the best of our organization, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and the standards they have set for the next generation of Rush Nation.” – Josh Tyler, CAP Director

These players represent the heart of Rush Nation, resilient, determined, and united by our shared pursuit of excellence. Congratulations to the 2025 All Rush Team honorees for setting the standard and inspiring us all. We look forward to watching you continue to grow as players and as leaders in your communities.

West

Ayla Ertekin , Alaska Rush

Declan Priddy , Alaska Rush

Nora Simon , Alaska Rush

Aveilya Romain , Colorado Rush

Layne Fabrizi , Colorado Rush

Ava Arnold , Colorado Rush

Dalton Luther , Colorado Rush

Hayden Starkey , Colorado Rush

Anaiah Feyerherm , Hillsboro Rush

Diego Alvarado, Hillsboro Rush

Catherine Carpenter, Idaho Rush

Benjamin Colborn, Idaho Rush

Trevor Kurtz, LFA Rush

Gavin Bebbington, Montana Rush

Tahlia Murillo, Montana Rush

Angelo Leonardi, Phoenix Rush

Quinlyn McAuliffe, Washington Rush

Miguel Nava-Tellez, Washington Rush

Jackson Lord, Rush Wisconsin

Xander Powell, Southwest Missouri Rush

Addison Shuler, Southwest Missouri Rush

Gabrielle Ernst, STAR Rush Cincinnati

Lauren Nidey, VSA Rush

Landon Benge, VSA Rush

MidWest

Elyse Flath, Gateway Rush

Brayden Keys, Gateway Rush

Kerigan Miller, Iowa Rush

Arnel Islamovic, Iowa Rush

Addison McCrory, Missouri Rush

Debra Browne, Rush Wisconsin

Braden Buchanan, Mississippi Rush

Myla Thortis, Mississippi Rush

Oscar Garza, Rush South Texas

Oliver Abbott, Rush Union

South

Nuno Soleil, Alabama Rush

Hayes Cosby, Alabama Rush

Noah Bloom, LA Krewe Rush

Ariana Lowenstein, LA Krewe Rush

Northeast

Jack Urbanowski, Chicago Rush

Val Burda, Chicago Rush

Meghan Moore, New Jersey Rush

Jayson Ramírez, NJ Santos Rush

Jacob Frazier, PA Rush

Fallon Darrows, PA Rush

Aidan Metzgar, Southern Maryland Rush

Addison Campbell, Southern Maryland Rush

Mason Sollien, SWVA Rush

Karmen Smith, SWVA Rush

Josh Frey, Virginia Rush

Sierra Edney, Virginia Rush

Rush Soccer Partners with Coaches’ Voice to Elevate Coaching Development Across All Clubs

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 23:00:21 GMT

[New York, September 9th, 2025] Rush Soccer is proud to announce a new partnership with Coaches’ Voice to launch the Rush Coach Education Center. Through this collaboration, Rush coaches around the world will gain access to Coaches’ Voice’s world-class learning platform, including exclusive video courses, session plans, and insights from top-level professional coaches. Coaches will have the tools they need to create stronger training environments, implement best practices, and ultimately raise the overall level of play across the organization.

“At Rush, we believe the standard of our players will always reflect the standard of our coaches. Partnering with Coaches’ Voice gives every Rush coach, from grassroots to elite, the opportunity to learn directly from some of the game’s most accomplished minds. This platform allows us to ‘raise the floor’ across every club in our network by providing consistent, high-quality education and practical tools that coaches can immediately apply in their sessions. By investing in our coaches, we’re investing in our players, and this partnership ensures Rush continues leading the way in player development and coach education.” – Kenny Skinner, RSD General Manager

With this partnership, Rush Soccer continues its commitment to providing coaches with the education and resources they need to maximize player growth, build competitive programs, and lead the game forward.

“Rush Soccer is a leader in the US youth soccer ecosystem, with a clear ambition to set the highest standards in coach and player development. We’re excited to partner with them and to drive innovation together in coach education.” – Ben Sciama, Coaches Voice

The rollout of Coaches’ Voice will include training sessions and resources for Rush technical directors and coaching staff. More information on access and onboarding will be shared in the coming weeks.

About Coaches’ Voice

The Coaches’ Voice partners with soccer clubs, leagues, and federations worldwide to raise coaching standards. We provide a flexible learning platform that adapts to the needs of each partner, offering exclusive content created with some of the game’s leading coaches. Our services also include international coach and player education trips, advanced session-planning tools, and specialised courses designed to support the development of coaches at every level.

For more information about Coaches’ Voice, visit www.learning.coachesvoice.com/ .

Media Contacts:
Coaches’ Voice Media Relations
Email: team@coachesvoice.com

Rush Thunder: Where Every Player Belongs

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:16:35 GMT

At Rush, soccer isn’t just a game, it’s a community, and Rush Thunder embodies that spirit. As part of the USYS Total Outreach Program for Soccer (TOPS) , Rush Thunder is dedicated to making the beautiful game accessible to all players , including those with special needs. By creating a supportive, adaptive environment, Thunder empowers athletes to grow their skills, build confidence, and, most importantly, have fun while being part of the Rush family.

This spring, Colorado Rush’s Thunder team wrapped up another unforgettable season, and they did it in style! The year ended with our traditional players vs. parents showdown , followed by pizza, cookies, and awards. The Thunder players proudly extended their undefeated streak against parents to an incredible 30 . Parents are promising to step up their game next season, but the bar has been set high!

Despite a couple of snowed-out sessions, Thunder athletes showed their grit and determination all season long. Highlights included back-to-back wins over Metro State Women’s Soccer and a nail-biting victory against the University of Denver Women’s Soccer program, both of whom have already requested rematches. A planned scrimmage with the Colorado School of Mines Women’s Soccer team was postponed, but is locked in for next season.

With players ranging from 5 to 30 years old , the Thunder community thrives on inclusion, competition, and camaraderie. As we gear up for the fall season, kicking off right after Labor Day, we celebrate another successful year and the passion that fuels Rush Thunder.

Currently, eight Rush clubs are leading the way with Thunder programs: Colorado Rush , Fremont Rush , Rush Union Georgia , Hillsboro Rush , Mississippi Rush , Pennsylvania Rush , Southwest Missouri Rush , and Tennessee Lobos Rush , with even more clubs preparing to launch their own programs soon.

Rush Thunder is proof that when we come together as one community, every player wins.

Rush Women’s Alliance Spotlight on Leadership: An Interview with Sheryl Hopeau, a Trailblazer in the Rush Network

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 02:39:27 GMT

We recently sat down with Rush Soccer Director of Administration, Sheryl Hopeau, and learned her pathway to leadership at the highest level in Rush. We’re excited for you to learn more about her story!

What inspired you to pursue a leadership position within the Rush network? “My journey with Rush began in 2009 when my children joined the club. Interacting as a parent, I saw areas for improvement like better communication through newsletters and updates. My enthusiasm for what my children were experiencing led me to recruit other kids. In 2015, Arian, recognizing my contributions, asked me to help expand and streamline our operations as registrar. Under my tenure, our numbers grew significantly, and we even launched a profitable fan gear line. Despite plans to step back as my youngest graduated, Arian’s persuasion and an exciting offer to manage multiple clubs nationally convinced me to stay and further grow our impact.”

How has your career in soccer prepared you for this role? “Watching my children progress through Rush’s programs convinced me that this pathway could benefit any player, shaping my approach and commitment to our club’s mission.”

What unique perspectives or strengths do you feel women bring to leadership positions in soccer? “Women often excel in operational insight and detailed procedures, which are crucial for executive roles. Generalizing, of course, we bring meticulous attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and are generally great listeners, which helps in devising effective solutions.”

Can you describe a challenge you faced as a director and how you tackled it? “Managing parent politics and keeping membership satisfied are perpetual challenges. I address problems head-on and promptly, ensuring that no issue is too small to be tackled. This consistent approach has built respect and trust within our community.”

What strategies do you use to mentor CAS members? “I hold weekly meetings to keep CAS members informed about Rush National’s activities and ensure they utilize our resources effectively. Regular feedback with weekly meetings and quarterly feedback meetings, and bridging gaps are also part of our strategy to enhance our service. I tell our team that our resources are our tools, and we need to help our members utilize their toolbox.”

What advice would you offer to women looking to advance into leadership roles in soccer? “To be in a leadership role, passion and a strong desire to excel are fundamental. Without it, it won’t work. You must be driven by your own motivation.”

How do you think soccer as an industry can better support the growth of women in leadership roles? “By actively recruiting women coaches and empowering women to take ownership of their roles, recognizing the unique connections and respect they garner within the community. It’s also on women to take ownership of their own power, seek out opportunities, and not let anything detract from their goals.”

What legacy do you hope to leave through your work with Rush Soccer? “I aim to see Rush clubs excel and become the best club in the world, standing as a testament to what hard work and dedication can achieve.”

What resources/professional development/licensing would you recommend to others in your field? “Engage in ongoing learning through professional conferences and seminars. The process is often one of trial and error, but these experiences are invaluable for growth.”

 Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share? “She remembered who she was and the game changed.” – Lalah Delia

Questions about the Rush Women’s Alliance ? Please reach out to jnash@rushsoccer.com

Rush Soccer Partners with Coaching HER® to Keep Girls in the Game

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:20:39 GMT

Rush Soccer has officially partnered with Coaching HER® , a groundbreaking initiative from the University of Minnesota’s Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport. Designed in collaboration with Nike, Coaching HER® is a free, research-based coach education platform that equips coaches with tools to better support and retain girls in sport.

Alicia Pelton , Program Director of Coaching HER®, recently spoke with Rush Soccer to share how the partnership will make a meaningful impact across Rush Nation.

“I reached out to Rush after seeing their clear commitment to supporting girls through sport,” said Pelton. “Coaching HER® is all about helping coaches understand how to meet girls where they are,so they can feel confident, competent, and connected.”

Nearly 50% of girls drop out of sports by the age of 14. Pelton emphasized that it’s not due to lack of interest or ability, but often because the environment doesn’t fully support their social, emotional, and physical development.

Coaching HER® addresses this gap with six evidence-informed modules , covering topics such as:

– Creating trust-based, inclusive team cultures

– Coaching through the lens of body confidence

– Supporting athletes through menstrual health considerations

– Recognizing invisible challenges athletes may carry off the field

Rush Soccer will be integrating these modules into its national coaching development initiatives, making them available to all coaches across its network. We will work together to establish shared goals around coach engagement, player retention, and expanding pathways for women in coaching.

“This isn’t just about helping girls stay in the game. It’s about developing better coaches and stronger teams across the board,” Pelton noted.

To get started or learn more, visit coachingher.com . This partnership reflects Rush Soccer’s broader commitment to equity, leadership, and long-term development for all athletes.

Leading with Heart: Traci Sipniewski’s Impact on Coaching, Mentorship, and the Growth of Women in Soccer

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 21:25:00 GMT

Traci Sipniewski, Academy Director at Lobos Rush , recently sat down with the Rush Women’s Alliance to reflect on her coaching journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Her story is a powerful example of what can happen when strong leadership is rooted in connection, confidence, and care for the people around you.

Like many coaches, Traci got her start simply wanting to stay involved in the game she loved after college. Coaching offered the flexibility she needed as a mom, but it quickly turned into a full-time calling. As she moved between states and clubs, her passion for youth development grew, especially in working with younger players and helping other coaches find their voice.

Today, Traci oversees the U8–U12 boys and girls programs at Lobos Rush and plays a leading role in designing the club’s academy structure. Her goal is clear: to give players the foundation they need for long-term success while building a culture that includes and supports players, parents, and coaches alike.

Mentorship is a big part of that mission, especially when it comes to women in coaching.

“Confidence is key—especially in a male-dominated space. You don’t need a high-level playing resume to lead. You need knowledge, grit, and belief in your value.” — Traci Sipniewski

Traci makes it a point to connect with female coaches in her club, particularly those who are just starting out or balancing coaching with motherhood. She walks them through licensing options, encourages involvement in programs like ODP, and creates a space where they feel seen, heard, and supported.

She also brings that same spirit of community to her players. One of her favorite initiatives is Turf Wars, a fun, club-wide tournament complete with music, food trucks, small-sided games, and older players volunteering as referees. It’s a chance for kids to enjoy the game in a different way and for the club to come together around soccer in its purest form: fun, fast, and full of energy.

When asked about the best advice she’s received, Traci shared a phrase that’s shaped her leadership style: “No hard lines.” It’s a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight path and that great leaders know when to adapt, adjust, and meet people where they are.

Her own advice to women looking to grow into leadership roles is just as insightful: build your coaching foundation, gain experience at multiple levels, and don’t wait for permission to lead. “Confidence matters,” she says. “Even if you haven’t played at the highest level, you bring value. Own it.”

Traci’s leadership style blends structure with empathy. She’s not afraid to set high standards, but she also knows the importance of flexibility, open communication, and leading by example. Through her work at Lobos Rush she continues to inspire players and coaches alike and reminds us that the most lasting impact comes from building people up, not just building teams.

Rush Crowns Multiple ECNL RL Champions & Dominates Playoffs

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:35:25 GMT

Rush Nation owned the national stage as the Lobos Rush Girls 2010 and Kansas Rush Boys 2008 brought home ECNL Regional League National Championships for the 24/25 season! Once again proving that Rush clubs don’t just compete at the highest level, we win there.

For Lobos Rush, winning their first-ever national title isn’t just a club achievement; it lets the country know that Memphis is here and ready to play. Head Coach Collin Scott called it “ Years in the making, fueled by relentless dedication and belief from players, coaches, and families alike.” He added, “This championship reflects how accountability became our foundation, showing up every day ready, holding each other to the highest standard, and delivering no matter the conditions. ”

Reigning champs, Kansas Rush, led by Head Coach Noah Parker, went into the finals with a target on their back and defended their title for a second year in a row. Built on the dual pillars of accountability and respect for the game and every opponent, Parker calls it “This team is built on the dual pillars of accountability and respect for the game and every opponent we face, and those values shaped our identity from start to finish.” He added, “That championship DNA showed in the final, when the players came from behind twice and still found the belief to finish the job in overtime.”

This postseason, Rush sent 26 teams to the ECNL and ECNL RL playoffs, producing 5 finalists and 3 champions :

Playoff Champions: Mississippi Rush United Girls 07/06, Mississippi Rush United Girls 09, Missouri Rush Girls 08

Finalists: LVU Rush Boys 09, Coastal Rush Boys 10, LVU Rush Girls 11, Coastal Rush Girls 10, LVU Rush Girls 10

From Playoff contenders to national champions, Rush Nation proves once again that we don’t just show up, we raise the standard. For us, success in these leagues isn’t just about winning; it’s about proving that our style of play, our values, and our culture not only compete, but excel on the biggest stage.

The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL) represent the highest standards of youth soccer in the United States, bringing together top teams from across the country to compete in an environment built for player development, competition, and exposure. For Rush Soccer, success in these leagues isn’t just about winning; it’s about proving that our style of play, our values, and our culture can not only compete, but excel on the biggest stage.

Hawaii Rush: Building Champions on the Islands And Beyond

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:10:31 GMT

From sun-drenched training sessions to championship-winning teams, Hawaii Rush continues to set the standard for excellence across Rush Nation. While island geography may present its challenges, Hawaii Rush has never let that limit its vision. Instead, they’ve turned it into fuel, proactively connecting with the wider Rush community to give their players every chance to grow, compete, and succeed.

With year-round training powered by Hawaii’s climate, nearly every age group benefits from high-level coaching and a developmental philosophy rooted in long-term growth. Starting as young as U6, players follow a consistent curriculum crafted by Coach Arian, ensuring every touch, drill, and decision builds toward the bigger picture.

“We don’t just train players, we grow them from the ground up,” says Sheryl Hopeau , a proud leader of Hawaii Rush.

Success, On and Off the Field

This past year was one for the books:

14 of 16 championship titles across all age groups
2 U.S. National Team call-ups
Club growth from 1,000 to 1,400+ players
Expansion to Mililani , with more growth on the horizon

And beyond the trophies, Hawaii Rush continues to invest in people, developing top-tier athletes, leaders, and coaches ready to make an impact.

At Hawaii Rush, every day is a tryout , and every player earns their spot. It’s a culture where development never stops and where potential meets opportunity. With over 130 teams, Hawaii Rush has built a system that balances opportunity with structure. Players grow across multiple levels through double rostering and tutor training. A robust College Advisory Program (CAP) offers personalized support throughout the recruitment journey. Weekly Friday technical sessions sharpen ball mastery and build confidence. For those seeking elite, high-intensity development, our High Performance Camps deliver advanced training experiences. Age group–based coaching ensures fairness and consistent evaluations at every stage.

Community Is the Mission

From cancer research fundraising to Maui fire relief, Hawaii Rush leads with heart. Quarterly bonding events bring players, families, and staff together in true ohana spirit, fostering the kind of unity and support that lasts well beyond the final whistle.

“Soccer is the vehicle,” Sheryl says. “But community is the mission.”

Celebrating Growth and Excellence: 2025 Rush Summit Recap

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:17:26 GMT

The 2025 Rush Summit brought together club leaders from across Rush Nation for an unforgettable week of inspiration, collaboration, and celebration in Denver, Colorado. From world-class speakers to recognizing club achievements, this year’s event embodied the energy and ambition that defines Rush Soccer.

The Summit kicked off with a powerful session from Ryan Berman , best-selling author and leadership expert, who challenged our clubs to build courageous cultures that fuel long-term success. Day two featured U.S. Soccer Assistant Sporting Director Oguchi Onyewu , who offered invaluable insights on player development, the future of American soccer and the power of leadership at the grassroots level. Having someone of Oguchi’s stature engage directly with our Rush community was very special and shows the value of being a part of the Rush Network.

The Rush Summit Awards

This year also marked the first-ever Rush Summit Awards, celebrating the outstanding contributions of clubs across our network:

Rush Rising Award – Iowa Rush

The Rush Rising Award celebrates the club with the largest year-over-year player growth. The inaugural Rush Rising Award went to Iowa Rush for leading the way in player growth with an impressive 473 new players.

Rush Alliance Award – Florida Select Rush

The Rush Alliance Award recognizes outstanding cooperation and partnership between clubs. The inaugural winner of the Rush Alliance Award is Florida Select Rush, a partnership between AC Delray , Miami Futbol Academy , Plantation , Fort Lauderdale , and Palm Beach .

Heart of the Game Award – North Carolina Rush Triad

The Heart of the Game Award recognizes the club making the greatest impact in their local community. The inaugural winner of the Heart of the Game Award is North Carolina Rush Triad.

Best in Brand – Hawaii Rush

The Best in Brand Award recognizes the club with the strongest digital presence and brand consistency across social media, website, and marketing. The inaugural winner of the Best in Brand Award is Hawaii Rush.

Pitch Excellence Award – Missouri Rush

The Pitch Excellence Award is a measurement of best on-field performance through league designation, winning record in the league, and Select player placement. The inaugural winner of the Pitch Excellence Award is Missouri Rush.

To all of our clubs driving Rush Soccer forward on and off the field, we want to thank you for all of your hard work and commitment.

The 2025 Summit wasn’t just a gathering; it was a celebration of the clubs and coaches, shaping the future of Rush Soccer. We can’t wait for next year!

COACH SPOTLIGHT: Helena Dias, Leading With Purpose and Passion

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:53:49 GMT

For Helena Dias, Rush Union Georgia , coaching isn’t just about wins and losses, it’s about connection, growth, and giving back to the game that shaped her life. With a soccer lineage that runs deep, her father is a professional coach, Helena was raised with a ball at her feet and a love for the game in her heart.

“Soccer has always been more than just a sport to me, it’s been a way of life,” she shared. “It’s taught me discipline, resilience, and connection, and coaching allows me to give back to the game that gave me so much.”

Helena’s coaching journey is driven by a clear purpose: to create a meaningful experience for every player she works with. Season after season, what keeps her motivated is simple, watching players grow.

“There’s always a next step, always something to build, and always someone to believe in,” she said. “Seeing their breakthroughs and being part of their journey is what makes every season meaningful.”

Her coaching style is centered around the individual. No two players are the same, and Helena embraces that challenge by meeting each athlete where they are in their development. She strives to cultivate an environment where players feel safe to take risks, learn through mistakes, and find confidence in their game.

“Beyond development, I want my players to feel something deeper—to play with creativity, express themselves, and grow not just as players, but as people.”

One of her proudest moments? Seeing a player bring a training concept to life in a game.

“It tells me they’re growing and trusting themselves. Those little moments show that the work matters.”

Being part of the Rush community has only elevated Helena’s coaching journey. Surrounded by like-minded coaches from across the world, she’s found inspiration in collaboration and lifelong learning.

“Rush has introduced me to incredible coaches who are just as passionate about development as they are about the game itself,” she said. “It’s an environment that values growth—not just for players, but for coaches too.”

And for those just getting started in their coaching careers, Helena offers this advice: “Stay a learner, always. Be open. Stay curious. The Xs and Os matter, but relationships drive development. If you lead with care, humility, and purpose, the impact you make will last far beyond the field.”

Rush Players Named Gatorade State Players of the Year

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:46:10 GMT

We’re excited to share that four Rush players, Teagan Myers (Colorado Rush) , Devin Lee (Hawaii Rush) , Charlie Mader (Krewe Rush) and Kai Ciambor (Alaska Rush) have been named 2024–25 Gatorade State Players of the Year . This national honor celebrates more than just talent, it recognizes players who embody athletic excellence, academic strength, and strong character. And these four are the perfect example of what Rush Soccer is all about.

Teagan Myers, Colorado Rush

A product of Colorado Rush , Teagan Myers has been a standout on the field and in the classroom for years. This season, she anchored the backline for Fossil Ridge High School, recording 11 shutouts and scoring 4 goals, including the match-winner in the state final. Her leadership helped the program win its first-ever Class 5A state title .

Off the field, Teagan carries a 4.18 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society, and volunteers through Key Club. She’s committed to play at the University of Kentucky , continuing her journey through the Rush pathway at the next level. Read more about Teagan >

Devin Lee, Hawaii Rush

Rush values grit, and Devin Lee lives it. After returning from a major knee injury, the Hawaii Rush midfielder came back stronger, leading Iolani School to an undefeated state championship season. He tallied 8 goals and 8 assists and was a key playmaker in the Division I title match.

Through the support of Hawaii Rush and Coach Arian Hoxha, Devin developed the resilience and mindset that define our club. He continues to shine as both a player and a leader in his community. Read More About Devin >

Charlie Mader, LA Krewe Rush

Representing Krewe Rush , Charlie Mader dominated the Louisiana high school scene. The Teurlings Catholic senior netted 34 goals and 19 assists in just one season, helping his team to a 23–1 record and setting a new school scoring record in the process.

Charlie is not just a finisher, he’s a role model. With a 3.41 GPA and a passion for giving back through local food banks and youth mentorship, he reflects the full-circle Rush commitment to performance, purpose, and community. Read More About Charlie >

Kai Ciambor, Alaska Rush

A midfield engine for Juneau-Douglas High School and Alaska Rush , Kai closed his high school career with 64 goals and 36 assists , leading his team to back-to-back state titles. Known for his elite foot speed, technical skill, and high soccer IQ, he also maintained a 3.83 GPA and served his community through food drives, tutoring, and youth coaching. He’s committed to the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs . Read More About Kai >

These Gatorade honors reflect the power of the Rush system: consistent development, strong values, and high-level opportunity . Teagan, Devin, Charlie, and Kai each took a different path, but they’ve all been shaped by the same culture of excellence that runs through Rush Nation.

We’re proud to call them part of our family. Congratulations, champions!

Kunie Hirai Signs with Aurora FC: From Idaho Rush to the Next Level

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:30:55 GMT

Kunie Hirai’s soccer journey is the kind that shows what’s possible when talent meets opportunity, and when a player grows up in the right environment. From her early days at Idaho Rush to joining Aurora FC and starting college soccer at Utah State, Kunie is living proof of what development, dedication, and the Rush community can do.

“Signing with Aurora was super exciting,” Kunie shared. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity to keep growing as a player, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

This new chapter is just beginning, and it’s already shaping up to be a powerful one. After graduating early and enrolling at Utah State this January, Kunie knew she wanted to push herself even further before the college season kicked off. When she connected with Aurora’s head coach, Jen Larrick, the fit felt right and she signed soon after.

Kunie’s story starts with Idaho Rush , where she joined the club at just six years old and never looked back.

“Rush has always been committed to my development. I had the best teammates and coaches our team won state championships, back to back regionals, and we made it to the USYS National Semis three times.”

Those experiences and the people behind themleft a lasting mark. Coaches like Olly Frick, Rob Hill, Jens Haustein, Dan Codina, and Armando Sosa played huge roles in her growth, both as a player and as a person. Alongside Idaho Rush, Kunie also represented Rush Select at the regional and national levels, gaining high-level exposure and competition at an early age.

“Rush gave me the best environment I could’ve asked for. It taught me loyalty, resilience, appreciation, and humility. I’m forever grateful.”

Now with Aurora, Kunie is focused on development over stats. Her mindset is about long-term growth, not pressure.

“My goal is to learn as much as I can this season. I’ve already seen growth in my first week here. The coaching staff is amazing, and I know this summer is going to shape me for the better.”

She’s not chasing numbers. She’s chasing progress.

Advice for the Next Generation

Kunie’s message to young Rush players with big dreams is simple but powerful:

“Don’t let little things throw you off your path. Be consistent. Put in the work—no excuses—but give yourself grace too. Build good relationships and stay true to yourself. And most of all, don’t lose your love for the game. That’s what makes it all worth it.”

Kunie Hirai is a Rush player through and through. Her journey isn’t just inspiring, it’s a reminder of what’s possible when players are surrounded by the right support system.

We’re proud of you, Kunie. Keep climbing. The entire Rush community is behind you.

Carvana and Rush Soccer Announce All-Star Soccer Experience Sweepstakes

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:35:56 GMT

Carvana is teaming up with Rush Nation to offer families a chance at an unforgettable VIP experience at this year’s Pro Soccer All-Star Game in Austin, Texas, on July 23rd! Click Here to Enter!

In addition to 4 VIP tickets, the giveaway winners will also receive all-expenses-paid flights and hotel accommodations, plus exclusive soccer swag, and gift cards for gas and meals.

“Rush Soccer is excited to announce this incredible giveaway opportunity in collaboration with our partners at Carvana,” said Justin Miller, CEO of Rush Soccer. “The All-Star game represents excellence on the pitch, and that’s what we’re all aiming for, so it’s going to be really fun to send a Rush family out for a VIP experience in Austin.”

Don’t miss your family’s chance at an unforgettable adventure to experience thrilling All-Star action up close!

Legal: No Purchase Necessary. 50 US/D.C., U.S. res 18+. Void where prohibited by law. Ends 6/29/25. For Official Rules, visit: jotform.com/251526159579165

Montana Rush Pep Rally Kicks Off Spring with Energy, Growth, and Championship Momentum

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:54:32 GMT

Montana Rush is charging into the spring season with more teams, more players, and more momentum than ever. The club recently hosted a high-energy Pep Rally that brought the entire Rush community together, players, families, coaches, and volunteers for a weekend of fun, connection, and celebration.

Teams marched in with pride, competed in friendly challenges, and reflected on the Rush Core Values that continue to shape this club’s identity. From a strong emphasis on family culture to a winning mindset, Montana Rush is living out what it means to be part of the Rush Nation, on and off the field.

This year, club growth has skyrocketed. Montana Rush expanded from 12 to 16 competitive teams, and over the winter, hosted more than 850 players during Indoor Sessions I and II. Last summer’s camp brought in 120+ athletes, and the club has no plans of slowing down.

The results are speaking for themselves. Out of eight Montana Rush teams competing in a recent tournament, four advanced to the finals, three walked away as champions. Their Facebook page is now proudly filled with photos of gold medals, big smiles, and moments of triumph.

Montana Rush’s Futsal Success

15 boys will represent Montana Rush in São Paulo, Brazil this summer, playing futsal with Chris Rue and Select Soccer Academy .
9 girls have been selected to compete in Orlando, FL at the United World Futsal Championship .
A recent Futsal ID Camp with Rue drew 97 players—the largest turnout he’s ever seen—and generated $8,000 in revenue.

Looking ahead, Montana Rush is preparing to host the Montana Cup, the state’s largest tournament, in both 2025 and 2026, and will launch its first-ever Kick It! 3v3 tournament this August. Winners will earn invites to next year’s nationals.

The club’s leadership, including four coaches with collegiate experience and a Technical Director who led the U.S. Military Olympic Teams from 2015–2023, is laying the foundation for even greater success.

Montana Rush’s strength comes from its people: an all-volunteer board, dedicated coaches, and families who consistently step up. Together, they’re building something special and the entire Rush community is taking notice.

Erika Bovell: Living the Dream with Venezuela’s U17 National Team

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:46:01 GMT

For Kansas Rush standout Erika Bovell, 2024 marked a dream turned reality getting the call to represent Venezuela at the U17 CONMEBOL South American Championships.

“Being called up to a national team is the greatest honor an athlete can have,” Erika shared. “Walking into camp for the first time, I was nervous but so excited to train with the best players in Venezuela.”

Erika credits Kansas Rush and her coach Daouda Kanté for helping her get to this level. “My team plays at an elite level, and trainings are intense and well prepared. Coach Kanté has elevated my understanding of the game and pushed me to make quicker, smarter decisions on the field.”

The journey through national camp and into international tournament play in Colombia wasn’t easy but it was unforgettable. Training 6–7 hours a day, following a strict diet, staying disciplined with hydration, sleep, and mental health, Erika was all in. “We had an incredible staff supporting us trainers, doctors, psychologists and my teammates made it special. Competing against top talent from other countries only made me want to get better.”

Her motivation was crystal clear: “I wanted to represent my country on the field and help us qualify for the World Cup. I wanted to bring joy to Venezuela through this sport I love.”

To younger Rush players dreaming of similar moments, Erika offers this advice:

“Keep working hard. Stay disciplined. Dream big, because anything is possible with the right mindset and the drive to go after it.”

Soccer Stars and Rush Soccer Announce National Partnership to Elevate Youth Soccer Experience

Tue, 20 May 2025 04:53:49 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[New York, NY, May 20, 2025] – Soccer Stars, the nation’s most popular children’s soccer program, is excited to announce a groundbreaking national partnership with Rush Soccer, the largest youth soccer organization in the world. This collaboration aims to enhance youth soccer opportunities, promoting skill and character development, and providing a pathway for players to start their journey from preschool to the pros.

About Soccer Stars

Soccer Stars specializes in creating a fun and educational environment where children can learn the fundamentals of soccer while improving their gross motor skills. With expert-crafted curricula designed by both soccer professionals and child development specialists, Soccer Stars emphasizes safety, engagement, and developmental growth.

“Our goal is not just to teach soccer; it’s to instill life skills such as teamwork, confidence, and respect,” said Adam Geisler, CEO at Soccer Stars. “With this partnership with Rush Soccer, we can provide even more young players with the opportunities and support they need to thrive both on and off the pitch.”

About Rush Soccer

Founded in 1997, Rush Soccer boasts a robust network of over 55,000 players spanning 50 countries and 125 clubs worldwide. Known for its commitment to excellence on and off the field, Rush Soccer provides unparalleled pathways for young athletes to reach their highest potential, including elite training programs and comprehensive player development support.

“Our mission is to create a global soccer family that nurtures talent and fosters community,” said Kirk Artist, Director of Business Development at Rush Soccer. “Partnering with Soccer Stars allows us to reach younger players early on, ensuring they receive quality instruction and a positive introduction to the game.”

What This Partnership Means

Through this partnership, Soccer Stars and Rush Soccer will combine their strengths to create a cohesive curriculum emphasizing skill development and personal growth—ensuring that every player’s introduction to the sport is a positive and enriching experience.

This collaboration will enhance the coaching framework, providing all coaches access to the highest training and player engagement standards.

As a result, children enrolled in Soccer Stars programs can expect to benefit from:

A low child-to-coach ratio for personalized instruction
Age-appropriate, specifically designed curricula that promote physical literacy
Positive reinforcement learning techniques that make soccer fun and engaging
Opportunities for players to advance through the ranks and into elite programs within Rush Soccer
Life skills are taught through soccer to ensure holistic development

Building a Bright Future

Together, Soccer Stars and Rush Soccer are committed to cultivating exceptional athletes and well-rounded individuals who will carry the values learned on the field into their everyday lives. This partnership reiterates the vision of both organizations: to create a player base that feeds into a Rush professional team, representing excellence and integrity in soccer.

For more information on this partnership and how it can benefit young players in your area, please visit soccerstars.com and rushsoccer.com

Rush Select Academy Launches Girls Program in Florida

Wed, 07 May 2025 14:25:19 GMT

Big news. Bigger opportunities.

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Rush Select Academy Girls Program at RPS Academies , based in sunny Port Saint Lucie, Florida. This full-year, elite-level program is built for driven 2008 – 2012 female athletes who are ready to push themselves, grow on and off the field, and prepare for college soccer in a professional training environment. At Rush Select Academy, everything is intentional — from your training sessions to your classroom experience. Our athletes follow a structured, professional schedule that develops both athletic performance and academic readiness. With high-level coaching, college-focused resources, and competitive play, this program offers a direct path for aspiring players to reach their next level.

On the Field

Competition is a key part of development. Our teams compete in top-tier leagues like NPL and EDP , facing high-level opponents that push our athletes to grow, adapt, and perform under pressure. In addition to league play, we travel to some of the most high-profile tournaments in the country , giving players maximum visibility and the chance to shine in front of college scouts and recruiters. Tournaments include:

IMG Showcase
Visit Raleigh Showcase
PBG Fall Classic
RPS Academies Showcase
Weston Cup
Palm Beach Cup

A Typical Day at Rush Select Academy

7:00am: Breakfast

8:00–10:00am: On-campus academics

10:00–11:50am: Morning training

12:00–1:00pm: Lunch

1:15–3:15pm: Afternoon academics

3:30–5:30pm: Evening training

6:00–7:00pm: Dinner

Friday: College Placement Class — Weekly sessions focused on recruitment, highlight film prep, and next-step planning.

Academics That Fit Your Game & 100% College Placement

As a boarding academy, students attend school right on campus in a flexible, supportive environment that aligns with your training schedule. Our program ensures NCAA eligibility and gives you the tools to succeed far beyond the field.

At Rush Select Academy, every graduating player has earned a spot at the next level — that’s a 100% college placement record . You’ll get hands-on support with the recruiting process, including highlight film development, exposure opportunities, and one-on-one guidance. Our goal is simple: get you seen, get you signed.

Ready to Level Up?

The official school year runs from August 10, 2025 to May 29, 2026, but athletes can join at any time . Rush Select Academy offers both boarding and non-boarding options to fit your needs. Have questions or ready to take the next step? Contact Stephan Von Lattorff, svonlattorff@rushselectacademy.com (561) 876-4845 (call or text), to learn more or reserve your spot.

Our girl’s program is led by expert coaches who know what it takes to compete and succeed at the highest levels. Laryea Kingston, a former Ghana National Team player, brings international playing experience and a strong background in elite youth development. '

Hugo Caicedo is a respected coach recognized for his technical expertise and his ability to build strong, cohesive team cultures. Together, they create an environment where athletes are challenged, supported, and prepared to reach their full potential.

Hugo Caicedo

Laryea Kingston

A Conversation with Michele Barber — Executive Director of Hillsboro Rush and North American Development Director

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:35:15 GMT

With a rich history rooted in the Hillsboro soccer community, Michele Barber’s journey in soccer is both extensive and inspiring. From playing alongside notable athletes like Tiffeny Milbrett, to steering the club’s growth today, her story encapsulates a deep connection with the sport.

Professional Journey: After a decade away, she returned to her roots as her children joined the club. Her administrative journey began in 2009, evolving to a board president role in 2014, and finally taking on the mantle of Executive Director in 2022. Recognizing her strength in the business aspects of soccer, she emphasized a community-centered model that supports players from grassroots to the elite level. She was recently honored in the “ The People Behind the Game ” story by the City of Hillsboro, acknowledging her impactful contributions to the community and the sport.

How has your career in soccer prepared you for your current role? “Building a team and uplifting others are vital to winning together. Many of the values utilized in playing and coaching soccer are the same in leadership.”

What unique perspectives or strengths do women bring to leadership positions in soccer? “As a woman in a leadership role, especially as the Executive Director, I bring a distinct voice and perspective to meetings, often being the sole female. It’s crucial to model for other girls that they, too, can achieve these roles—it’s important for them and for future generations.”

Can you describe a challenge you faced as a director and how you tackled it? “With the club undergoing growth, prioritizing tasks to achieve the best outcomes has been challenging. My approach involves a proactive pursuit of solutions and seeking help when needed, leveraging my age and experience to navigate through the complexities.”

What strategies do you use to mentor and develop female coaches and administrators within your club? “Having learned from past mistakes, I now conduct weekly sessions focusing on project management and planning. We set clear goals and maintain accountability, providing challenges with adequate support to ensure success.”

What advice would you offer to women looking to advance into leadership roles in soccer? “Seek out collaborators and fellow women leaders or others with shared goals. This network can provide a roadmap, reducing the time and effort needed to learn new aspects of leadership.”

How can soccer as an industry better support the growth of women in leadership roles? “Soccer should implement structured training opportunities to advance women in leadership, expand development programs, and foster mentorship networks to create a more inclusive industry.”

What legacy do you hope to leave through your work with Rush Soccer? “My goal is to reinforce a business model that ensures soccer is accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, or ability. I strive to leave a legacy that makes our collective soccer dream attainable for all.”

Gyovanni Aranda’s Journey: From Rush Select to the Professional Stage

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:02:10 GMT

Rush Soccer is proud to celebrate the incredible journey of Gyovanni “Gyo” Aranda, a dedicated athlete whose hard work and commitment have led him from California Rush to Rush Select Academy—and now to NK Varaždin. His story is a testament to the Rush player pathway , the elite training environment at Rush Select Academy, and the doors that open for those who trust the process.

From Humble Beginnings to Elite Training

Gyo’s soccer journey began at the age of 10 with Kickers, but as costs rose, his family made the pivotal decision to switch to Rush Soccer when he was 12. That move changed everything.

“My experience with Rush was really good—it put me in an environment with elite players who helped me grow as an athlete. I was coached by some of the best, improving my technical skills every day.”

The Rush Select Academy Difference

Transitioning to Rush Select Academy, at RPS Academies in Port St. Lucie, Florida , was a game-changer for Gyo. The intensity, discipline, and high-performance expectations pushed him to new levels.

“The environment was completely different. At RPS, I had to stay disciplined and focused solely on soccer. Training went from twice a week to twice a day, which significantly improved my strength and speed of play.”

While the demanding environment was a challenge, the biggest hurdle was being away from family. But Gyo used that as motivation: “I overcame it by working hard every day, knowing that my success would make my family proud.”

Earning a Professional Opportunity

Gyo’s dedication paid off when he spoke with Rush coach Raul about his ambitions to go pro. That conversation set the wheels in motion for his next big step. “When I got the offer from NK Varaždin , I was really happy. My main goal was to join the club, and I achieved it.” His short-term goal? To break into the first team and compete at the highest level. In the long term, Gyo has his sights set on catching the attention of an even bigger club.

Rush Soccer’s Impact & Advice for Young Players

Since joining Rush, Gyo has thrived in an environment built for player development. “Rush Soccer has helped me since I was young. They put me in professional environments where I could see what the next level is like.”

For young players dreaming of a professional career, Gyo offers this advice: “Keep God first and trust the process. You will have to make sacrifices, but your hard work will eventually pay off.”

The Rush Player Pathway in Action

Gyo Aranda’s story is a shining example of what’s possible within the Rush Soccer system. His journey from Rush Select to NK Varaždin underscores the club’s mission to develop talent, provide elite training, and create opportunities for players to reach their full potential.

Rush Soccer congratulates Gyo on this exciting new chapter—his journey is just beginning!

Maddilyn Eastus Reflects on Her St. Pölten Experience

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 03:25:43 GMT

Maddie Eastus recently took a bold step in her soccer journey, traveling to Austria for a trial with SKN St. Pölten Rush . Throughout the week, Maddie immersed herself in a professional training environment—an experience that was both challenging and rewarding.

A Warm Welcome and High Standards

From day one, Maddie was struck by the balance of professionalism and camaraderie within the team. “My first impressions were that the team was super fun, welcoming, and supportive, as well as focused and professional when needed to be,” she shared. The training sessions lived up to her expectations—fast-paced, intense, and carefully organized. With direct feedback from coaches, Maddie was able to fine-tune her game and adapt to the demands of a higher level.

Adapting to New Challenges

For Maddie, adjusting to a new country, language, and playing style posed a unique challenge. However, she embraced these obstacles as opportunities to grow. “The biggest adjustment for me was adapting to the different country and style, but also trying other positions I don’t normally play. Soccer is all about adjusting to adversity and learning.” A typical day at St. Pölten was rigorous: film study, on-field training, weight sessions, and recovery work—offering a true glimpse into the life of a professional athlete.

A Standout Moment

When asked about her most memorable takeaway, Maddie emphasized how special the entire experience was. “The whole experience was a standout moment for me. Being able to train at that level with an amazing team is something that not many are able to do, and it’s something I am extremely grateful for,” she reflected. Her ability to keep pace with a professional squad further fueled her motivation: “Being able to keep up with them at that level has given me motivation to keep trying.”

The Rush Soccer Connection

Maddie credits Rush Soccer—and the support of coaches like Raoul Voss and Tiago Calvano—for preparing her to seize this opportunity. “Rush has helped me tremendously by keeping me sharp on the ball and game-ready. If I didn’t play with Rush, I don’t think I would’ve been ready for this trial honestly,” Maddie said.

Her advice to other athletes chasing their dreams?

“Always work for what you want, even if it doesn’t go your way. Failing is inevitable, but if you can pick yourself back up and keep working, it will eventually pay off. No one is going to do it for you—it has to come from you. And most importantly, enjoy what you’re doing, or else working for it means nothing.”

The Journey Continues

Maddie R. Eastus’ experience at St. Pölten reflects the power of resilience, adaptability, and hard work. Rush Soccer is proud to support her journey and looks forward to seeing where her dedication takes her next.

Rush Leadership in Action: Neil McNab’s New Role and Vision for Soccer Growth

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:42:18 GMT

Rush Soccer has always been about developing leaders on and off the field, and one of the latest examples of this is Neil McNab. As Executive Director of Rush Union Georgia , McNab has spent years shaping the soccer landscape in Georgia. Now, he’s taking that leadership to a new level as the President of Georgia State Soccer Association .

This milestone isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a reflection of the high-caliber leaders that emerge from Rush Soccer.

How Rush Soccer Shaped McNab’s Leadership

Since joining Rush in 2019, McNab has embraced the club’s core values of leadership, collaboration, and development. Under his guidance, Rush Union Georgia has been committed to providing players and coaches with elite training, professional development, and a strong community focus.

McNab credits Rush’s national network for preparing him for this next step in his career.

“Rush isn’t just a club—it’s a family of clubs across the country and the world. The ability to collaborate with other Rush leaders, share ideas, and learn from each other has been invaluable,” he said.

One of Rush Union Georgia’s guiding principles is “Play It Forward”, which is all about giving back to the game. That same mindset will now shape McNab’s work as he seeks to grow the game across Georgia.

Bringing the Rush Mentality to Georgia Soccer

As McNab steps into his new role, he’s carrying Rush’s development-first philosophy with him. His leadership will focus on:

Expanding soccer access – Just as Rush works to provide opportunities for all players, McNab aims to increase participation across Georgia, particularly among younger children who may not have access to the sport.

Coaching and referee education – A key part of the Rush model is making sure that players have high-quality coaching. McNab wants to extend that focus at the state level, helping clubs improve coaching, player development, and referee training.

Collaboration over competition – Much like Rush Soccer fosters connections across clubs, McNab hopes to unite Georgia’s soccer community. With US Soccer moving its headquarters to Georgia and Atlanta hosting games for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, now is the perfect time to work together.

"The game is the same everywhere, but everyone views it differently. The more we can collaborate and support each other, the stronger Georgia soccer will become"

A Leader Who’s Been in the Trenches

McNab’s journey in soccer isn’t just about administration—it’s deeply personal. Before becoming a coach and club director, he played in Manchester City’s youth system, moved to the U.S. to play professionally, and eventually built his career as a coach and soccer leader.

At Rush Union Georgia , McNab has worn every hat possible—from coaching to field setup to parent communication. This hands-on experience has given him a deep understanding of the challenges that clubs, coaches, and players face.

“Leadership looks glamorous from the outside, but in reality, it’s about doing the work. Rush taught me that leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about serving the community and finding solutions.“

What This Means for Rush Soccer

McNab’s appointment isn’t just great news for Georgia—it’s a testament to Rush Soccer’s commitment to developing leaders. Across the country, Rush clubs continue to produce top-tier coaches, directors, and administrators who go on to make an impact at every level of the game.

His leadership will help elevate the profile of Rush Soccer within the state association, providing opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and expanded development programs.

How Rush Members Can Support the Growth of Soccer

McNab emphasized that growing the game isn’t just up to leadership—it’s a team effort. He encourages everyone in the Rush community to lead by example:

Coaches : Focus on developing players holistically, keeping the Rush Way at the center of your training.

Parents : Be a positive force on the sidelines, supporting both teams and respecting referees.

Players : Give back to the game—whether through mentoring younger players, helping with training, or just playing with passion.

“Rush has always been about more than just soccer—it’s about building a community. If we continue to live by our values, we’ll make a lasting impact, not just in Georgia, but across the country.”

With McNab leading the charge, Rush Soccer’s influence in Georgia is stronger than ever, and the future of the game looks brighter because of it.

Rush Select Set for College Showcase in Las Vegas

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:42:18 GMT

Las Vegas, NV – Rush Select’s high school-aged players are kicking off their first college showcase event of 2025 at the Las Vegas Players Showcase. With hundreds of college coaches in attendance, this event offers a key opportunity for exposure.

“This is a massive opportunity for our Rush Select players to make their mark. Over the next two weekends, seven of our teams will take the field at the Players Showcase, competing against top talent while performing in front of hundreds of college coaches. These events are where dreams start turning into reality, and for many of our players, this is the first step toward their collegiate soccer journey. The standouts won’t just catch the eyes of recruiters—they’ll also earn invitations to exclusive future Rush events.” said Jacob Lissek, Rush Select Manager.

Rush Select enters this event with strong momentum after a successful showing at the Presidents Day Tournament (PDT) , where our teams secured five championship titles and two second-place finishes across 12 2010-2012 teams. With a record of 27-14-6, scoring 97 goals and conceding just 48, the teams demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level.

The Las Vegas Players Showcase is another step in Rush Select’s mission to provide elite players with top-level opportunities. Stay connected through Rush Soccer’s official channels for more on Rush Select and upcoming events.

“Playing in front of college coaches is exactly what Rush Select is all about.”

Weekend 1

Boys

Weekend 2

girls

The 5 Recruiting Tips you haven’t Heard Enough

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 19:53:00 GMT

the DIVISIONS overlap

The Divisions of College Soccer overlap. For example: the top of DIII is a better level than the bottom of DII and the bottom of DI. This also applies to the professionalism of the program, the funding, facilities, etc.! Understand that you likely need to look across multiple levels to find the right fit from a:

Playing Level
Style of Play that you can succeed in.

Just because you can play at that level doesn’t mean you fit the coach’s playing style! Do the homework and watch that team play!

climb up the ladder: not down

You should know that attracting interest from coaches is more important than reaching too high and not getting interest back at all. Adjust your search EARLY ON to include colleges of all levels, and then you can whittle down your list as you go. It’s much easier to work your way up the levels during your recruiting process than to try and fall down to the right level . Climbing the ladder is energetic, positive, and creates momentum. Falling down the ladder is filled with a lack of response, negativity, and is hard to stay motivated.

playing time

Figure out if you’re the type of player that wants to play right away, or if you’re okay just working hard for a couple of years to see if you can break into the starting team. (Hint: a couple of years of hard work just to see if you can break into the starting 11 by maybe junior year is the wrong choice for 99% of kids. It’s a lot harder than it sounds, and it’s not much fun. The trouble is, everyone is told that this is the right answer when you’re young! Know yourself, and understand that being on the field sooner than later in your career is usually the right fit! After all, over 3000 soccer players transfer per year…and the majority of those are to find a school where they can play more!)

communication urgency

Understand that the frequency and urgency a college coach communicates with you is a good indication of their interest in you. Do they send you a message every week, every couple of weeks, do they wish you happy holidays? Or are you the one constantly trying to communicate with them, having a hard time getting a response? Almost every college coach will text their top recruits on holidays and important dates, communicate frequently, and really try to drive the process. If they aren’t doing that with you, you may not be on the top of their lists, and only be brought in to fill the roster as more of a practice player. Think- is that the Experience you are looking for?

College coach interaction

A general rule of thumb is that once you have found colleges that interact with you, the more a coach communicates and wants you to attend their school, the more success you’ll have on the field at that school.

Rush Select 2025 PDT Rosters

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 02:40:55 GMT

The Rush Select National Teams are gearing up to take on the competition at this year’s Presidents Day Tournament (PDT) in Phoenix, Arizona, from February 13-17, 2025. This year, 12 teams composed of players born between 2010 and 2012 will showcase the best young talents from Rush Soccer, competing with top talent from across the organization.

Fans will witness high-level soccer as these young athletes demonstrate their skills and compete for glory. The tournament promises to be a showcase of intense matches, highlighting the impressive depth and skill within Rush Soccer.

Behind every great team is a great coach, and the Rush Select Program is no exception. The select staff has handpicked the best coaches from within Rush to lead these teams, ensuring not just competitive play but also strategic prowess that is second to none.

Follow @rushsoccer on Instagram to keep up with in-depth coverage direct from Phoenix. Whether you’re a die-hard soccer enthusiast or a budding young player, this tournament is a must-watch. See you in Phoenix!

BOYS 2011

BOYS 2012

BOYS 2010

GIRLS 2012

GIRLS 2010

GIRLS 2011

Navigating the Mental Game of Recruitment

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 18:07:00 GMT

In this 100th episode, the hosts celebrate their milestone while diving into the mental aspects of recruitment, focusing on how athletes deal with rejection and the pressure of being evaluated. They discuss the importance of managing pressure, transforming nerves into positive energy, and the role of mental performance coaching in the recruitment process.

DJ McMoil from ACG Mental Performance joins the conversation to provide insights on how athletes can navigate the challenges of recruitment effectively. This conversation delves into the mental performance aspects of athletes, particularly focusing on how to manage rejection and build confidence during the recruiting process.

The speakers discuss the fight or flight response in athletes, the importance of evidence-based confidence, and the need for resilience in the face of rejection. They emphasize the significance of self-awareness in goal setting and the necessity for athletes to separate their identity from the outcomes of their performance. The discussion highlights the challenges young athletes face in navigating the competitive landscape of sports and the mental strategies that can help them succeed.

CAP Chat Live!

Navigating the Mental Game of Recruitment

Host: Josh Tyler & Tyler Tomlinson

Guest: DJ McMoil, ⁠ ACGMentalPerformance.com

100 episodes is a significant milestone for the podcast.
The mental aspect of recruitment is often overlooked.
Rejection is a common experience in the recruitment process.
Managing pressure is crucial for athletes during recruitment.
Nerves can be transformed into positive energy for performance.
Athletes often feel they are auditioning during recruitment events.
Coaches play a vital role in helping athletes manage pressure.
Virtual meetings are becoming essential in the recruitment process.
Understanding the psychological aspect of recruitment can aid athletes.

Pressure can be viewed as an opportunity for growth. The sympathetic nervous system activates during high-pressure situations.
Confidence is built on evidence of past performance.
Athletes should focus on their strengths to regain confidence.
Rejection is a natural part of the recruiting process.
Self-awareness helps athletes understand their motivations.
Setting tiptoe goals can help athletes reach their potential.
Resilience to rejection is crucial for long-term success.
Athletes often tie their identity to their performance outcomes.
Feedback from unbiased sources is essential for growth.
Parents play a significant role in how children handle rejection.

Episode Overview

Rush Soccer Partners with ACG Mental Performance to Support Whole Athlete Development

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 02:41:11 GMT

[New York, NY, January 28, 2025] –

Rush Soccer, the world’s largest youth soccer club, is proud to announce a new partnership with ACG Mental Performance , a leading mental performance coaching firm dedicated to helping athletes achieve their full potential. This collaboration aims to integrate live, online mental skills training with Rush Soccer’s player development programs, offering athletes a holistic approach to enhancing both their physical and mental game.

The partnership will provide Rush Soccer players, coaches, and families with access to ACG Mental Performance ’s proven strategies for improving focus, resilience, and confidence both on and off the field. ACG’s team of expert mental performance coaches will work directly with Rush Soccer’s athletes to build mental toughness, enhance emotional regulation, and optimize overall performance in competitive settings.

“We are thrilled to partner with ACG Mental Performance to provide our athletes with the tools they need to succeed not only physically, but mentally as well,” said Justin Miller, CEO of Rush Soccer.

“In the highly competitive world of soccer, mental performance is just as important as physical ability. This collaboration will give our players an edge by helping them build the confidence and mindset necessary to overcome obstacles, perform under pressure, and reach their full potential,” added Michael Anderson, founder of ACG Mental Performance. “ACG coaches have helped athletes across various sports improve their mental focus, reduce anxiety, and increase consistency.”

As part of the partnership, ACG Mental Performance will offer services focusing on team and one-on-one coaching sessions as well as parent and coach workshops. These services will be designed to ensure that athletes at every level can access the mental tools needed to navigate the demands of competitive sports. Visit www.acgmentalperformance.com/rush to learn more.

About Rush Soccer

Formed in 1997, Rush Soccer is the largest youth soccer organization in the world with more than 55,000 players in 50 countries. Comprised of 125 clubs around the globe, Rush Soccer has cultivated a reputation of excellence on and off the field all while maintaining a local feel in the communities we serve. This expansive global footprint provides unparalleled opportunities for our entire player base to pursue pathways all the way to the highest level of professional soccer. Our breadth and depth of programs support our network of local clubs, coaches, staff, and partners.

For more information about Rush Soccer, visit www.rushsoccer.com .

About ACG Mental Performance

ACG Mental Performance helps athletes develop the mindset, confidence, and resilience needed to thrive on and off the field. ACG brings expert mental performance coaching directly to athletes through a convenient online platform. Offering both team and one-on-one sessions, certified coaches provide personalized training programs designed to unlock each athlete’s full potential.

For more information about ACG Mental Performance, visit www.acgmentalperformance.com .

Media Contacts:
Rush Soccer Media Relations
Phone: (833) 546-7874
Email: marketing@rushsoccer.com

ACG Mental Performance Media Relations
Phone: (515) 561-6881
Email: marketing@acgmentalperformance.com

2025 College Soccer Recruiting Landscape: How to Stay Ahead of the Changes

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 21:35:00 GMT

Recent changes in the NCAA rules surrounding Revenue Sharing, Roster Caps, Transfer Windows, and NJCAA Eligibility have completely changed the landscape of recruiting for college coaches…and our Rush Players.

Roster CAP

The biggest change we are seeing comes from the new roster cap rule that states NCAA D1 teams can now partake in revenue sharing for their players- forcing a roster cap of 28 on both men’s and women’s soccer teams. The confusing part for everyone is that this mandate is only on the Power-4 Conferences, as well as any colleges that opt-in to the Revenue Sharing guidelines.

At the moment, there are many college coaches who are still unsure if their athletic department will be opting in, making it difficult for them to know their best decisions when it comes to recruiting.

What does this mean the class of 2025, 2026 and 2027?

Well for starters there is a lot of hesitation from college coaches who are trying to make decisions that are best for their programs. College coaches have slowed down their recruiting timelines in hopes of seeing how it all unfolds before jumping into commitments with players. The normal timelines have been pushed back at least by a couple months for the current seniors. It also means there are a lot of players at the bottom end of D1 rosters who will be transferring to find new colleges they can play at.

Currently the Transfer Portal has 2,247 men’s players and 1,617 women’s players from this fall/winter alone, with likely a bigger surge in the April period. The sheer volume of this means that more college coaches are opting to bring in transfer players who are older and more experienced than true freshmen. This means less roster spaces for true freshmen next fall and potentially for a couple years to come. The implications of this are massive, and we predict that most players will need to find opportunities at lower levels than in the past if they want to play in college.

What should our players do with this information?

Well for starters- the recruiting landscape ALWAYS changes. In the past 5 years alone, we have seen massive shifts in the process from Covid, then NIL, and now the roster cap and revenue sharing is changing it. So, while it may feel new and ‘unfair’ now, recruiting has been changing in big ways for quite some time now. The best strategy is getting guidance from people you trust and who are educated in the details of the recruiting world. That’s where we come in with Rush CAP, our job is to help you in your process and to find the right fit.

The ‘right fit’ and the process may look a little different than in the past, and that’s okay. We will help you through the process and give you the most up to date information and strategies. Whether it’s the information you can gain quickly on CAP University Courses, CAP University Live Webinars, our CAP Chat Podcast, or simply scheduling a 1-on-1 meeting with one of our Regional CAP Directors- we are here for you and your family throughout your process!

CAP Chat Live!

2025 College Soccer Recruiting Landscape: How to Stay Ahead of the Changes

Host: Josh Tyler

The recruiting landscape ALWAYS changes. In the past 5 years alone, we have seen massive shifts in the process from Covid, then NIL, and now the roster cap and revenue sharing is changing it.

Changing Landscape

Rush Soccer Welcomes Standard Rush Ukraine

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 02:41:12 GMT

Rivne, Ukraine, January 15, 2025

Rush Soccer, the world’s leading youth football organization, is proud to announce its partnership with Zhenya Dontsov and his club Standard Football Academy. Ukraine, known for its rich football heritage, will begin operations under the new name Standard Rush Ukraine. This is a significant milestone in the global expansion of Rush Soccer.

“We are honored to bring the Rush Soccer brand to Ukraine, a country with a deep passion for football,” said Tiago Calvano, Rush Soccer’s Director of International Affairs. “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to developing youth soccer talent worldwide. Zenya has an extensive soccer background and will contribute to the value of Rush through his reputation and vision.”

“After many discussions and months of planning, we are very happy to finally announce our partnership.” Zhenya, President of the now Standard Rush Football Club states. “Rush has many programs and services we can tap into, the International College Advisory Program, Guest playing in tournaments, Player Exchange programs, the list goes on. We will begin to share with our membership some of the opportunities over time. In fact our website, standardrushukraine.com will outline our new partnership.”

Located in Rivne, the community forges through the current war conflict. “We train, we play, we move on. Football is a way of life for many of us!” Zhenya continues, “At training, when our App alerts us of incoming missiles, we take cover. When danger passes, we continue playing football. Life continues.”

For more information, please contact us at Corey Schulz at cschulz@rushsoccer.com

Rush Soccer Kicks Off Multi-Year Partnership with Carvana As Front Of Kit Sponsor

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Rush Soccer’s New Collaboration with Largest Online Auto Retailer Will Support Youth Soccer Development

PHOENIX (Jan. 13, 2025) – Carvana, an industry pioneer for buying and selling used cars online, is excited to announce a new multi-year partnership with Rush Soccer, the world’s largest youth soccer club. Aimed at enhancing the experiences of young athletes and their families across the country, this new collaboration positions Carvana as the front-of-kit partner on all Rush game jerseys.

Rush Soccer, with its expansive reach of over 60,000 players nationwide, provides a platform for Carvana to engage with families and communities dedicated to supporting and fostering youth sports. Carvana and Rush Soccer will collaborate on various community initiatives aimed at improving access to youth soccer by reducing financial barriers and enriching the overall soccer experience for players and their families.

“We are proud to partner with Rush Soccer, an organization that shares our values and our commitment to fostering activities that bring communities together,” said Ryan Keeton, Carvana co-founder and Chief Brand Officer. “We are excited to support the journey these young athletes take, both on and off the pitch.”

In addition to the jersey sponsorship, the partnership will feature Carvana engagements and activations at select Rush events, as well as content collaborations aimed at amplifying the incredible soccer stories happening across Rush Nation. Carvana will also become the presenting sponsor of two major Rush tournaments, providing further opportunities to connect with soccer fans and families.

“The front-of-jersey partnership for the Rush has always been about aligning with a group that shares our same commitment to young athletes”, said Justin Miller, Rush Soccer CEO. “Carvana exemplifies these values. They recognize the power of youth soccer and its influence beyond the field, especially during the car rides to games, practices, and tournaments which create meaningful moments in a family’s soccer journey. Carvana is an extension of our mission and we’re happy to have them as our partner. “

The newly designed Rush Soccer jerseys featuring Carvana’s logo were unveiled at the United Soccer Coaches Convention on January 11, 2025, with jerseys hitting the field in August 2025.

About Carvana

Carvana’s mission is to change the way people buy and sell cars. Since launching in 2013, Carvana has revolutionized automotive retail and delighted millions of customers with an offering that is fun, fast, and fair. With Carvana, customers can find a car, get financing, trade-in, and complete a purchase entirely online with the convenience of delivery or local pick-up as soon as the same day. Carvana’s unique offering is powered by its passionate team, differentiated national infrastructure, and purpose-built technology.

For more information, please visit www.carvana.com .

About Rush Soccer
Formed in 1997, Rush Soccer is the largest youth soccer organization in the world with more than 55,000 players in 50 countries. Comprised of 125 clubs around the globe, Rush Soccer has cultivated a reputation of excellence on and off the field all while maintaining a local feel in the communities we serve. This expansive global footprint provides unparalleled opportunities for our entire playerbase to pursue pathways all the way to the highest level of professional soccer. Our breadth and depth of programs support our network of local clubs, coaches, staff, and partners.

Contact:
Rush Soccer
Email: marketing@rushsoccer.com
Website: www.rushsoccer.com

Rush Soccer Unveils Apex Uniform Line with Carvana as New Front Jersey Sponsor

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 10:40:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[New York, NY, January 11, 2025] –

In collaboration with Capelli Sport , Rush Soccer proudly announces the launch of its new ‘Apex’ uniform line for the 2025-27 seasons. The Apex uniform line will feature Carvana , the innovative online auto retailer, as the front jersey sponsor.

For the first time in its history, Rush Soccer will offer long-sleeved versions of both the home and away jerseys. These limited-edition long-sleeve jerseys will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Justin Miller, CEO of Rush Soccer, comments on the launch: “Our partnership with Carvana and the rollout of a long-sleeve uniform signal something bigger: a commitment to being a bold, forward-thinking soccer organization. Looking good on the field isn’t just about style—it’s about confidence—and this collection delivers both.”

The Apex line introduces designs that capture the essence of Rush Soccer’s commitment to player development and the sport’s vibrant spirit. The home jerseys in Rush blue, feature a triangular gradient pattern that symbolizes the player pyramid, embodying the growth and progression of our athletes. The white away jerseys are highlighted by a gray abstract geometric pattern of connecting lines and paths, symbolizing the unique journey every player takes through their development. The entire collection pays homage to one of Rush Soccer’s core principles, guiding players toward the Apex of their game.

The new jerseys will be available for purchase after tryouts through your local club.

International Rush Cup 2024 Recap

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 19:45:00 GMT

2024 Champions

2012 Girls – South

2011 Girls – Midwest

2010 Girls – West

2012 Boys – Midwest

2011 Boys – South

2010 Boys – Canada

2008 Boys – Rush Select Academy

Rush Select Leaderboard

We are already looking forward to IRC 2025! Check out the leaderboard to see where your region stands in the trophy chase.

South - 8

Midwest - 7

West - 7

Northeast - 3

Canada - 1

Bolivia - 1

Puerto Rico - 1

The Rush Select International Rush Cup wrapped up with an unforgettable showcase of talent, camaraderie, and thrilling matches in Palm Beach, Florida. Players from around the US competed alongside teams from Canada, Bolivia, Barbados, and Puerto Rico.

“What a weekend for the Select program and Rush Soccer,” said Jacob Lissek, Rush Select Director. “From the 60 Rush clubs represented with players to the coaches and SPI staff, there were so many amazing memories created during the 2024 International Rush Cup.”

Some of the weekend’s best moments included Rush alumni Mikayla Carkhuff (Rush Wisconsin West) and Nico Villalobos (Miami Rush), both former Rush Select players, returning to inspire the next generation. Now NCAA Division I athletes, shared valuable advice with aspiring players.

Another highlight was Friday’s electrifying “Game of the Day,” where chants, dancing, and endless energy brought the action to life. From spectacular goals and celebrations to game-changing saves, the event was a powerful reminder of what makes the Rush community so special.

International Rush Cup 2024 Select Team Rosters

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Boys

Midwest

Northeast

South

West

Canada

Girls

Midwest

Northeast

South

West

Canada

The Rush Select program is proud to announce the Select team rosters for the 2024 International Rush Cup, which will take place in Palm Beach, Florida, from November 21st to 24th. Select teams will take on some of the top national and international teams. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting weekend!

Rush Changes Lives: Levert Achu

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 18:45:23 GMT

After months of joint efforts from the Rush international affairs department and Cameroon Rush, Levert Achu, captain of Rush FM FC in Cameroon (Bamenda), arrived less than a week ago at the Rush Soccer Academy in the United States of America.

The 2005 player, star of his team, and midfielder for Rush FM FC in Cameroon, recently began training alongside his new USA teammates and is excited to see where this new journey in the USA takes him.

After three years of intense training, Levert looks back on his time with Rush Soccer:

“Rush is renowned to be one of the best football clubs in Bamenda because of its excellence, hard work, and commitment to football. We have many great talents there who are willing to get higher in their academic career.”

Levert is a perfect example of the Rush pathway from Africa to the USA. After putting hours of hard work into training, he was recognized and scouted by the Rush staff and was awarded a full-ride scholarship to the Rush Soccer Academy. Just like him, other players benefited from this pathway, the most famous of them being Kekutah Manneh from Gambia Rush, who is currently excelling in the MLS.

Cameroon Rush, aka Rush FM FC is one of the best schools of soccer in Africa. “They are doing a tremendous work and are proudly representing the Rush Way,” said Tim Schulz, CEO & President of Rush Soccer.

The future is bright for Levert as he will begin his professional career after joining the ranks of the Rush Academy.

He also has a few words regarding his former teammates in Cameroon:

“We have numerous players within our club with incredible potential that are very skilled, and are willing to benefit from the Rush pathway to be recruited to start a professional career in the USA”.

Rush Changes Lives: Sharif Mohammed & Nafiu Abdul Moro

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 18:40:20 GMT

Sharif Mohammed and Nafiu Abdul Moro are both players from Ghana Rush.

Before coming to the United States, Sharif played on the first team for the Kotoku Royals, Rush’s professional team in Ghana, Africa. The Kotoku Royals were most recently crowned League Division Champions and promoted into the Ghana Premier League.

This journey to America marked the beginning of many firsts for both players. Prior to this experience Sharif & Nafiu have never stepped foot out of their country, let alone been on an airplane.

Sharif and Nafiu are as ambitious in the classroom as they are on the pitch. Even though both have only used a laptop for the first time upon arrival to the U.S., each has their sights set on earning academic/athletic scholarships so they can attend college in the United States.

Rush Changes Lives: Patrick Apanovicz

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 18:37:25 GMT

Patrick Apanovicz’s soccer journey began at the age of six when he joined Canada Rush, and he is now on his way to the Rush Premier Sports Academy.

Unfortunately, Patrick’s parents weren’t present in his life, and as a result, he was raised by his grandparents. Despite the challenges he has faced, Patrick’s dedication and talent have led to an exciting opportunity that brought his grandfather to tears of joy. Patrick has expressed his desire to become a professional soccer player and is determined to work hard to achieve his dream.

Rush Changes Lives is committed to helping Patrick reach his goals.

Rush Changes Lives: Fernando Caballero

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 18:22:53 GMT

Fernando Caballero, son of a truck driver and a housewife, played for California Rush despite living in a remote area with a lengthy two-hour commute to training.

Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, his parents were unable to afford for Fernando to continue playing soccer. However, despite these challenges, Fernando has managed to excel both on the field and in the classroom.

He is set to graduate in 2024 and has already received multiple scholarships offers from Division I and Division II schools. Through his hard work and dedication, Fernando has proven that perseverance and talent can overcome even the most challenging of circumstances.

Rush Soccer Teams Up with DBS International Academy in Ireland

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 10:00:00 GMT

[New York, NY, October 10, 2024]

Rush Soccer, the world’s largest youth soccer club, is proud to announce a new partnership with DBS International Academy , Ireland’s leading soccer training institution. This collaboration aims to merge top-tier soccer education methodologies from both organizations, providing an enriched training environment for young athletes.

Founded on the principles of excellence and innovation, DBS International Academy stands at the forefront of soccer training and development. The academy offers a unique full-time gap year program designed for male and female students aspiring to live the life of a professional player while acquiring crucial knowledge and skills to elevate their game. Each participant benefits from personalized training delivered by a team of experienced UEFA-licensed coaches, ensuring tailored development to meet individual needs.

For players born between 2008 and 2010 consider attending a DBS International Academy camp. These camps are designed to provide a holistic European soccer experience, focusing on position-specific training, speed and agility, video analysis, futsal sessions, and fun football games. The goal of all DBS International camps is to create a well-rounded experience that enhances both the skills and the enjoyment of the campers. Camps are offered year-round, and enrollment for their 3-week summer camp is now open!

This partnership between Rush Soccer and DBS International Academy opens a new chapter in soccer training, where young athletes can engage in high-level soccer education and immerse themselves in an international sporting environment. We invite parents and young players to explore this unique opportunity. For more information and to register for camps, please visit their website .

Contact:
Rush Soccer
Email: marketing@rushsoccer.com
Website: www.rushsoccer.com

Rush Soccer Launch First Soccer Club in Morocco

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 15:54:00 GMT

Rush Soccer and Soaf Group Partner with Sindibad School to Launch First Soccer Club in Morocco

KENITRA, MOROCCO – October 7, 2024

Rush Soccer, the world’s leading youth soccer organization, is proud to announce its partnership with Platini Soaf and Mehdi Soaf to lead Rush Soccer In Morocco, a nation renowned for its rich football heritage. This collaboration marks the establishment of the Morocco Rush Club, a significant milestone in the global expansion of Rush Soccer.

“We are honored to bring the Rush Soccer brand to Morocco, a country with a deep passion for football,” said Tim Schultz, the founder of Rush Soccer. “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to developing youth soccer talent worldwide.”

Leading the Morocco Rush Clubs, and Rush Education Schools in the future, will be the distinguished figure in American soccer, Coach Platini Soaf and his brother Mehdi Soaf. Coach Platini Soaf, a legend in U.S. soccer, has dedicated over three decades to nurturing and developing international players and clubs across the United States. His expertise and vision will be instrumental in overseeing the Morocco Rush program.

“This is a significant step forward for student-athletes in Morocco,” said Coach Platini Soaf. “Our goal is to provide a pathway for young Moroccan players to reach professional levels or to become student-athletes in American universities. We are excited to contribute to their development and success. Under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and his Royal Football Federation leadership, we are committed to fostering a new generation of soccer talent in Morocco, ensuring they have the best opportunities to excel both on and off the field.”

The Morocco Rush Clubs and Schools aims to create opportunities for young athletes to excel in soccer while pursuing their academic goals. This initiative will pave the way for Moroccan players to achieve their dreams, whether on the professional stage or in higher education. Even the youngest participants will be developed holistically to be the best they can be at a young age, ensuring they grow both as athletes and individuals.

This initiative is made possible through the leadership of the Soaf Group, the support of the USA KELME sports brand group led by Cary Lyu/Platini Soaf, and several other sponsors.

For more information, please contact Platini at Platiniusa@icloud.com or visit Moroccorush.com

Contact:
Rush Soccer
Email: marketing@rushsoccer.com
Website: www.rushsoccer.com

Akala and Rush Soccer Partner to offer College Admissions Counseling to Families

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 04:08:00 GMT

Akala and Rush Soccer Partner to offer REVOLUTIONIZING College Admissions Counseling to families

Akala, a groundbreaking college admissions counseling platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Rush Soccer, the largest youth soccer organization in the world. This collaboration aims to provide Rush Soccer athletes with the tools and resources they need to achieve their academic and athletic goals.

Akala’s innovative platform leverages artificial intelligence and personalized guidance to help students navigate the complex college admissions process. By starting as early as eighth grade, students can benefit from tailored advice and support throughout their high school years. Akala’s blended approach, combining technology and one-on-one consulting, ensures that each student receives the individualized attention necessary to create a compelling college application.

“We are thrilled to partner with Akala to offer our athletes a comprehensive solution for their college admissions journey,” said Josh Tyler, National Director of the College Advisory Program at Rush Soccer. “Akala’s platform aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing our players with the best possible opportunities both on and off the field.”

“Akala is excited to join forces with Rush Soccer, an organization renowned for its dedication to developing talented athletes,” said Perry Kalmus, Co-Founder and CEO at Akala. “By combining our expertise in college admissions with Rush Soccer’s commitment to excellence, we can help students achieve their academic and athletic aspirations.”

About Rush Soccer

About Akala

Akala is a revolutionary college admissions counseling platform that empowers students to navigate the complex college application process. Through a combination of AI-powered technology and personalized guidance, Akala helps students create compelling profiles that stand out to colleges.

Historic Partnership with Hudl to Grow the Global Game

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 07:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Hudl and Rush Soccer – the largest youth soccer organization in the world, have reached a historic agreement -ensuring that the country’s foremost development pathway for young footballers has a technology partner committed to its players’ success.

Hudl will be the exclusive performance technology partner for Rush Soccer– which includes video, data, and analytics on all of its 55,000+ athletes. Rush Soccer will integrate Hudl Focus Cameras, which will allow Rush Soccer clubs the opportunity to capture and analyze every aspect of their games– whether home or away.

Additionally, Hudl will be the backbone for the launch of Rush Soccer TV – the club’s new hub for live matches, highlights, and more. Hudl TV will provide live streaming services for all of Rush Soccer’s centrally owned and operated tournaments.

“Hudl is the perfect partner for Rush Soccer. Their overall technology platform allows us to scout and develop our players from around the world,” added Raoul Voss, Global Sporting Director for Rush Soccer. “With so many Rush players that are pushing themselves to get to the next level, Hudl will allow our sporting team to help them better. This couldn’t be a better fit.”

Rush is committed to creating a clear path forward for all its athletes, and the Hudl platform will strengthen and grow their efforts. The Rush Player Pathway has helped produce more than 5,000 collegiate athletes, 84 professional players, and 21 national team prospects– including U.S. Soccer starlets Christian Pulisic and Lindsay Horan. With the addition of Hudl, every player within Rush will have the opportunity to gain exposure with the integration of match video and data that Hudl will provide.

“We are thrilled to announce this historic partnership with Rush Soccer,” said Rachel Krasnow, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Hudl. “It was clear from our very first conversations that their team is fully committed to giving every Rush athlete the shot they deserve, aligning perfectly with Hudl’s mission. We’re excited to provide Rush Soccer the same cutting-edge video capture, analysis, recruiting, and streaming platforms trusted by the top soccer organizations at every level of the game.”

Krasnow added. “The introduction of a centralized Rush Player Pathway video library will elevate and streamline the talent identification process throughout the club, and we can’t wait to play our part in the development of the next Rush Soccer rising star.”

For Rush teams wanting to learn more about the league-wide exchange platform, Rush Soccer TV, live streaming, or Hudl products contact your Hudl Representative.

About Rush Soccer
Formed in 1997, Rush Soccer is the largest youth soccer organization in the world with more than 55,000 players in 50 countries. Comprised of 125 clubs around the globe, Rush Soccer has cultivated a reputation of excellence on and off the field all while maintaining a local feel in the communities we serve. This expansive global footprint provides unparalleled opportunities for our entire player base to pursue pathways all the way to the highest level of professional soccer. Our breadth and depth of programs support our network of local clubs, coaches, staff, and partners.

Press Contact:
Justin Miller
Email: marketing@rushsoccer.com
Website: www.rushsoccer.com

About Hudl
Hudl empowers more than 230,000 teams globally to reach their potential. A complete suite of video and data products ensures coaches and teams at every level of sport have the information and insights they need to be their best. Our smart cameras capture every second of the action, and our software makes video easy to access, analyze, share, and learn from. That video also enables athletes to get recruited and teams at every level to find their next star. And fans and communities who want to be part of the action can connect to livestreaming, athlete highlights and team profiles. That’s why more than 8M users across 40+ sports trust Hudl for every moment that matters to them. Learn more at Hudl.com .

Press Contact:
Tyler Thomas
Senior Director of Content + PR
Hudl
Tyler.Thomas@hudl.com

Perspective: Massive Transformation in College Soccer

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 21:48:00 GMT

The reverberations from the groundbreaking NCAA lawsuit over name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights are sending shockwaves through the world of college athletics, and soccer is no exception. The settlement, which includes a revenue-sharing model among the Power Four conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC), marks a pivotal moment that will reshape the landscape of college sports for years to come.

Let’s look at the key changes in NCAA Men’s Soccer

Division I Men:

If teams opt into the Revenue Sharing Model

While the potential for increased revenue presents exciting opportunities for athletes, it also introduces a complex web of financial considerations for athletic departments. As the Power Four schools navigate the intricacies of revenue sharing, non-revenue sports like soccer may face budgetary constraints. This could lead to reduced resources, affecting everything from coaching staffs to travel budgets, facility upgrades, and support staff positions.

Moreover, the lawsuit’s impact extends to the structure of teams themselves. Roster size and scholarship limitations are undergoing scrutiny as athletic departments grapple with the financial implications of the new landscape. These changes could significantly alter the competitive dynamics within conferences, potentially leveling the playing field for some programs while creating new challenges for others. For example, smaller programs may find it more difficult to compete for top recruits, while established powerhouses may have the resources to build deeper rosters and offer more lucrative NIL deals.

The transfer portal, already a disruptive force in college soccer, is poised to become even more influential. As athletes gain greater control over their athletic futures, the portal is likely to see a surge in activity. This increased player movement will undoubtedly reshape rosters and create a more fluid recruiting environment. Coaches will need to adapt their strategies to compete in this dynamic landscape, placing a premium on building strong relationships with potential recruits, developing a clear program vision, and fostering a positive team culture.

The substitution rules for Division I men’s soccer have also been modified, limiting the number of substitutions to 6 moments per game and eliminating reentry. This change is expected to have a profound impact on game strategy, forcing coaches to adopt more conservative approaches and emphasizing player fitness, endurance, and tactical versatility. It may also lead to an increased emphasis on player development and the ability to manage in-game situations effectively.

As the dust settles on these sweeping changes, the lines between different divisions of college soccer are likely to blur. The increased financial resources available to Power Four programs could create a wider talent gap, making it increasingly difficult for mid-major and Division II schools to compete for top recruits. However, these challenges may also present opportunities for smaller programs to differentiate themselves by focusing on player development, creating a unique student-athlete experience, and building strong relationships within their local communities.

High school athletes will need to adapt to this new reality by becoming more proactive in their recruiting process. Building a strong personal brand, showcasing athletic abilities through highlight videos, and networking with coaches will be essential for attracting attention from college programs. Additionally, players may need to consider a wider range of options, including junior colleges and Gap Year Programs, as the traditional path to Division I success becomes more competitive. Athletes should also focus on developing a strong academic profile, as many colleges prioritize well-rounded student-athletes.

Conference realignment is another potential consequence of these sweeping changes. As schools weigh the financial implications of the new revenue-sharing model and the competitive landscape within their current conferences, some may explore opportunities to join different leagues. This could lead to significant shifts in conference alignments, creating new rivalries and challenges for athletic departments, and potentially affecting the overall balance of power in college soccer.

Ultimately, the full impact of these changes on college soccer will unfold over time. However, one thing is clear: the sport is entering a new era defined by uncertainty and opportunity. Those programs that can adapt quickly and effectively to these challenges, while maintaining a strong commitment to the student-athlete experience, will be best positioned to thrive in the years to come.

Listen to the full CAP Chat episode where Josh Tyler and Tyler Tomlinson dive deep into the massive changes for NCAA and the impact of the NIL lawsuit.

Rush Fest 2024 Takes Denver by Storm

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 19:33:00 GMT

A Soccer Extravaganza Uniting 2,500 Players and Families

Denver, Colorado, was abuzz with soccer fever as it welcomed an impressive 2,500 soccer players, coaches, and families for Rush Fest 2024. This week-long celebration, held from July 7-12 at the Trail Winds Soccer Complex in Thornton, showcased the best of youth soccer and highlighted the transition from 9v9 to full 11v11 games, making it one of the most anticipated events in the youth soccer calendar.

A Grand Reunion of Soccer Talent

Rush Fest 2024 brought together U12 boys’ and girls’ teams from Rush clubs across the United States and around the globe, turning Denver into the epicenter of youth soccer. What began as a modest gathering of 12 teams in 2008 has now blossomed into a grand festival featuring over 48 teams annually. This year’s event was a testament to the growth and global reach of Rush Soccer.

The festival’s vibrant atmosphere was fueled by a diverse mix of competitive matches, intense training sessions, and spirited social events. Teams competed in skill-level organized morning games, followed by enriching afternoon sessions that included specialized goalkeeper training and insightful classroom education led by some of the top coaches from the Rush family.

Celebrating Soccer and Community

One of the standout features of Rush Fest is its ability to foster camaraderie among players from different Rush clubs. The opening and closing ceremonies were nothing short of spectacular, offering players and families the chance to celebrate their love for soccer, dance, and forge lifelong friendships. These festive gatherings underscored the true spirit of Rush Soccer and the sense of community it promotes.

Justin Miller, CEO of Rush Soccer, captured the essence of the event perfectly: “Rush Fest is a monumental celebration in a player’s soccer journey. It’s an unforgettable experience that brings together players, coaches, and families in a way that embodies the Rush Soccer spirit. We’re thrilled to see Rush Fest return to Denver and showcase the dynamic culture of our organization.”

Economic Impact and Local Enjoyment

The influx of 2,500 attendees had a notable impact on Denver’s local economy, with families filling hotels, dining at local restaurants, and enjoying various attractions. In addition to soccer, participants took advantage of group discounts at popular spots like Water World, Denver Ziplines, and Downstream Adventures Whitewater Rafting. The event also included a special outing to a Colorado Rapids game on July 7th, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.

Looking Ahead

Rush Fest 2024 was more than just a soccer event; it was a celebration of youth development, community, and the joy of the game. As players and families left Denver, they took with them not just memories of thrilling games and fun-filled activities, but also a renewed sense of connection and camaraderie within the Rush Soccer community.

If you are a 2013 player, parent, or coach, you can reserve your spot now for 2025 Rush Fest where we anticipate a record-breaking 70+ teams. With its incredible growth and the unforgettable experiences it offers, it promises to be another landmark event in the world of youth soccer.

Rush Soccer Expands International Reach with Club in Haiti

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 21:12:00 GMT

[New York, NY, June 27, 2024] – Rush Soccer, the largest youth soccer organization in the world with more than 55,000 players, announces its expansion into Haiti, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s global outreach efforts. This expansion includes the establishment of a Rush Soccer club as well as the deployment of humanitarian aid through its initiative, R.E.A.C.H. (Rush Equipment Assisting CHildren).

Rush Soccer has built a reputation for developing young athletes and promoting the values of teamwork, discipline, and leadership through soccer. With its expansion into Haiti, Rush aims to provide opportunities for Haitian youth to participate in high-quality soccer programs that emphasize both athletic excellence and personal growth.

In addition to launching soccer programs, Rush will implement its humanitarian arm, R.E.A.C.H., which focuses on providing essential soccer equipment to underserved communities. This initiative will deliver uniforms, cleats, soccer balls, and other necessary gear to support the development of soccer talent in Haiti. Through these efforts, Rush Soccer seeks to empower Haitian children by giving them access to the tools and resources needed to pursue their passion for soccer.

“We are thrilled to announce the expansion of Rush Soccer into Haiti,” said Raoul Voss, Global Sporting Director of Rush Soccer. “This initiative underscores our commitment to extending the benefits of soccer to communities worldwide. By introducing Rush Soccer programs and supporting local youth through R.E.A.C.H., we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of Haitian children and contribute to their overall development.”

Rush Soccer’s expansion into Haiti is part of its broader mission to foster global connections and promote the sport of soccer as a vehicle for social change and community development. Through partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders, Rush intends to create sustainable programs that will continue to benefit Haitian youth for years to come.

For more information about Rush Soccer’s initiatives in Haiti and R.E.A.C.H., please visit www.rushsoccer.com .

Contact:
Rush Soccer
Email: marketing@rushsoccer.com
Website: www.rushsoccer.com

Rush Soccer to Host Annual Rush Fest in Denver – July 7-12

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:41:00 GMT

[New York, NY, June 27, 2024] – Rush Soccer, the largest youth soccer organization in the world, is excited to announce the return of Rush Fest, an eagerly anticipated annual event, to Denver, Colorado, from July 7-12, 2024. This week-long festival of soccer taking place at the Trail Winds Soccer Complex in Thornton, celebrates the transition from 9v9 to full-sided 11v11 games and brings together U12 boys’ and girls’ teams from Rush clubs across the United States and around the world.

Since its inception in 2008 with 12 teams, Rush Fest has grown significantly, with over 48 teams participating each year. This year, Rush Soccer anticipates welcoming approximately 2,500 players, coaches, and families to Denver, making it one of the largest youth soccer gatherings in the world.

The festival offers a dynamic blend of competitive games, training sessions, classroom education, and social events, making it a unique experience for young athletes. Teams compete in morning games organized by skill level, followed by afternoon training sessions that include specialized goalkeeper training and classroom sessions led by top coaches from the Rush family.
One of the highlights of Rush Fest is the camaraderie fostered among players from different Rush clubs during the opening and closing ceremonies. These ceremonies feature festivities where players come together to celebrate, dance, and create lifelong friendships, embodying the Rush Soccer spirit.

“Our annual Rush Fest is a true right of passage in a player’s soccer journey…an unforgettable experience for players, coaches, and families alike,” said Justin Miller, CEO of Rush Soccer. “It’s a celebration of youth soccer development, where players learn, compete, and forge lasting memories. We’re thrilled to bring Rush Fest back to Denver and showcase the vibrant soccer culture that Rush Soccer embodies.”

In addition to player-focused activities, Rush Fest includes a high-level coaching clinic for attending coaches and parent appreciation sessions, ensuring that all participants benefit from the event’s comprehensive approach to soccer development.

With more than 2,500 players and families traveling to Denver for the week, Rush Fest will also provide a boost in the local economy with hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and entertainment. In fact, all players have a day off on Wednesday of Fest to enjoy group discounts at Water World, Denver Ziplines, and Downstream Adventures Whitewater Rafting. Most players and families will also attend the Colorado Rapids game on Sunday, July 7th. Finally, many families are extending their Colorado vacation before and after Rush Fest.

Rush Soccer’s commitment to youth development through sports extends beyond the field, aiming to provide players with an enriching experience that combines athletic growth with personal development.

For more information about Rush Fest 2024, please visit www.rushsoccer.com or watch the video highlight .

Contact:
Rush Soccer
Email: marketing@rushsoccer.com
Website: www.rushsoccer.com

Rush Soccer Breaks Record with 642 Player College Commitments for Fall 2024

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 05:00:00 GMT

[New York, NY, June 13, 2024] – Rush Soccer, the largest youth soccer organization in the world with more than 55,000 players, is celebrating a remarkable achievement with a record-breaking year of college commitments for Fall 2024. The National average for high school soccer players continuing their athletic journey in college stands at 7.5%, but Rush Soccer has surpassed expectations with an impressive 642 college commitments, which is 4x the national average. This outstanding success is directly attributed to Rush Soccer’s College Advisory Program (CAP).

The announcement of 642 college commitments sets Rush Soccer apart as a leader in nurturing young soccer talent and providing them with opportunities to further their education while pursuing their sports dreams. The organization’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes has clearly paid off, with a significant number of players set to embark on their college soccer careers in the upcoming fall.

Rush Soccer’s College Advisory Program (CAP) has been instrumental in guiding players through the college recruitment process, ensuring that they are well-equipped to make informed decisions about their future. By offering personalized support and expert advice, the CAP has empowered players to explore their options and find the best fit for their academic and athletic aspirations.

“Our College Advisory Program (CAP) team is dedicated to empowering players through the college recruitment process. With a proven track record of exceeding the national average in college commitments by 4 times, CAP offers unparalleled support and guidance to families. No other club equips players for success quite like Rush Soccer. We are very proud of all of our athletes that will be attending college, for athletics and academic excellence,” said Josh Tyler, Global CAP Director for Rush Soccer.

Justin Miller, CEO of Rush Soccer, adds, “The success of Rush Soccer’s College Advisory Program reflects the organization’s dedication to providing comprehensive support to its players beyond the field. By prioritizing academic excellence and holistic development, Rush Soccer has created a pathway for young athletes to pursue their passion for soccer while securing their future through higher education.”

As Rush Soccer continues to make a mark in the world of youth soccer development, the organization’s emphasis on empowering student-athletes to achieve success both on and off the field remains at the core of its mission. With 642 college commitments for Fall 2024, Rush Soccer is setting a new standard for player development and college preparedness in the soccer community.

Contact:
Rush Soccer
Email: marketing@rushsoccer.com
Website: www.rushsoccer.com

spusu SKN St. Pölten to Provide Clear Professional Player Pathway for Girls

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 17:07:00 GMT

[New York, NY, April 19, 2024] – Rush Soccer, the largest youth soccer organization in the world with more than 55,000 players, is thrilled to announce its partnership with spusu SKN St. Pölten Women’s Football, a top-level women’s professional football team in Austria. This exciting collaboration aims to provide a clear player pathway for girls in the Rush Soccer organization who aspire to play professional football.

As part of this partnership, Rush Soccer will work closely with spusu SKN St. Pölten Women’s Football to create developmental opportunities for talented young female players. The collaboration will facilitate scouting programs, training camps, and talent identification initiatives, offering a structured pathway for young girls to progress in their football careers.

Rush Soccer, with its vast network of clubs and programs across the globe, is committed to providing the highest quality soccer experience for young athletes. By partnering with spusu SKN St. Pölten Women’s Football, Rush Soccer aims to expand opportunities for girls within its organization, enabling them to pursue their dreams of playing professional football.

Spusu SKN St. Pölten Women’s Football, currently competing in the top level league of women’s football in Austria, the UEFA Champions League, for several seasons, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the partnership. Their commitment to player development aligns perfectly with Rush Soccer’s mission to provide a nurturing environment that supports the growth and advancement of young athletes.

“The partnership with Rush is a real milestone for us in sporting terms. The plan is to integrate talented players from the Rush program into spusu SKN St. Pölten. This will make our team even stronger and more successful,” says Andrea Pichler, President of spusu SKN St. Pölten Women’s Football.

As Justin Miller, CEO of Rush Soccer, explains, “This collaboration will not only enhance the player pathway for girls in the Rush Soccer organization but also foster a sense of international camaraderie and cultural exchange. It’s a true partnership where we are sharing a name – spusu SKN St. Pölten Rush – a logo and most importantly, a legacy that we will build together.”

Raoul Voss, International Sporting Director for Rush Soccer, goes on to explain, “Through shared training opportunities, tournaments, and friendly matches, young athletes will have the chance to develop their skills while building relationships and experiencing the global nature of football. If a female Rush Soccer player aspires to become a professional, we’ve now paved the way to make that happen.”

Both Rush Soccer and spusu SKN St. Pölten Women’s Football are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings. Together, they aim to create a platform that empowers young girls, encourages their passion for the game, and prepares them for future success.

For more information about Rush Soccer and its programs, visit www.rushsoccer.com . Follow the progress of the partnership with spusu SKN St. Pölten Rush Women’s Football on social media by following the social media channels.

(former President) Wilfried Schmaus, President Andrea Pichler spusu SKN Frauen Rush, Raoul Voss, International Sporting Director for Rush Soccer

Sportdirektor spusu SKN Frauen Rush Tanja Schulte, Raoul Voss, International Sporting Director for Rush Soccer

Maddie Moreau Signs with Bay FC in the NWSL

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:48:00 GMT

Former Rush Soccer Player Maddie Moreau Signs with Bay FC in the NWSL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[New York, NY, March 19, 2024] – Bay FC, the newly established women’s professional soccer franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), has secured a valuable addition to its roster. Maddie Moreau, a former player for Rush Soccer in Louisiana, has signed a contract to join Bay FC for the upcoming season. This exciting development is set to strengthen Bay FC’s squad and bring new talent to the ever-growing NWSL.

Maddie Moreau, known for her exceptional defensive skills, is a rising star in the world of soccer. Her time with Cajun Rush (now LA Krewe Rush) has allowed her to hone her abilities and showcase her talent. Now, Moreau is ready to take the next step in her career by joining Bay FC, an ambitious team aiming for success in the NWSL.

Bay FC, led by a team of experienced professionals, is dedicated to building a competitive and diverse squad capable of challenging other top teams in the league. The addition of Maddie Moreau is seen as a significant move by Bay FC to strengthen their defense and enhance their chances of achieving their goals in the upcoming NWSL season.

“I am so excited and grateful to be signing with this club! To be in the same environment as these players, coaches, and staff is a dream come true for me,” says Maddie Moreau. “I know I will learn and grow here, and I cannot wait to leave a legacy with Bay FC!”

The NWSL is the top professional women’s soccer league in the United States and provides a platform for talented athletes to showcase their skills. With Maddie Moreau’s signing, Bay FC continues to affirm its commitment to promoting women’s soccer and providing opportunities for players to thrive at the highest level. The franchise’s participation in the NWSL has been met with great enthusiasm from fans and supporters who eagerly await the team’s debut.

Maddie Moreau’s journey from a Rush Soccer player to joining Bay FC in the NWSL is a testament to her hard work, determination, and talent. “At Rush Soccer, we work with players to succeed in their desired player pathway. Maddie always aimed for the top and we ensured she had the showcase opportunities and training to help get her there,” says Raoul Voss, Global Sporting Director at Rush Soccer.

“We are so excited for Maddie! She is an incredible player who has worked tirelessly to achieve this goal. LA Krewe Rush (formerly Cajun) couldn’t ask for a better role model for all of our current players, as she has excelled both on and off the field,” says Michael Ritch, Director of Rush Soccer.

Bay FC is confident that her addition to the team will strengthen their defensive line and contribute to their success in their inaugural season. Fans and soccer enthusiasts are excited to witness Moreau’s performance on the field and are eagerly anticipating the start of the NWSL season.

“I want to express my gratitude to Lucy and Austin from Bay FC for their exceptional professionalism during the negotiation process regarding Maddie’s contract,” states Daniel Mendes, Moreau’s agent at Global Football Enterprise. “Working with them was incredibly smooth, and I appreciate their efficiency and professionalism. I wish Maddie the best of luck in her new journey, and I am confident that she will excel in her role.”

Join us in welcoming Maddie Moreau to Bay FC and stay tuned for updates on the team’s progress as they prepare for their debut in the NWSL. Follow the team on social media and use the hashtags #BayFC, #NWSL, and #MaddieMoreau to stay connected and show your support for this exciting new addition to the women’s professional soccer scene.

Contact:
Rush Soccer
Email: marketing@rushsoccer.com
Website: www.rushsoccer.com

Justin Miller Becomes CEO of the Largest Youth Soccer Organization in the World

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:21:00 GMT

Tim Schulz, Founder of Rush Soccer, Appoints Justin Miller as CEO of the Largest Youth Soccer Organization in the World.

For Immediate Release

[New York, NY, March 12, 2024] – Rush Soccer, the largest youth soccer organization in the world with more than 55,000 players, is proud to announce the appointment of Justin Miller as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This decision was made by Tim Schulz, the Founder and President of Rush Soccer, who handpicked Miller for his exceptional leadership skills and deep understanding of the sport.

Justin Miller brings a wealth of experience to his new role as CEO of Rush Soccer. With over 20 years of experience in the soccer industry and a Rush player alum himself, Miller has demonstrated his commitment to the development of young soccer players and the growth of the sport. He has held various management positions within Rush Soccer, showcasing his ability to lead and drive positive change within the organization.

As CEO, Justin Miller will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of Rush Soccer and ensuring its continued success in providing quality soccer programs to youth around the world. Under his leadership, Rush Soccer aims to expand its reach and impact, fostering the growth of the sport and creating opportunities for young athletes to excel.

“I am thrilled and deeply honored to step into this role as CEO. I have had an incredible journey here at Rush Soccer for over two decades. From player to coach to becoming a leader in the front office – I am genuinely excited to help lead our continued pursuit of becoming one of the most recognizable sports brands in the world,” said Miller.

Tim Schulz, the visionary behind Rush Soccer and a legend in the soccer world, is confident in Justin Miller’s ability to lead the organization into a new era of growth and innovation. Schulz expressed his excitement about the appointment, stating, “Justin’s passion for the sport and his dedication to the development of young soccer players align perfectly with Rush Soccer’s mission. With his leadership, we will continue to empower youth through soccer and make a positive impact on their lives.”

Schulz will take a step back from the day-to-day operations and leadership of the organization, but will remain very involved with Rush.

Rush Soccer, founded by Tim Schulz in 1997, has grown to become the largest youth soccer organization in the world with over 55,000 players. With 125 clubs in 50 countries across the globe, the organization has cultivated a reputation of excellence on and off the field all while maintaining a local feel in the communities served. This expansive global footprint provides unparalleled opportunities for the entire playerbase to pursue pathways all the way to the highest level of professional soccer.

Justin Miller’s appointment as CEO marks an exciting milestone for Rush Soccer. With Justin at the helm, the organization is poised to continue its mission of developing the next generation of soccer talent and inspiring young athletes worldwide.

Justin Miller, CEO Rush Soccer

Contact:
Rush Soccer
Email: marketing@rushsoccer.com
Website: www.rushsoccer.com

Kickstart Rush at IRC

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 18:27:00 GMT

Kickstart Rush Coach Renaldo Gilkes Reflects on a Memorable IRC Experience

Renaldo Gilkes, a seasoned coach with two decades of experience, recently led Kickstart Rush from Barbados to the International Rush Club (IRC) trip.

Renaldo Gilkes and Kickstart Rush:
Renaldo Gilkes, proudly associated with Kickstart Rush in Barbados, brings a wealth of coaching experience spanning 20 years to the soccer arena. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and fostering a culture of excellence.

Favorite Moments at IRC:
When asked about his favorite part of the IRC trip, Gilkes highlighted the unparalleled opportunity it provided to immerse his players in a quality, elite, and competitive environment. He expressed joy in witnessing his players challenging themselves against top-tier opposition, fostering new relationships, and establishing valuable connections through networking opportunities for his technical team.

The Special Appeal of IRC:
For Gilkes, the IRC stands out for its unique blend of rivalry and camaraderie. The event offers participants a chance to meet and compete against the best of the best, with the added opportunity to be identified for further progression in the esteemed Rush Soccer pathway.

Level of Play at IRC:
The level of play at the IRC, according to Gilkes, was nothing short of impressive. The tournament’s challenging nature pushed Kickstart Rush beyond their comfort zone, providing a valuable learning experience for both players and coaching staff.

Key Learnings from IRC:
Coming from a background where consecutive-day tournaments are uncommon, Gilkes emphasized the need to adapt and manage players effectively throughout the IRC. He acknowledged the distinct football environment, especially the officiating, necessitating adjustments to their style of play. The overarching takeaway for Gilkes was the importance of adaptability in a dynamic soccer landscape.

Coaching Development:
Reflecting on how the IRC benefited him as a coach, Gilkes pointed out its positive impact on time management and organizational skills. The tournament compelled him to efficiently manage attendance at events, rest periods, meals, and matches, contributing to his overall growth as a coach.

Being an International Team at IRC:
As a regional representative, being an international team at the IRC held significant meaning for Kickstart Rush. It provided a platform to showcase their unique style, culture, and brand of play. The experience also facilitated the formation of new and meaningful relationships, contributing to the team’s global perspective on match formats, officiating, and tournament organization.

Player’s Perspective:
From the player’s perspective, the IRC’s special appeal lies in the opportunity to play against foreign competition. The chance to measure themselves against international peers they’ve never encountered before adds an extra layer of excitement and significance to the tournament.

Closing Thoughts:
In concluding the interview, Renaldo Gilkes labeled the IRC as an overall success, expressing the team’s intention to return in 2024. The event has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Kickstart Rush, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and its place within the global soccer community.

Triumph and Talent: The 2023 International Rush Cup

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 21:24:00 GMT

The 2023 International Rush Cup has come to a close. The tournament welcomed 44 teams to Port St. Lucie, Florida at the Sandpiper Bay Resort. The weekend started off with a bit of rain which gave way to sunshine and competitive action on the field the rest of the weekend. The Rush Select program had 27 teams at the event. In the 2009-2011 age groups, the program had their regional teams from the Midwest, Northeast, South, and West regions. These teams competed head to head over the weekend along with the international talent of Canada for the 2010 and 2011 Boys and Bolivia for the 2009 and 2011 boys and 2010 girls. The results for the 2009-2011 groups were as follows and the current regional standings at:

2011/U13

Boys- Bolivia Rush
Girls- Northeast

2010/U14
Boys- South
Girls- South

2009/U15
Boys- Midwest
Girls- West

For the U16-U19 brackets the Rush Select teams faced off against some tough opponents. The Rush Select Academy hosted the event with three teams (2008 Boys, Gold Juniors, and 2005 Gold Seniors) playing matches. The Gold Seniors put on a show all weekend winning the U18/19 boys age bracket. For the U16 Boys, the Rush Select team battled for three wins and topped the group. On the girl’s side the Orlando City ECNL team came to play winning the group and only conceding 1 goal all weekend.

Overall the weekend was an incredible success. For the majority of the teams, the ability to stay on the resort and play matches was a huge plus. This allowed the game of the day matches to have a spirited and passionate atmosphere.

Next up for the Select teams is the PDT del Sol tournament in Phoenix, Arizona. The program will take 2 national teams per gender for the U13-U17 age groups and 1 national team for the U18 age group. This tournament is the group’s opportunity to compete against top outside opponents and be seen by College Coaches and the Rush Scouting staff.

We look forward to the International Rush Cup 2024!

Rush Secures Division 1 Team in Europe

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the heart of European soccer: Varazdin Rush, our newest first-division team.

In Croatia, a country of soccer passion and prowess, Varazdin Rush shines as a dream destination for Rush talent. “Little Vienna” – Varazdin’s historic charm, just an hour from Zagreb, sets the stage for greatness.

NK Varazdin is the perfect match for Rush, because it’s a stronghold of youth development, and propels players to top European leagues.

Through our Select Program and Rush Select Academy, we’re scouting talent for this extraordinary journey. Our Rush scouts will comb our entire Rush network and identify our best players.

The partnership goes beyond borders. Rush players and coaches will flourish through training, trials, and coaching events in Croatia. Varazdin Rush is rewriting the soccer narrative by helping create Europe’s new generation of talents.

This addition to the Rush Pyramid reinforces our player pathway. Stay up to speed with your new professional Rush team by visiting their website: https://nk-varazdin.hr/

Welcome Varazdin Rush!

Colorado R.E.A.C.H. Friendlies

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:30:00 GMT

In August 2023, Colorado Rush set up a series of friendly matches. The entry fee…a piece of equipment.

Each player was requested to bring a slightly used piece of equipment for the R.E.A.C.H. (Rush Equipment Assisting Children). This program is a 20-year-old program where Rush Soccer collects equipment to send to communities in need. This particular weekend brought in over 2,500 pieces.

In March 2024, Rush sent representatives to Colombia to donate all of this gear.

Jennifer Lohman, local Colorado R.E.A.C.H. Volunteer Coordinator (RVC) states, “With the new 2-year uniform cycle, we scheduled a R.E.A.C.H. collection at the August 2023 Denver Friendlies tournament here in Littleton, Colorado. We asked, and the RUSH community delivered! It was an AMAZING turnout and collection and we were truly blown away by the response and participation! True to the RUSH core values, sharing EMPATHY and compassion is the RUSH WAY! Generosity and kindness matter and together, we are making a tremendous impact! R.E.A.C.H. provides a great opportunity to donate your old gear for a great cause! THANK YOU, Colorado RUSH, for sharing compassion and kindness to so many!”

R.E.A.C.H. Director, Cara Murray adds, “The RVC’s (R.E.A.C.H. Volunteer Coordinators) are the heart and soul behind the program. Through collaboration with Sister Clubs and organizations in both local and international communities, the program is able to have a positive impact on the lives of many individuals in need. Their tireless efforts ensure that the equipment is collected and shipped to its destination safely and efficiently. The dedication and generosity of the volunteers truly make a difference in the world, and their commitment is appreciated by all involved in the R.E.A.C.H. program and the communities it serves.”

“Thank you, Thank you!” Rush Director of International Affairs, Tiago Calvano exclaims. “We have delivered 1,000’s and 1,000’s of pieces in 2023. We look forward to many more success stories….more gear, more smiles!”

Rush Equipment Assisting CHildren was established in 2004 as a humanitarian effort within Rush Soccer. Players donate used soccer gear and equipment, such as uniforms, cleats, and soccer balls, which are then shipped to Rush Soccer Clubs around the world. The program is celebrating its 20th anniversary and the fact that it has donated over 250,000 pieces of equipment since its inception. R.E.A.C.H. strives to donate more than 500,000 pieces by 2027.

Learn More about our R.E.A.C.H. Program

Xylem x Rush – Let’s Solve Water

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Exciting news! Xylem and Manchester City, in collaboration with Rush Soccer, are joining forces to educate Rush players on water sustainability. Xylem is a global water technology provider helping people solve the world’s toughest water challenges across many different markets worldwide.

Together, our goal is to create “Water Heroes” – a movement inspiring our Rush players to lead the way in global water sustainability.

Our Mission

Through our partnership, Rush Soccer and Xylem are committed to tackling worldwide water challenges. Together, we’ll create a lasting impact. Our goal is to empower our young athletes with the knowledge to make a positive change and advocate for a sustainable water future.

Join Us!

Join our journey by keeping an eye out for training sessions focused on water challenges and ways to get involved. Together, Let’s Solve Water!

Check out the Water Heroes website and become a Water Hero.

About Xylem Inc:

Xylem is a global water technology provider helping its customers solve the world’s toughest water challenges across utility, industrial, commercial, and residential markets worldwide. Over the last 100+ years, Xylem’s unique combination of innovative products and services, proven expertise, and unmatched customer support have been helping to create a more water-secure and resilient world.

About Rush Soccer:

Rush Soccer is an international sports organization focused on the overall development of soccer clubs and players globally. Rush Soccer has the largest network of professional clubs and academies in the world with over 150 organizations benefiting from a comprehensive club development curriculum that influences over 55,000 players, 4,000 coaches, and thousands of volunteers. This methodology is called “The Rush Way” and has helped produce more than 90 top-tier professional players, 30 national championships, as well as countless players being selected to represent their country at the national team level.

About Manchester City:

Manchester City FC is an English Premier League club initially founded in 1880 as St Mark’s West Gorton. It officially became Manchester City FC in 1894 and has since then gone on to win the European Cup Winners’ Cup, the UEFA Champions League, four League Championship titles, including seven Premier League titles (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), and seven FA Cups. Manchester City is one of eight teams comprising the City Football Group which includes New York City FC, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama F. Marinos, Club Atlético Torque, and FC Girona.

Rush Select Goes To Munich

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 16:50:00 GMT

Trip recap by Danny Poche, Girls Development Academy Director – Virginia Rush

Friday, May 19th: Today, all the players and coaches arrived in Munich and were met by fantastic tour guides from MZTA. After getting settled in, the team walked to nearby FC Teutonia Munchen facility to stretch and get in a light training session, and wrapped up the day with a team dinner at the hotel.

Saturday, May 20th: The players and parents visited downtown Munich to experience German culture, as well as sightseeing and shopping in the beautiful weather. In the evening, the players attended a Mindset Workshop led by a former NCAA Division 1 and Bundesliga player, before putting in hard work for a team training session to wrap up the night.

Sunday, May 21st: In the morning, the girls team had a great training session at the FC Teutonia training facility. That evening, the girls and parents attended a Bundesliga match at the beautiful WWK Arena, watching FC Augsburg vs BVB Dortmund.

Monday, May 22nd: The group toured Allianz Arena, home of FC Bayern Munich, including a tour of the locker room and pitch side. The girls wrapped up the day with a great friendly against FFC Wacker Munchen U15 girls, which included a jersey and gift exchange.

Tuesday, May 23rd: In the morning, the girls visited the campus of TSV 1860 Munchen to observe a professional team training session, and were able to meet the players afterwards. In the afternoon, the girls worked through a tough training session before eating a traditional German dinner at the clubhouse of FC Teutonia Munchen.

Wednesday, May 24th: In the morning, the players and families visited the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial and were able to learn about the history of the camp, walk through the camp and its exhibits, and commemorate the prisoners; it was a memorable experience for all who toured the memorial. In the afternoon, the team travelled to the FC Bayern Munich Campus to play against the FC Bayern Munich U16 girls team. After the game, the girls exchanged jerseys and gifts, and enjoyed a team dinner at the Campus restaurant.

Thursday, May 25th: The players had a recovery training session in the morning before departing to tour Munich with their families on their own schedule.

Friday, May 26th: The day kicked off with a fun players vs parents soccer game where the parents prevailed. The players and parents then loaded onto the bus to head to Tyrol, Austria, home of the International Cordial Cup. After dinner at a nearby restaurant, the girls headed to downtown St. Johann before marching into the stadium for the Opening Ceremony along with over a hundred other teams and thousands of players.

Saturday, May 27th: The opening day of the 12th International Girls Cordial Cup kicked off in Hopfgarten, with group play matches against FFC Wacker Munchen (Germany), FAC Landhaus (Austria), and SGS Essen (Germany). Against tough competition, the girls managed a 1-1-1 record in the group stage and qualified for the quarterfinals. After the final game of the day, the girls and parents took gondolas to the top of Salvenberg Mountain to enjoy the view and relax.

Sunday, May 28th : The girls played PKKU (Finland) and FC Koln (Germany) in the Placement round, going 1-1 for the day and placing 5th overall in the tournament. The girls exchanged gifts and contact information with several teams and cheered PKKU on to the finals. During the recognition ceremony, the girls received medals and applause from local teams as the only American team in the tournament. The girls then travelled back to St. Johann to watch the boys and girls championship matches, and cheered PKKU against SGS Essen in the girls final game. Players and parents wrapped up the day with the Closing Ceremony before departing for one last German dinner.

Partnership to Enhance Fundraising Initiatives in the Global Soccer Community

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 15:31:00 GMT

Rush National Soccer and Cogeo Forge Partnership to Enhance Fundraising Initiatives in the Global Soccer Community.

[New York, NY] – Rush National Soccer, one of the world’s leading youth soccer organizations, and Cogeo , a trailblazing fundraising firm, are proud to announce a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering fundraising efforts within soccer communities throughout the United States and Internationally. This collaboration brings together the expertise and resources of both organizations to empower clubs with innovative fundraising solutions supporting their programs, as well as facility and sports complex build-outs.

As part of this partnership, Cogeo will present during Rush Soccer’s upcoming national annual Summit Conference, where they will deliver invaluable insights through an engaging presentation and interactive session focused on effective fundraising strategies and select case studies. Cogeo’s expertise in this field will undoubtedly provide Rush clubs with the knowledge and tools necessary to begin their journey to maximizing their own fundraising potential.

In addition to their involvement in the annual Summit Conference, Cogeo will operate an exclusive webinar series dedicated to fundraising, tailor-made for Rush National Soccer Clubs. These webinars will serve as an invaluable resource for coaches, administrators, board members, and parents, equipping them with practical techniques to drive successful fundraising campaigns and sustainably support soccer programs at the grassroots through the highest competitive levels.

Moreover, Cogeo will be the official fundraising partner for all 125 Rush clubs worldwide, offering comprehensive support for any fundraising project they wish to undertake. By leveraging Cogeo’s expertise, systems, and technology, clubs will gain access to resources that will enable efficient and effective fundraising campaigns, empowering them to reach their financial-and-facility goals.

Patrick Sampson, CEO of Cogeo, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to join forces with Rush National Soccer, a renowned organization committed to fostering the growth of soccer globally. Together, we aim to formalize the way soccer clubs approach fundraising, empowering them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. By providing a comprehensive platform and sharing our expertise, we will create a lasting impact within the soccer community for generations to come.”

Pablo Toledo, Sporting Project Director for Rush Soccer, also expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “The collaboration between Rush Soccer and Cogeo marks a significant milestone in our organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting our clubs. Given the reach and network of Rush Soccer, I strongly believe in the potential impact of a well-developed fundraising area. With Cogeo’s expertise in fundraising and deep industry knowledge, we can equip our coaches, administrators, board members, and parents with the necessary skills to sustainably grow our programs and provide opportunities for young athletes worldwide.

Charlotte Burge: Blazing Her Own Path

Fri, 05 May 2023 16:04:00 GMT

Update 11/1/24:

Charlotte Burge, an 18-year-old standout in U.S. women’s soccer, has been called up to the U.S. Under-19 Women’s National Team, marking another milestone in her promising career. Known as the youngest professional goalkeeper in the country, Burge initially made headlines as the youngest keeper in the USL Super League while playing for Carolina Ascent. Her foundation was built through Virginia Rush, where she honed her skills over the past 15 years as a top-tier Rush Select player. She also trained extensively with USL League Two’s Virginia Beach United, further sharpening her abilities.

In addition to her club experiences, Burge has participated in numerous U.S. Youth National Team Identification Camps, positioning herself as a rising talent within the national landscape. Now, Burge joined the U.S. Under-19 Women’s National Team camp in West Palm Beach, Florida, under head coach Carrie Kveton. The camp ran from October 24-30 and was a crucial opportunity for her to demonstrate her growth on the national stage alongside some of the country’s most talented youth players.

And then there are players like Charlotte Burge, a 2006 goalkeeper from the Virginia Rush club who is choosing a different path.

“I’ve always had the mindset that I’m going to bypass the college path, the American dream,” Burge said. “That’s just not what I wanted. So, I just asked for help from the club, my goalkeeper coach at my home club Mike Kappas, and Matt Mittelstaedt, the Rush National Technical Director, to see what they could do for me.”

Those conversations led them to have a discussion with Raoul Voss, Rush’s Global Sporting Director, who opened up a pathway for Burge to connect with German club FFC Kaiserslautern.

And as Burge has broadened her horizons by playing abroad, she’s also broadening her soccer knowledge by training and playing for a European club that already has some glaring differences from what she’s accustomed to.

“Back home in the States, you get comfortable playing in small spaces and it’s important to learn to play that way,” Burge said. “But here in Germany, they use the entire field to train. So, I’m getting used to having a lot of space to play in, even though they might not be as good in small spaces. They’re able to hit a ball from this space here to a space across the field. It’s just opened the game up for me.”

However, Burge has found herself scrambling to figure out an off-the-field issue that has consequences for her on the field—the German language. Burge, who’s enrolled in an online education program that she tackles every morning, is also practicing hard on her German.

“I’m very vocal,” Burge said. “I speak my mind on the field and off it. I definitely take a leadership role when I’m on the field—but it’s kind of harder here.”

Because of the German—and the expectations on the goalkeeper as a vocal team leader, which isn’t quite the same.

“They don’t prioritize communication out of the back as much here,” Burge said. “So I’m speaking more than the goalkeeper that’s here already. And so I’m asking my center back, ‘Hey, how do I tell you to move up the field?’ or ‘How do I tell you to pass me the ball?’ There are simple phrases that I can speak in English, but I don’t know what to say in German. So, it makes my job harder and it just makes me think more, which is awesome honestly.”

But as astute as Burge is about what’s happening on the pitch, the 5-foot-9 goalkeeper has already made some keen observations about German culture as it relates to the country’s collective passion for the sport after attending some Kaiserslautern men’s matches.

“The German atmosphere—it’s something else,” Burge said. “I think Germans don’t have as much pride for their country because of their past, but Germans have so much pride for their clubs. They just love their club teams.

“So, when I went to the games, I was just in shock, seeing everyone being able to love the same thing and support such a phenomenal group of players—you don’t really have that in the United States at a professional level. Yes, you have people who are fans of an NFL team, but nothing compares to the big wall behind the goal of the fans who are crazy.”

Now, it’s Burge who’s dreaming of having that big wall of supporters behind her, cheering her on. And she feels like due to the opportunities she’s had through Rush that she’s prepared to pursue her not-so-American dream.

“I feel like through the club, I definitely matured at a young age,” Burge said. “I was always playing with girls who were older than me. So when I was 12, I went over to France to play with the 18-year-olds. Rush definitely gave me the opportunities to travel and become a young adult at an early age, and now being 16 and moving away from home, I feel like I’m definitely prepared for all of this.”

Rush Announces Deportivo Sardinal Rush in Costa Rica

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 22:39:00 GMT

Rush Select Makes History at PDT

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 20:34:00 GMT

Recently Rush Select formed national teams to compete at PDT to showcase their talents in front of college coaches as well as represent the Rush at the highest level.

The Rush Select teams, consisting of elite players from across the globe, competed in various age groups and emerged victorious with an impressive 9 championships. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the players, coaches, and staff involved in the program.

Championship-winning teams were:

The President’s Day Tournament is one of the largest and most prestigious youth soccer tournaments in the United States, attracting teams from all over the country. The Rush Select program had its most successful record in its 12-year history with 62 wins, only 14 losses, and 7 ties . Rush Soccer’s Global Sporting Director Raoul Voss said, “The groups this year looked very strong. We made a very big statement across the country that our Rush Select teams are some of the best out there. It really was an impressive weekend.” This notable record created the highest win and draw percentage in program history at 83%. The Rush faced tough competition in every game, but their skill, strategy, and teamwork helped them secure victory after victory.

The Rush Select program is renowned for its commitment to developing young players and providing them with opportunities to showcase their talent on a national and international stage. The success of the Rush Select teams in the President’s Day Tournament is a testament to the effectiveness of this approach, as well as the skill and dedication of the players and staff involved. With such impressive results, it is clear that the Rush Select program will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in youth soccer for years to come. Congratulations to all of the players that were selected for the event and kudos on making history for the program.

Overall, the program had a 62 – 14 – 7 (W – L – D) record.

Watch our PDT Recap video here!

Dreaming Big at Altitude

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 19:31:00 GMT

Kanas Rush striker Andres Tamayo enjoying the opportunity, to work at Altitude Rush

Andres Tamayo treated his trip from Wichita to play in Chicago at a Rush Select Center just like any other event he’d ever played in—just another chance to play the game he’s passionate about.

But that event was the moment the Rush Kansas 07 player found himself on the verge of embarking on a new journey—one that has guided him to the Altitude Rush Academy in Florida where he’s even more determined to achieve his goal of playing professionally.

“After (Rush CEO) Justin Miller saw me playing in Chicago, he talked to Raoul Voss about checking me out in St. Louis,” Tamayo recalled. “And that’s where they all saw me play. They wanted to watch me play one more time and went to watch me at a tournament in Phoenix … so they brought me down here to check this place out—and I’m glad they did.”

Tamayo, an 07 striker and attacking midfielder who started at the Rush club in Wichita at the age of 8, has high aspirations for his soccer career. Now he’s got a facility to match at the Altitude Rush program in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

“When I got here, it was a little difficult, being so far away from my family,” Tamayo said. “But I knew it was a great opportunity and I needed to take it. So, I prepared myself for that and eventually I got used to it.”

Not that it took him long. The complete immersion in academics and soccer at the boarding school program was something Tamayo craved.

“We’re training every day, sometimes on weekends as well,” Tamayo said. “And then games every week, if not, every other week. … The coaches here are top-class, always demanding the best from their players.

“The physical trainers are amazing, the teachers are great as well. … So my days are pretty busy, always training and school, but there are a lot of players out there who don’t get the luxury of training every single day. And for me to be able to train twice a day, every day? It’s out of this world. It’s amazing.”

Tamayo has found the structure has fostered a more disciplined approach to the game.

“Definitely discipline and hard work,” Tamayo said in regard to what he’s learned while at the academy. “Those two things come into play a lot. You could have all the time in the world, but if you don’t want to push yourself, you’re not going to get any better. You know these coaches, they’re always pushing you. And I can tell that they’re doing a good job because I’m getting a lot better.”

Tamayo had the chance to bond with his new teammates this fall over watching the 2022 World Cup.

“We were able to watch the World Cup games,” Tamayo said. “We would get together as a team and watch them. It was some great moments and a great environment.”

So far, Tamayo’s favorite moment was when his coaches at the academy invited him to play with the program’s top team and see what he could do.

“We were halfway through our fall season and I don’t know where I got a call from coach Tom and he told me to get ready because I was going to be playing with the gold team that weekend. And I was like, ‘Wow, I’m 15 playing with these 18-, 19 year-olds.’ I feel like I’m definitely doing something right and I just need to keep going and with as much time left that I have, I can definitely do something with it.”

But Tamayo is excited to see what that will be.

“I would like to see where this leads and where the academy takes me,” Tamayo said. “I’m excited for the future and I can’t wait.”

Rush Select PDT 2023 Rosters

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 17:55:00 GMT

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Don’t miss out on the highly anticipated return of the Rush Select Program in February! 22 teams will go head to head in the Presidents Day Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona from Feb 17-20. See the best players from Rush compete with top talent from across the organization. Watch as boys and girls teams from U13 to U18 take the field, with full national teams for U13-U17 and one team per gender for U18. The select staff has carefully chosen the best coaches from Rush to lead the way. Get ready for roster announcements and in-depth coverage from Phoenix, Arizona. Follow Rush Soccer and Rush Select on Instagram to stay in touch with the action!”

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Rush Futsal – Brazil Summer Camp

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 02:03:00 GMT

Earn a chance to attend a futsal summer camp in Sao Paolo, Brazil

Rush Futsal will be hosting regional ID Camps to form teams for the 2023-2024 Futsal campaign. Identified players will have the opportunity to attend a futsal immersion camp in Sao Paolo, Brazil this summer and will form the nucleus of the teams for the upcoming season. We plan to have West, East, and Central region teams that will compete in United Futsal’s Champions Cup Series and/or USYF Regional and National events. The targeted age groups will be:

2009/2010 Boys and Girls
2011/2012 Boys and Girls
2013/2014 Boys and Girls
2015/2016 Coed

Rush Futsal encourages all players to embrace futsal as a key development supplement to soccer. Futsal is a fun, fast-paced game that rewards creativity and anticipation; attributes that are essential for success in soccer. Most of the great soccer players point to futsal as the key foundation to their success.

Upcoming camps:

Central Region
San Antonio ID Camp
San Antonio, Texas Feb 10-12

More ID camps will continue to come online in January, February, and March of 2023. If you are interested to host an ID Camp, would like to become a Rush Futsal coach, or have any questions regarding the initiative, Please contact: Chris Rue at crue@rushsoccer.com

International Rush Cup Canadian Select Rosters

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:50:00 GMT

Boys 2010

Boys 2009

Boys 2008

Boys 2007/06

Boys & Girls 2006

Boys & Girls 2005

An Interview With Reese Kloetzer

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 18:25:00 GMT

Name? Reese Kloetzer

Local Rush Club? Twin Cities Rush

How long have you been a Rush Player?

We entered into the Rush Environment in 2021, so this will be my second year as a Rush player. Before joining the Rush Program, we were Blaine Soccer Club, of which I played for an additional 3 years.

How do you feel the Northeast Cup and Showcase went for you?

I felt that the Northeast Cup Showcase went extremely well for me. I was grateful for the opportunity within Rush to have coaches correspond, and coordinate my ability to play that weekend as college coaches from the East Coast were there to see us play. I gained a lot of confidence coming out of that showcase and walked away with a few college contacts and many lifelong fast friends. Bonus: I’ll now get to see them play, or I’ll be playing against them!

What made that weekend so special?

This is a hard one to just name one. Looking back, it was the jump start to being recruited to Post University. The coaches and players for the VA Rush and other clubs have high respect for Post, and I was excited that they saw me play in all 3 games. This wouldn’t have been made possible without the VA Rush team allowing me to seamlessly join them. To have a “new kid” join a team, play for only a weekend, and treat me as “one of them” was incredibly humbling to experience. I not only walked away with more experience but more teammates that are now my friends I chat with weekly, if not daily. I teared up a little when I sent my text to the head coach letting him know that I committed to Post University, to have several players send me screenshots of the sweet, sincere, and funny (I can’t help this Minnesota accent) of congratulations. That meant the world to me!

What did you learn from other players at the event?

The other Rush players, coaches, and teams were so supportive on and off the field. They were very respectful and had great sportsmanship.

What advice would you give to a younger Rush player?

Cherish the time you have with your teammates and coaches, time flies by fast. Don’t take any day for granted. Keep reaching for your goals, and train every practice like it’s your last time on the field. Stick with it and don’t let anyone doubt you. Use that doubt to work even harder tomorrow, to prove them wrong. Go to all of the showcases and guest play with as many teams as you can by reaching out to your coach, or your Club’s CAP representative. You will gain many new professional and personal friends, as well as learn so much about other styles of play and players worldwide!!

What does it mean to you to sign for Post University?

It means a lot to me to sign to Post. I have worked so hard to get to where I am today. I’m told I “grind” the hardest and “most passionate” by most people who know me or have played against me. I travel 120 miles round trip 3-4 times a week to practice, and that doesn’t include games and tournaments. I set goals for myself, and with the help of my family, friends, coaches, and teammates; The dream to play on the East Coast at the next level has been made possible.

Any other comments in regards to the select program?

The Rush Select program is one of my favorite parts of Rush. I have gotten so much exposure with Rush Select and I am extremely grateful for that. Learning quickly how to fit into the team’s formation and the skill of play. Soccer IQ is put to the test, but trust your coach and the players that all have the same goal; to win. That’s what’s so beautiful about the game of soccer, even though we are “strangers,” as soon as we hit the pitch, we all know our parts to play to be successful as a team. I have made so many lifelong friends and gotten to know many of the Rush coaches around the country. It’s a very, very cool program to be a part of. I really love being able to be exposed to different styles of coaching, pushing my skills to the limit, as well as, getting the same opportunities as others in the Rush program. A great example of this is that my home club team is playing NPL, however, I’m playing with ECNL, GA, and international teams. I will definitely miss playing for Rush next year, but I will never forget the memories I have made!

New Pathway Opportunities

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 16:10:00 GMT

International Rush Cup Select Team Rosters

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 19:40:00 GMT

International Rush Cup Select Team Rosters

The Rush Select program is proud to announce the Select team rosters for the 2022 International Rush Cup. The event will take place in Tampa, Florida December 1-4. The 2008-10 Select teams will play in regional team battles to determine which region is the strongest. While the 2005-2007 Select team will take on some of the top national and international teams. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting weekend

BOYS & GIRLS 2010

BOYS & GIRLS 2009

BOYS & GIRLS 2008

BOYS & GIRLS 2007

A Life-Changing Opportunity

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 17:51:00 GMT

Ernestina Ofori thriving after moving from Ghana to the U.S. for soccer

Growing up in Ghana, Ernestina Ofori fell in love with soccer at a very young age. And it didn’t take her long to realize how soccer was more than just a game—it was a pathway to a different kind of life.

“I wanted to play in college,” Ofori said. “That was a dream of mine since I was a kid. And when this opportunity came up, I was very happy because this was what I was waiting for.”

Ofori’s opportunity came in the form of a scholarship to play for the University of Providence, an NAIA school in Great Falls, Montana. And it was an opportunity that arose with the help of the Rush Changes Lives program.

Actively pursuing any opportunity to play in the U.S., Ofori reached out through her Instagram account ( @tina_eso8 ) with Jennifer Cudjoe, an RCL ambassador, and fellow Ghanaian. Cudjoe watched Ofori’s footage and immediately wanted to help her find a place to continue her development as a player as well as further her education.

“I had a lot of help from Rush,” Ernestina said. “Jennifer and Raoul Voss were both incredibly helpful. Even with the time difference between Ghana and the U.S., they were able to work with me, sticking with me from beginning to end in providing all the information I needed to get the process going.”

Ofori, who enrolled as a freshman this summer at Providence, is pursuing a degree in sports management with the hopes of coaching soccer, a career path she foresees after she accomplishes her more immediate goal of playing professionally.

Growing up playing against boys, Ofori found out she had a knack for the game early. And it was playing against faster and stronger players that helped develop her into the player she is now.

“By the time I was 13, I had a lot of experience playing with guys,” she said. “And when I joined a local academy, it wasn’t as difficult of a transition for me. The biggest challenge was learning to balance my education and soccer.”

And that’s still Ofori’s biggest challenge.

“My family said that I couldn’t just play soccer—I had to learn too,” she said. “I had to do both well. And it took some time to adjust here, but I’m doing well at the moment.”

Ofori, who is the only girl in her family who plays soccer, says she’s grateful to find a soccer family in the U.S.

“I miss my family back home but with me here I have coaches and teammates around who are like my family,” she said. “I don’t really miss home as much because they make me feel at home here and they act as my family and take good care of me, making sure I’m always fit to train and have time to study.”

As Ofori is in the midst of such an incredible opportunity, she already is looking forward to her chance to return the favor for another aspiring Ghanaian player.

“I want to help others too,” she said. “Coming from Ghana to the United States on your own is very difficult. But with the support from a foundation such as Rush, it’s easy to get into the United States to study and play. And I really want to help other players in the future.”

To learn more about the Rush Changes Lives program, visit the website here .

A Dream Come True

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 16:20:00 GMT

Jennifer Cudjoe changing lives on the field—and off it, too

When Jennifer Cudjoe left her homeland determined to play soccer in the United States a decade ago, the Ghanaian didn’t have a team of people to help her find a school and navigate the mountains of paperwork and prerequisites necessary to enroll.

Fortunately, the current NY/NJ Gotham FC midfielder had a sister, but without her, Cudjoe admits the process would’ve been much more daunting.

“She actually saw the way somebody did it for her,” said Cudjoe, whose older sister had already been through the process of applying for schools in the U.S.—and successfully so. “She actually helped me fill out my paperwork,” Cudjoe said. “I had no idea what I was doing. So when I got here and I started getting more of an understanding, asking questions, and just literally getting to know more about how to help college players and all of that.”

Now, Cudjoe is helping others, working as an ambassador for the Rush Changes Lives program.

When she’s not playing, Cudjoe is giving back to her community in many ways, including helping aspiring soccer players from her homeland find U.S. colleges that are willing to put them on a roster and give them a chance to play and get a first-rate education.

“Being a part of Rush Changes Lives has meant a lot to me,” Cudjoe said. “It felt like a dream come true. I’ve always had that feeling of wanting to be something, you know, be part of something.”

Cudjoe, who shares footage of Ghanaian players with college coaches in the U.S., wasn’t shy about stating the kind of fulfillment she’s experienced by working with the program.

“It means a lot that I can actually look back and actually take money from my own pocket and buy shoes for somebody—or even provide some sort of accommodation for some event,” she said. “Even the little things mean so much because, at the end of the day, I’m changing someone’s life. This is the biggest impact on others’ lives that I feel like I’ve accomplished in my life.”

Cudjoe also likes providing encouragement and emotional support for fellow Ghanaian players who end up in the U.S., remembering how difficult it was for her when she first started playing on the collegiate level.

“It wasn’t easy,” she said. “Even the decision to leave my family and just focus on my dreams was difficult. I feel like for me as a younger player I had this picture in my head like you have your future in your hands, and you kind of have to have something that you hold onto to keep you. And then there were times when I missed home. But I wanted to be better, I wanted to be able to get to the next step. So I think, I just let myself go out and make memories, make friends and just learn from them to be able to navigate through my process.”

To learn more about the program and how you can support it, visit rushchangeslives.com

The post A Dream Come True appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Reaching Out, Giving Back

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 21:25:00 GMT

Reaching Out, Giving Back

New REACH program leader aiming for better awareness, more involvement

Cara Murray, the new Rush REACH coordinator, likes the concept of giving back, something she practices in her personal life. Now, she’s tasked with inspiring Rush nation to do the same. And she’s looking forward to the challenge.

“My background was in volunteer work before I returned to the workforce,” said Cara, who serves as the administrator of the recreation program for Union Rush in the Atlanta area. “And I think everybody should give back something, especially when you do have something to give. I’ve found it’s amazing how much we receive in other ways when we take the time to give.”

The REACH program has focused on providing Rush clubs in less privileged areas of the world with uniforms and equipment for players and coaches. And Cara intends to continue the program’s mission—just with more focused communication and awareness of the program to expand it.

“I want to make the information more easily accessible to the clubs, as well as to the parents,” Cara said. “I don’t think a lot of people understand REACH and are very confused when the information comes out about the collections. I can’t even tell you the stuff that we get as opposed to the stuff that we really need. There are just too many things that are being collected that aren’t usable, so we want to fix that so we’re getting more usable donations that are beneficial to these clubs.”

Since coming on board to lead REACH, Cara has discovered one of the biggest needs is uniforms for older players, which prove to be more difficult to get donated.

“A lot of times, our collections are more of the younger kids kits when really it’s the older players kids that we need,” Cara said. “But I think initiatives for those older teams would be helpful, ones that would be club based. We want to get everyone on the teams involved so they’re all working together. If the kids understand what’s happening, then they’re going to pressure the parents to do exactly what’s needed to achieve participation from everyone.”

To learn more about Rush’s REACH program or to serve as a REACH volunteer coordinator for your local club, visit https://rushsoccer.com/reach .

Developmental Heaven

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 19:17:00 GMT

Developmental Heaven

Altitude Rush coach Thomas Durkin dishes on the benefits of the new program.

As Rush Soccer endeavors to create more pathways for players to achieve their goals on the pitch, the new partnership between Rush and Altitude Academies is poised to serve players like never before in the club’s history.

Thomas Durkin, who’s been coaching at academy, collegiate, and professional levels for 40 years, will be leading the Altitude Rush residency academy program.

Durkin coached at world-renowned IMG Academies for 15 years when Greg Breunich working in tandem with owner Mark McCormack, turned a tennis school into one of the world’s premier athletic residency academies. Breunich, who has since assumed the reins at Altitude, convinced Durkin to join him.

“I’m back because I’m excited about this project,” Durkin said. “We’re a full-time residency program and we’re just trying to accelerate the development of players through increasing the number of training sessions that they do and adding important ancillary services like speed, agility, quickness, strength, conditioning training, and mental conditioning on a weekly basis. And then we’re launching a few more platforms this year for biometrics and match analysis. So we’re pretty excited and very much excited to move forward with Rush.”

Durkin, who coached collegiately at Rutgers among other places as well as a professional women’s team, finds developing young players very satisfying.

“I’ve enjoyed every realm that I’ve coached on every level, but the exciting thing about this is the day-to-day and being able to see the growth and development of an athlete,” Durkin said. “Our goal is to keep an athlete for five years, basically from eighth grade through twelfth grade, and now with Rush with hopes of launching a USL team into USL One or the USL Championship league, we can move those players on to professional soccer.”

Durkin also likes the environment that’s being created at Altitude, one that’s he experienced during his early days at IMG.

“In Florida when you hit October, early November, the weather is absolutely perfect,” Durkin said. “And when it’s the ideal time of day, I would just tingle because I felt like I was in Europe or South America. And with the help of Rush, I think we can build that culture again here at this academy.”

The Altitude Rush residency program runs ten months each year through the traditional fall and spring academic semester calendar. In line with Rush’s development philosophy, student-athletes will get between 60 and 70 games each year. But there will be other opportunities as well for shorter experiences for players to get some intense training or just a taste of what academy life would be like. Altitude Rush will offer summer camps that last three weeks at a time as well as short-time campers, who can attend the academy for two weeks at a time during their school breaks.

Durkin is a firm believer that putting players in such an environment will lead to future success.

“You’re in an atmosphere here with like-minded people who are trying to succeed and get further ahead,” Durkin said. “And then when you pair that with all the resources and the ancillary services we have here, you’re able to develop a plan that suits the player.”

The attention to detail and the ability to coach at such a granular level is something Durkin sees as the key to speeding up a player’s development.

“We do a lot with movement in our warm-up everyday—speed, agility, quickness—and when the players master the movement, their soccer training takes off dramatically,” Durkin said. “For example, in our soccer training, if we’re doing a topic on defending, we would probably start with multi-directional speed and we’ll use that as a platform and show how that relates to what you’re going to do. Now drop step and turn in closing down and getting into a set position.

“And with a really good feedback loop and video analysis and filming games and being able to isolate on the individual, it puts the player in a near-impossible situation to fail. It puts them in a position to succeed and that’s what we want.”

To learn more about Altitude Rush, visit Altitude Rush Boarding Academy

A License To Learn

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 17:43:00 GMT

Juan Castellanos, the technical director with Rush Union in Atlanta, went to Argentina this summer with four other Rush coaches, working on achieving either their B or C licenses as part of the Menotti school. César Luis Menotti, who led Argentina to a World Cup championship in the 1978 tournament, has been globally respected for his style of coaching for more than fifty years.

Castellanos and the other attendees started the process by working on their online portion of the school, lasting several months. Then in June, they traveled to Argentina for a week-long intensive course.

But it wasn’t all spent in the classroom. Coaches had the opportunity to observe as well as run training sessions.

“The experience these coaches have is amazing,” Castellanos said. “We had Fernando Signorini, the fitness coach for Diego Maradona for fourteen years, working with us. Just so much experience and knowledge from all the coaches—and it was very well organized.”

While they also ventured out and had the opportunity to experience plenty of Argentinian culture, the icing on the cake was a visit to two of Argentina’s top clubs, Racing Club and Boca Juniors.

“At Racing, we met with different coaches and directors of coaching,” Castellanos said. “We went there two times to watch different sessions and were on the sidelines with the coaches to see the training sessions.”

The group of Rush coaches also attended Racing’s match against River Plate on the weekend as well as attended a training session at Boca Juniors.

Castellanos said he would encourage other Rush coaches seeking to earn a higher license and get a different coaching perspective to attend the ATFA school.

“The Rush Way is very much aligned with the Menotti philosophy, which is helpful for Rush coaches,” Castellanos said. “But the whole experience was amazing. From the moment you get off the plane, you’re in a country that has so much history and culture around the game that you can just feel it.

“It was eye-opening to us and probably brought us back to reality a little bit as you watch the level that their youth players are training at compared to what we do here. But it was great to have an open conversation with their instructors about the different challenges we’re all facing with the teaching the game. It was nice to have that exchange with them.”

If you’re interested in attending this school, contact Rush’s Sporting Project Director, Pablo Toledo at ptoledo@l67.c54.myftpupload.com.

Inaugural International Rush Cup Set for December 2022

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 18:00:00 GMT

Inaugural International Rush Cup Set for December 2022

As Rush continues to expand its global footprint, one of the most exciting results of such growth is the inaugural International Rush Cup, scheduled for December 1-4, 2022, in the Tampa, Florida area.

International Rush Cup (IRC), the club’s most elite event, will pit both domestic and international clubs against each other in a top-tier tournament that will attract college coaches and scouts. Rush Select teams will also be present for the event, showcasing some of the club’s rising young stars.

“Long term we want this to be the World Cup of sorts for all Rush teams across the globe,” Rush COO Justin Miller said. “We want to create an unparalleled location for college coaches and professional scouts to see the top talent within the Rush. This is why we have centered the event around our Select teams. We are excited for this inaugural event and to watch it grow from here.”

Along with college coaches, scouts from professional and semi-professional teams Flatirons Rush, Vfl Wolfsburg, Minnesota United FC, HB Koge, Aurora FC, Colorado Rush, Bluffton Rush of the WPSL, Cedar Rush Stars, Medricher SV 02 Duisburg, and Virginia Beach United will be in attendance.

IRC will also feature a three-day coaching education workshop for all Rush coaches led by Pablo Toledo, Rush Soccer’s Sporting Project Director, and the club’s top technical staff. This hands-on workshop will provide coaches at any level with tools to sharpen their training sessions and help better develop players.

Attending players will also have the opportunity to participate in a college recruitment class led by Rush’s College Advisory directors.

To register or learn more about IRC, visit https://rushtournaments.com/international-rush-cup/

Rush coach Nicole Lukic has Minnesota Aurora FC on cusp of USL W title

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 21:12:00 GMT

Nicole Lukic never played for a Rush soccer club while growing up, but she has a firm grasp of what the Rush way is all about—and now she’s imparting that knowledge to the next generation of players.

Lukic, who currently serves as the director of operations at Twin Cities Rush, was tapped to coach the Minnesota Aurora FC team in the inaugural season of the USL W, a women’s pre-professional league associated with the USL. On Saturday, Minnesota Aurora FC will host South Georgia Tormenta FC in the league final.

And as Lukic, who starred collegiately at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has become a rising star in her own right in the soccer coaching community, she credits her experience with Rush as one of the major factors in helping her develop her coaching skills.

“I started at Rush Wisconsin West as a director of a club with really no director experience at all,” said Lukic, who was named the USYS Midwest competitive boys coach of the year in 2021. “My biggest experience was coaching club teams so that was a significant jump for me. I honestly feel like because I was connected to Rush, I was able to be successful. Immediately I was thrown into this pool of other directors from all across the country who were very knowledgeable, very skilled, very experienced that I could reach out to and get good resources or good feedback and advice from. I was part of the Rush mentorship program when that started, and I was lucky to be paired with a lot of experienced people in that program.”

Lukic continued to hone her coaching skills in the Rush Select program.

“With Rush Select, I was immediately thrown into a pool of much higher-level coaches than myself and being able to learn from them. So I would say definitely that being in the Rush network has definitely grown my skills and has given me resources that I probably wouldn’t have had with another club.”

Lukic also took advantage of the Rush system to help build her roster for the Minnesota Aurora FC, inviting the Rapp triplets—Cat, Rami, Eli—and Shelby Hopeau, all former Rush players she coached in the Select program. The continuity from being developed in a similar system has paid dividends on the field in acclimating to a new team, too.

“This has definitely been a good experience for me knowing that I have people from the same club, same experiences as me, growing up throughout the club developing just as much as I was and having like the same soccer experience and same style of play,” said Shelby Hopeau, a midfielder who played for Hawaii Rush.

Hopeau was also joined by Colorado Rush’s Rapp triplets—Catherine, Rami, and Elizabeth—at Minnesota Aurora FC this summer.

“Getting to interact with all these different coaches who are mostly on the same page about how they want to develop players has been very good,” said Catherine Rapp, who signed with Florida International.

“I feel like it’s a great step for us going into college,” said Elizabeth Rapp, an Oklahoma signee. “The level is really high and practice is really intense. It’s just a great way to continue developing. I had goals like what I wanted to do when I came here, I wanted to get better as a player and I feel like after this, I can definitely say that I will be a much better player.”

“We love playing for Nicole,” said Rami Rapp, who’s joining her sister at Oklahoma this fall. “We played for her a few years back (with Rush Select) and it’s been great getting to play for her again. I like this league a lot because it’s really competitive and we have to travel around and play some good teams and people who are also in college. And I think that it’s a good experience for us and Just think the league is good for women’s soccer.”

Lukic believes the new USL W-League has an opportunity to open up new pathways for players to progress in the development on the field, just like it has for her off the field.

“A lot of female soccer players don’t see coaching as a realistic option for them, probably because they do not see a lot of female coaches,” Lukic said. “There’s been plenty of times where I’ve questioned myself like, what am I doing? As I continue to get older, I see less and less older female coaches too. And I do think that can be a barrier for female athletes to see themselves as a coach.

“But for me, I was very lucky to be surrounded by a lot of supportive men who were welcoming to female coaches, which I think is also an equally important topic that doesn’t often get discussed. I feel really fortunate to have great male role models that have helped me grow as a coach and have given me advice and have had the courage to give me critical feedback.”

While the future is bright for women’s soccer in the U.S., Lukic also hopes that gives rise to more women coaching in the future as well.

“I think first and foremost we need good coaches to stay around and coaches who are in it for the right reason,” Lukic said. “But I would love to see more female coaches. And right now, I work with an all-female staff at Minnesota Aurora, which is something I’ve never had the opportunity to do, and it’s really different—and it’s a lot of fun, to be honest.”

Opportunities Abound Overseas

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 16:20:00 GMT

Rush clubs and individual players interested in venturing into new frontiers on the soccer pitch have plenty of opportunities awaiting. All it takes is contacting Rush Travel, led by Sheryl Hopeau.

“If you want to travel to play or train in the Alps, Italy, Costa Rica, or Spain, we can create a number of packages designed to the needs of club teams or individual players,” Hopeau said.

Hopeau oversees a team that handles all the logistics so clubs and players only have to worry about the thing they love the most—playing soccer.

“We take care of all the details,” Hopeau said. “We make sure that everyone is properly registered for going in and out of the countries, make sure that their roster is filled, planning weekly meetings to make sure everyone has their itineraries and travel checklists. We cover Covid protocols for returning to the states, handle accounting, and set up a What’s App communication thread so we can communicate throughout the trip, taking care of any problems that might come up.”

Hopeau and her team can customize any of the pre-arranged packages they have, ranging anything from one week to nine weeks.

“We have different packages that we can adjust to any time frame,” Hopeau said. “Most of our travel happens during the summer, but if a club comes to us and wants to travel at a different time, we can create any package the club wants.”

For more information on Rush Travel and to check out some of the available packages and pricing, visit https://rushsoccer.com/rush-travel .

New Opportunities Abound for Rush Select Players

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 17:01:00 GMT

Entry into USYS’s E64 League will provide more exposure for players in a high-stakes environment

Even as spring seasons are wrapping up across the country, Rush Soccer’s Select program is poised to make its fall program even more competitive after getting accepted into USYS’s new E64 league.

Michael Ritch, one of Rush Soccer’s National Technical Directors, explained how Rush’s entrance into the E64 will present more opportunities for higher levels of competition for Rush Select players across the country.

“This opportunity provides us the ability to kind of group together and really show what we can do and get our top players out there to be seen,” Ritch said. “We get them what they need from an exposure standpoint. But also you really see what that next level is like for them so they can develop and really press towards what they’re going to be.”

E64’s season will consist of a 14-game regular season and will include two showcase events as well as an end-of-the-season playoff, providing Rush Select players with more exposure and opportunities for development.

This unique structure also enables Rush Select some flexibility for the staff as well as for the players and their families.

“What USYS has allowed us to do is kind of create bigger pools than your normal team would be,” Ritch said. “So what it allows for is a club—say Mississippi Rush—that may have a tournament on the singular weekend when there’s an Elite 64 competition and their players may not be widely available, while maybe Coastal or Cajun Rush would be free and allows us to pull those players from those clubs to really fill out that roster.

“Obviously, you want as much continuity as you can, but it will also give us the flexibility to manage the travel aspect for parents and players as well as the financial piece there for them as well so everyone doesn’t have to commit to every single thing that’s happening.

“We can really see how our teams do when they’re in that merged environment, competing for a trophy over the course of the year versus showing up for regional events where they play the other regions.”

The Rush Select events will remain in place as the E64 will simply provide an additional playing experience. Heading into the inaugural 2022 fall season, two Rush clubs—Lobos Rush in west Tennessee and Idaho Rush in Boise—will compete in the league along with two Rush Select teams, Select Desert and Select South.

“The beautiful thing here is, if you’re in a Rush Club, you have access to this,” Ritch said. “We can pull players in from all over the country within that network and utilize that big player pool. So, keep an eye out, keep an ear out for what we’re doing and how it’s kind of evolving and over the next couple months we’ll be able to share a bit more.”

Former Rush Player Wins Epsana Cup in Greece

Mon, 23 May 2022 17:11:00 GMT

Rush Soccer is pleased to announce that 2005 born Costa Iliadis, former Rush Canada Academy player, has won the EPSANA Cup with Aris Voulas in Greece.

Costa is a strikingly skillful winger who spent several seasons with Rush Canada’s 2005 team before signing for the prestigious Panathinaikos Academy in Greece. After several successful seasons with Panathinaikos, last fall, Costa decided to move to Aris Voulas in search of a valuable first-team experience.

The move proved to be worthwhile, since Costa made numerous first-team appearances and helped his team win the EPSANA Cup and finish third in the league.

Rush Technical Director Slobodan Pavlovic added, “Although Costa is only 16 years old, he was promoted to play with the senior team and was instrumental in the club’s recent success. Costa has ambitions to play professionally in Europe and works hard on his abilities to satisfy the highest standards set for players in the top European leagues.”

Congratulations Costa!

Morgan Huff Finding Stride in Germany

Mon, 09 May 2022 20:22:00 GMT

Colorado Rush 05 striker playing this spring with FFC Kaiserslautern

With aspirations of playing professionally, Morgan Huff was eager to get a taste of playing in Europe. And when the opportunity recently arose, she jumped at it.

Huff, an 05 player with the Colorado Rush club, is spending her spring season with the FFC Kaiserslautern U17 team. The club’s women’s team has signed Rush alum in the past, but this was the first time it invited a youth player to join one of their teams.

“The club reached out to Rush and was looking for some help to get promoted into the highest level of German youth soccer, so when they asked me if I was interested, I was ready to go,” Huff said.

It took her a couple of weeks to find a rhythm with her teammates, but she quickly found some chemistry.

“At first I was just training with the youth team and then I had a chance to do some extra training with the older girls, which really helped me,” the striker said.

“It was kind of a hard transition at first, but I got used to it and feel like I’m doing a lot better with it now. This experience is definitely something that’s going to develop my soccer IQ and help take me to another level by being able to understand teams and other players much better and adapt easier.”

She’s also had to adjust to a different style of play.

“They play a lot more risky soccer than we play in the U.S.,” Huff said. “They push more players up top and depend on just one or two players at the back to defend against any counters. But they want you to try and shoot more and drive at players. They really want more individual effort on the ball but still play a lot of ball into the middle from crosses, which is similar to what we do at home.”

Huff, who is staying with her mother in an apartment provided by the club, has taken a little longer to adjust to the language. And her first name—which is also the German word for “morning”—has created some amusing situations.

“I’m just now learning the basics of German,” she said. “And I’m trying to connect with the girls, so I’ve sometimes heard them saying what I thought was my name and wondered what they were saying about me. But then I’d ask what was going on and I’d find out they were just talking about what they were doing that morning.”

Aside from the language barrier, she’s finding the experience to be a valuable one.

“It’s a little different visiting a country as compared to living in a completely different culture,” she said. “We’ve had to learn how to navigate the public transportation system here, which is different. And grocery shopping can be a challenge too. But this is going to help me in the future being able to adapt wherever I end up playing if I play outside the U.S.”

New REACH Coordinator – Welcome John Collins

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 16:35:00 GMT

Rush’s new REACH director Johnny Collins bringing fresh ideas to vital club program

It’s hard to imagine anyone understanding the importance of soccer outreach more than Coach Johnny Collins. He’s traveled the world for over two decades coaching soccer in various cultures sharing his passion for the game and love for people.

It’s also hard to imagine anyone getting a more difficult start on life than Coach Johnny either.

Coach Johnny, who was recently named Rush’s new Outreach Coordinator and will be overseeing the R.E.A.C.H. program, was born in South Korea and moments later left to die in a trash can before he was rescued and eventually adopted by an American family.

While growing up in the United States, he developed into a good soccer player, playing at a Division 1 school before losing his scholarship his junior year after a compound fracture to his ankle. Realizing that his playing days were over, he embarked on a journey to do what he considered the next best thing to playing—coaching.

Coach Johnny moved overseas and spent the next 24 years coaching in almost every imaginable climate among almost every imaginable group of players. He coached in Korea, Papua New Guinea, Japan, Kenya, China, Malaysia, Kuwait, Singapore, Australia and Indonesia, to name a few. He’s coached players on U.S. military bases, Somalian refugees, homeless kids in the Philippines, and orphans in Vietnam. He even once organized a girls soccer tournament in Kuwait during Ramadan.

Over the past six years, he’s worked with the U.S. State Department as part of its Sports Envoy team. And this summer he’s going to Kyrgyzstan to help coach there as well.

Last month Coach Johnny started working with the Altitude Rush soccer program in Florida, living in the U.S. for the first time since he left college to pursue his coaching dream overseas. And while his journey has been anything but conventional, he’s embraced the twists and turns of his journey that often has him wondering where he’ll end up next.

“Life is an adventure, right?” Coach Johnny said with a wry grin.

But if there’s one thing that Coach Johnny has seen during his travels, it’s how soccer is a universal language that connects people of all ages from vastly different cultures. He’s also seen the need for good uniforms and equipment.

“The Rush R.E.A.C.H. program as it is has been important so players who don’t have access to nice uniforms and equipment can get what they need,” Coach Johnny said. “But there’s also so much more we can tap into as an organization by helping with all kinds of needs, not only abroad but also in our own communities.

“We’re not going to lose the focus of getting equipment and uniforms to players who need it, but I’m excited about some of the changes that will make REACH a much more robust program and spur players on to become even better citizens in their own communities.

“For example, it’d be great if a bunch of Rush players went out and picked up trash along the highway or cleaned up around their rivers. We have a great opportunity here to be known for more than just soccer.”

To learn more about Rush’s R.E.A.C.H. program, visit the website here .

Select 08 Boys Blue – Dallas Cup Recap

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 18:21:00 GMT

The 08 Boys Blue team took part in the Dallas Cup this past week. Overall it was a very successful event for the boys. They started in group play facing off again the Houston Dynamo academy. The boys executed a very good press scoring 4 goals and winning 4-1.

The next day the team was up against DKSC. This was a tough opponent that had big strong physical players and unfortunately, the boys gave up an early goal and could not find the net after that losing 1-0.

The last game of group play was against Concorde Fire. They had yet to win a game in the group but were a very well-organized team and had some solid attacking players. The boys were motivated to score and win as 1st place and a spot in the quarterfinals was still in reach. The first half saw two nice crosses from the right that lead to two very good header goals and another goal to seal it in the second half.

We turned our attention to the other game in the group where a Houston win over DKSC would see us go through. Thankfully Dynamo pulled out a 1-0 victory which allowed us to advance to play Dallas Texans in the quarterfinals. This was a hard-fought game with both teams not giving up much. Unfortunately, the Texans found a small chance with 10 minutes left in the game and scored. The boys battled to the end but could not come up with an answer.

Overall the coaching staff was proud of the fight in the group and how quickly they jelled as a team. The Select program staff is looking forward to what this group can do in the future.

The French Connection

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 15:51:00 GMT

Hope Thao is sharpening her skills with Rush French partner in Europe

It’s one thing to prepare to become a professional soccer player by pushing yourself on the training pitch and facing challenging competition. Then there’s Colorado Rush Academy 06 forward Hope Thao, who’s taking her preparation to another level.

Hope, whose goal is to play professional soccer in the near future, utilized Rush partner Etapsport to train with a French youth soccer club this past month.

“I really wanted to get a taste of what it was like to play here,” she said. “What is the culture like, what is the soccer like, anything that can help me better prepare to play professionally here one day.”

Etapsport’s Romain Thévenoux, who coordinated Hope’s trip, aims to provide exactly the type of experience Hope and other aspiring professional players want.

“Our role is to bring players here who want to discover what soccer is like here as well as the culture and make new friends, too,” Thévenoux said. “We try to create a real cultural experience here by finding families for the players to stay with whether they are coming for a short trip or want a longer stay.”

Last summer, Hope played and trained in Spain, staying in a dormitory style housing.

“That experience was a little different and more focused on just soccer since we stayed at a boarding school during the week and spent time with our host families on the weekend,” Hope said. “But staying with a host family the whole time here, I’ve been able to experience more of the culture.”

But Hope has also enjoyed her experience on the pitch, training with different players and styles that differ from what she’s used to.

“I think tactically, it’s very different here than in the U.S.,” Hope said. “We play a little more physical than they do here in France, which is a little more technical and the ball movement is different, including the style of play. In the U.S., we play a little more direct, but in France, they seem to use the entire width of the field and maximize the use of their wingers more.”

Hope, who plays forward for her Colorado club, has broadened her understanding of different forward positions while in France.

“I play everywhere,” Hope said. “I play the 9 and the 10 and also the 7 and 11. I think that I’ve gained a lot more knowledge on these positions since I’ve been here, especially the 7 and 11 and how they like to play those players with their left back and right backs.”

Hope admits that training in Europe isn’t for every player, but it can be a great experience depending on a player’s goals and how willing a player is to try something new.

“If players are willing and courageous enough to go overseas, they have to be very open-minded to criticism and growth because that’s what we all need to become better people and better players,” she said.

2008 Select Boys Blue to Dallas Cup

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 20:07:00 GMT

The Rush Select program has decided to send the 2008 Boys blue team to the Dallas Cup April 9-16th. The Dallas Cup is one of the top showcase tournaments in the United States. Attracting the top youth teams from across the world. The team attending is made up of the top 2008 boys players from across the country. These players were scouted through their attendance at this cycle’s Centers or the regional Rush showcase tournament (The Hub). They have been drawn into Bracket D of the age group and will play DKSC ECNL, Houston Dynamo, and Concorde Fire ECNL. The team will be coached by Arian Hoxha and Justin Miller. Stay tuned for more as the team begins group play on April 11th.

Rush Fest 2022 – A Party Like No Other!

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 22:39:00 GMT

A Party Like No Other

Rush Fest 2022 returns to Colorado, to be more game-centric

After holding Rush Fest in St. Louis last year, the signature event that introduces players to the 11-a-side level of the game returns to Colorado with some exciting new changes.

Foremost among the new wrinkles for Rush Fest 2022 will be the addition of new games, according to Rush Fest director Nik Penn.

“We’re going to make Rush Fest more game centric,” Penn said. “In the past, we’ve played one game each day along with one training session and a classroom session. But this year, we’re going to have more soccer.”

The new format will forego the training session and replace it with two 40-minute games.

“It’s about the same amount of soccer but now you can have more games, and as a coach and technical director you get more halftimes, more pre-games and more after-game talks with the kids,” Penn said. “It’s the first time they play 11v11, so this is a very valuable opportunity for clubs.”

After Sunday night’s opening ceremonies packed with music, quizzes, giveaways, and a Rush orientation, teams will play two games each day on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Wednesday is an off day with fun activities, while Friday wraps up the week-long event with games in the morning.

“This is where players get the chance to really see what we mean when we talk about the Rush way,” Penn said. “They’ll get a great environment to play plenty of soccer but also learn what it means to be a Rush player.”

The event held July 10-15 will also include coach education, a parent’s night, and closing ceremonies along with some social gatherings.

Rush Fest is open to 2010 boys and girls teams. However, partial teams and individuals can also participate as well.

To learn more about Rush Fest 2022, visit the website here .

From Ghana to Croatia

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 17:25:00 GMT

New HNK Vukovar transfer from Ghana won’t stop smiling.

Clement Awounyo can’t stop smiling. Not even after trading the warm Ghanian winter for the frigid temperatures in Croatia. After all, everything is sunny in Awounyo’s world right now.

The 23-year-old striker playing for the Ghana Rush club Kotoku Royals FC transferred earlier this month to Rush partner club HNK Vukovar in Croatia and is hoping to help his new club earn a promotion to the second division.

“It’s been a long journey,” Awounyo said. “Being from Ghana, it’s not easy to get noticed. We have talent, but not much opportunity to travel and show other coaches what we can do. But now I have my chance.”

A group of Rush scouts saw Awounyo play on a recent visit to the Ghana Rush club and recommended him to the HNK Vukovar club. And the match seemed to be a beneficial one for both Awounyo and the team.

“When some of the Rush coaches came here to see me play, I was excited,” Awounyo said. “And now I’m here because of them. I have the people from Rush to thank for giving me this opportunity.”

Just the opportunity to get on the pitch at a professional club in Europe is a big step for Awounyo to reach his ultimate goal—playing professionally for a big club in Europe.

And for Awounyo, it’s a big step in his ultimate goal of playing for a top-tier team in Europe.

“My dream is to become a big professional player,” Awounyo said. “I want to become the best African football player.”

Awounyo, who also plays on Ghana’s U-23 national team, sees the chance to improve his skills and his visibility.

“I started playing soccer when I was about five years old,” Awounyo said. “My father bought me a ball and threw it on the ground and told me to play. I didn’t go to school much in my village, so it was always ball. Ever since then, I’ve always dreamed of becoming a professional player. And now that dream is starting to come true.”

When Awounyo arrived in Vukovar in early March, he traded average temperatures that hovered around 90 degrees Fahrenheit for a place where the average high was 47 degrees. But the cooler temperatures have no chance to dampen his spirit.

“In Croatia, the weather is too cold for me, but I’m getting used to it,” Awounyo said. “I’m still learning too, but I’m feeling everything is good and everything is better. And I’m still happy.”

Awounyo hopes to crack the starting lineup soon and help his new club earn a promotion.

“I’m looking forward for the chance to help my team,” Awounyo said.

When he gets on the pitch, there’s little doubt that he’ll do just that.

Coaching Education – Oportunidad en Buenos Aires

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 15:08:00 GMT

Coaching Education – Oportunidad en Buenos Aires

Si hay un lugar en el mundo que combina la elegancia europea, la pasión sudamericana, y el amor por el fútbol, ese es sin dudas la ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina, la tierra que crió a los tres de los grandes dioses del fútbol: Diego Maradona, Alfredo Di Stefano, y Lionel Messi. La ciudad de la gran rivalidad de Boca Juniors y River Plate, cuya disputa se considera uno de los partidos más vibrantes del mundo, ya sea en la mítica Bombonera o el Monumental de Nuñez. Un lugar donde el fútbol y el culto por los clubes y los ídolos se vive en todas las esquinas.

El viaje a Buenos Aires se realiza a partir de una alianza educativa con la Escuela de Entrenadores César L. Menotti, presidida por el mismo Cesar Luis, una de los más legendarios entrenadores de todos los tiempos, campeón del mundo en suelo Argentino en 1978. El curso, de carácter obligatorio para los estudiantes de licencias AFA de la escuela, será de cinco dias a doble turno de 9 a 17 horas entre el Lunes 20 y el Viernes 24 de Junio de 2022. Abierto a todos los entrenadores de habla hispana en Rush.

Regístrese antes del 1 de Mayo

Para mas informacion contacts a Pablo Toledo a ptoledo@l67.c54.myftpupload.com

If there is a place in the world that combines European elegance, South American passion, and love for soccer, that is without a doubt the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, the land that raised the three of the great soccer gods: Diego Maradona, Alfredo Di Stefano, and Lionel Messi. The city of the great rivalry of Boca Juniors and River Plate, whose dispute is considered one of the most vibrant matches in the world, either in the mythical Bombonera or the Monumental de Nuñez. A place where football and the cult of clubs and idols are lived on every corner.

The trip to Buenos Aires is made from an educational alliance with the César L. Menotti Coaches School, chaired by Cesar Luis himself, one of the most legendary coaches of all time, world champion on Argentine soil in 1978. The course, mandatory for the school’s AFA license students, will last five days with a double shift from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Monday, June 20 and Friday, June 24, 2022. Open to all Spanish speaking coaches in Rush.

Register by May 1st

For more information contact Pablo Toledo at ptoledo@l67.c54.myftpupload.com

Rush Soccer Historic Partnership

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 22:55:00 GMT

Rush Soccer and Altitude Soccer Academies Announce New Partnership

New York — Rush Soccer announced March 7th, 2022 that it will be partnering with the Altitude Soccer Academies program in Port St. Lucie, Florida, creating more pathways for players to succeed in the sport.

With the new partnership, Rush Soccer is excited to bring its top-level male athletes to the facility and begin to create a girls academy that will be added to the existing programming.

“We’re excited about creating a year-round residential academy for all of our Rush players. The Rush is all about creating more opportunities and helping them get to the next level,” Rush CEO and founder Tim Schulz said. “This type of intense training coupled with rigorous academics will give aspiring pro soccer players a chance to take their game to a much higher level.”

The program will remain under the direction of Soccer Hall of Fame coach Ferdinando De Matthaeis, who has led the boys academy at Club Med.

“We believe this collaboration will further enhance what we offer at Altitude Soccer. Combining world-class facilities and coaching with the expertise from Rush Soccer as the world’s premier youth soccer program is a great fit,” Altitude Soccer Academies owner Greg Breunich said.

Breunich, who served as the Senior Vice President and director at IMG Academy, has successfully started five academies with over forty years of experience leading every element in the club, resort, camp, academy, and education business.

Rush plans to manage competitive teams out of the academy for both boys and girls starting in Fall 2022.

For more information, contact contactus@l67.c54.myftpupload.com

About Altitude International Holding, Inc.

Altitude International Holding, Inc. (“ALTD”) is a multi-discipline holding company that blends performance-based education, sports, arts, science, and technology. ALTD’s multi-discipline approach consists of wholly-owned stand-alone academies, wellness centers, and manufacturing/assembly facilities. These operations represent best-in-class high-performance methodology/protocols for training, education, and therapy environments; hypoxic training chambers, air-to-water machines, sports training, educational institutions, and wellness initiatives.

About Rush Soccer

Rush Soccer, a Colorado not-for-profit corporation is an international sports institution focused on the development of young soccer players. RUSH Soccer partners with over 100 clubs across the globe and provides a comprehensive club development curriculum that benefits over 45,000 players within the network. RUSH Soccer is the largest network of youth soccer clubs in the world and has helped produce more than 90 top-tier professional players, 25 national championships as well as countless players on National Teams, 1st Divisions, and numerous professional soccer clubs. Over the past 20 years, RUSH Soccer participants have received more than $100 million in college scholarships.

Rush Select Performance at PDT 2022

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 18:42:00 GMT

Rush Select has officially finished its domestic campaign for the 2021/22 cycle. Recently the National Teams of Rush Select attended the Presidents Day Tournament in Phoenix Arizona, one of the best showcase events in the country. The program attended with 21 teams, 330 players, and over 40 coaches from across Rush Nation. “PDT is such a great event,” said Select Director Justin Miller. “The weather, the facilities, the exposure to college coaches, there are only positives to take from the experience.”

The teams and players in attendance made the Rush proud with their performances on the field. 92 games were played, 51 Wins, 20 Ties, 21 Losses ending with seven 1st place finishes, and seven 2nd place finishes ! Additionally, our teams played against top competitors and dominated.

There were MLS Next, GA, & ECNL teams in many brackets, and we won a meaningful amount of games against them. With teams in these “top” leagues we played 28 games, Won 13, Tied 8, and Loss 7. “There is no program in the country like Rush Select,” said Director Miller.

Our ability to form top teams with players who have never met before is unparalleled. The exposure we give our high school age players to college coaches is unmatched. Our dedication to the success of the individual player is unique. This program is truthfully special.”

Rush Nation would like to congratulate all of the winners at PDT and all of the players that were selected for the event.

Determined Dream Pursuit

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 08:10:00 GMT

Hawaii Rush standout Aislynn Crowder continues chasing Pro dream in Europe

Growing up in Hawaii, Aislynn Crowder had aspirations of playing professional soccer—she just wasn’t sure how far she could go. Now, she’s on the verge of reaching one of her biggest goals.

“When you live in Hawaii, you don’t get as many opportunities as other players,” she said. “I was hesitant to think I could continue playing at a higher level.”

Until she started getting recruited to play for major colleges.

“When coaches started talking to me, I started to think that maybe I could play in college and play professionally,” said Aislynn, who played club soccer for Hawaii Rush.

However, after playing her freshman season at UCLA, a delayed one due to the pandemic, in the spring of 2021, she was certain of what she wanted to do, just not the way she wanted to do it.

“I decided to just take a step back after my freshman year because I came to the realization that college—not just UCLA where I had good coaches and teammates, but college in general—just wasn’t for me,” she said. “So I decided to start pursuing professional soccer because it was something that I wanted to pursue for myself right now.”

In mid-January, Aislynn’s journey toward signing a professional contract just two years removed from high school took a big step forward when she had the opportunity to try out with several European clubs.

“When I was thinking about leaving school, I called my club coaches back in Hawaii,” Aislynn said. “I told them I wasn’t sure if I could do this any more, and they were like, ‘It’s okay. You’re fine.’ So just to hear that was encouraging for me. And then they all started working to help me take the next step.”

Working in conjunction with her former coaches and Rush CEO Tim Schultz, who she trained with when she was younger, Aislynn landed a few opportunities to show off her skills in hopes of landing a contract.

She spent a week training with Sweden’s IFK Kalmar club before training with GPSO 92 Issy in France. After that, she retreated further south to Valencia, Spain to train with Valencia FC in a climate that she’s found much more agreeable to her Hawaii roots.

“Every time we trained in Sweden, I had to be bundled up,” she said. “They don’t care how cold it is there, they just go out and play. But Valencia feels a little more like the weather I’m used to back home.”

But Aislynn isn’t picky as she sets her sights on achieving a long-time dream, grateful for the way Rush has not only helped her get this opportunity but prepared her for it as well.

“There’s so much that Rush has done for me,” Aislynn said. “I think the coaches and the teams where we had such good chemistry, that was all helpful in my development. But they prepared me a lot for not just soccer itself, but for life too. I think the best thing about them is how my Rush coaches are like second parents to me. They helped me get through some hard times in my life. And I think they prepared me super well mentally and physically for life.”

While getting a professional contract is a big goal for her, there’s still a bigger one looming out there—representing her country on the women’s national team.

Aislynn, who has been consistently called up to USWNT camps since 2017, hasn’t let go of that dream either. And with a crop of fresh faces replacing long-time fixtures on the roster for the USWNT’s upcoming SheBelieves tournament, she found renewed hope in that dream.

“I was kind of shocked when I first found out about the roster changes,” she said. “But it was also really inspiring for me. It made me want to work harder. If the national team is giving younger players a chance to make it on the big stage, that pushes me and motivates me to work even harder.”

Opportunity of a Lifetime

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 17:35:00 GMT

Twin Cities Rush brothers look to make most of the audition in Germany

When Semir Secic fled to the United States in 2001 as a refugee from Bosnia on the heels of the Bosnian War, he knew exciting opportunities awaited him. And now his two sons are taking full advantage of burgeoning opportunities as well.

Secic’s two sons, Semir (’07) and Damir (’08), will travel to Germany in March for 10 days of training and games at Milbertshofen Academy with an opportunity to earn a spot with prestigious European youth academies. The two Twin Cities Rush players played at a camp in Turkey in January where they caught the eye of youth academy scouts and earned an expenses-paid invitation for another look in Germany.

Scouts from Milbertshofen will evaluate the players, as well as coaches from Munchen 1860, Augsburg, Malmö FF, and Turkish club Antalyaspor.

“These coaches came back to watch us after our first game at this camp,” Damir said. “Then they contacted our parents and told us what could happen on this trip.”

“We are very blessed,” Semir said. “Without our dad, we wouldn’t even be playing soccer. Our parents brought us here and helped us get these opportunities. And we’re very thankful for them.”

Semir and Damir started playing for Twin Cities Rush last fall and have noticed a difference in how the club approaches player development.

“At Rush, the competitiveness is on a different level,” said Damir, who also made the Rush Select team. “It’s super challenging and the training is intense.”

“Rush gave us a chance to go to the next level and get more trainings,” Semir said.

Having a brother who is equally determined also helps as the two boys push each other while training on their own.

“We get into fights, a hundred percent,” Damir said as he chuckled. “When we train together, we’ll get mad at each other for something—maybe he thought the tackle was clean and I thought it was a foul.”

With a bright future ahead, both boys are working hard in pursuit of their dream.

“We would both love to play professionally,” Semir said. “That’s our main goal right now. We’d love to play for our national team. If we can make that happen, obviously that’d mean a lot to us and our family.”

Both players understand what it takes to excel to the highest level.

“When you watch pro players, you see how hard they work,” Damir said. “So, I know I have to work harder than everyone else. For example, if I see someone doing ten push-ups, I don’t just think I have to do ten push-ups too. I think I need to do ten push-ups before they do.”

Rush to Host National Futsal Tournament in Summer 2022

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 21:06:00 GMT

While futsal had been growing slowly in popularity among U.S. youth soccer players, the foot-skill heavy game seemed to take off exponentially when Rush alum and U.S. Men’s National Team star Christian Pulisic and other rising U.S. stars mentioned how the sport helped them.

Now Rush is meeting the growing demand in a new way for a sport that has helped numerous clubs find a way to keep developing technical skills when practicing outside isn’t an option.

“For a long time, U.S. soccer has emulated the European model,” said newly-appointed Rush Futsal Manager Chris Rue. “Now we’re starting to get a lot of pockets of the Latin American and South American influence in our game, a lot of that is predicated on small-sided pickup games in the street. So, hence futsal was born here in the United States.”

Rue, who’s run futsal programs and tournaments for the past 13 years, is elevating futsal opportunities for Rush clubs, starting with a National Futsal Tournament in July at the sparkling new Legacy Sports facility in Arizona.

“A lot of Rush clubs are trying to find futsal opportunities wherever they can,” Rue said. “So, we’re trying to help fill that void and meet those futsal needs.”

In 2022, the national tournament will be a scaled down event of what Rue will implement in 2023, which will have four regional tournaments with top teams advancing to a national championship. The event will be open to rising U12 teams and under to start, with older ages being added in the future.

While Rue has enjoyed watching the game grow, he’s also witnessed first-hand how it has improved the technical skills of players he coached in his program.

“I think ultimately futsal helps develop important skills like anticipation and decision-making, those important boxes that you need to tick as you get older in the game,” Rue said. “It’s also about the amount of reps that you get. I think with the ball mostly staying on the floor, the amount of reps are exponentially more than in a soccer match. And you can’t really hide on the floor either in futsal. You have to develop your skills to keep up.”

Visit rush-futsal.com to get your team signed up today and participate in the Rush Futsal Cup!

Rush Select PDT 2022 Rosters Announcement

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 21:42:00 GMT

The Rush Select Program will take to the field again in February as 21 teams will compete in the Presidents Day Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona from February 17th – 21st. The Select Program is an opportunity for the best players in Rush to compete with other top players from across the Rush. The program will field boys and girls teams from U13 – U18. For the U13 – U17 teams, full national teams will be comprised of the very best players from Rush Clubs across the country. Each age group and gender will take a first and second team. While the U18s will have one team per gender. The select staff has also hand-picked the finest coaches from across the Rush to help lead these teams. Stay tuned for roster releases as well as all the coverage from Phoenix, Arizona.

'09 Blue

'09 white

'08 Blue

'08 white

'07 Blue

'07 white

'06 Blue

'06 white

'05 Blue

'05 white

'04 Blue

Sharing the Love

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 19:32:00 GMT

18 JERSEYS
30 PAIRS OF SHORTS
110 SOCCER BALLS
73 PINNIES
10 SOCCER BAGS
86 PAIRS OF CLEATS
151 CONES
5 PAIRS OF SHIN GUARDS
2 POP-UP NETS

Connecticut West Rush soccer player Gavin Villepigue shares his experience collecting nearly 500 items for R.E.A.C.H.

Every year, Rush clubs and players are invited to participate in the R.E.A.C.H. program, which takes previously worn uniforms and donates them to other Rush clubs around the world.

Gavin Villepigue, a Connecticut West Rush 08 goalie, took that invitation seriously, especially after lockdowns sidelined him from the game of soccer.

“Once Covid hit, I didn’t really have much going on,” Gavin said. “We started these virtual lessons, and it made me think how not all kids have opportunities to do anything. Then I found out about Rush’s REACH program to provide equipment and uniforms to kids who are underprivileged and wouldn’t otherwise be able to play soccer. Playing soccer brings me joy and I just wanted others to have that same experience.”

Gavin, who’s also a Boy Scout, decided to collect Rush uniforms and equipment from other players in his club and turn it into a service project.

“The organizing and preparing of the collection was hard,” Gavin said. “I had to call places to see if I was allowed to leave a collection box at their location. And for some places I had to just go there and just talk directly with the manager.”

Gavin managed to place donation boxes at five different locations around Danbury, Connecticut, including even one at the library. And when it was all over, the haul totaled nearly 500 items and included the following:

Gavin said all the work was worth it because of what he knew it would mean to other kids who love the game halfway around the world.

“It makes me feel good that other people get to experience what I enjoy so much,” Gavin said. “And I’m giving them the opportunity to do that through this project.”

Ghana Rush – Kotoku Royals FC Coach Paolo Campagna

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:14:00 GMT

When Paolo Campagna moved to Ghana to take over the Kotoku Royals FC in October, he found himself thrust into a job teeming with opportunity as well as challenges. However, as one of Rush’s newest clubs in Africa, Campagna sees more hope than ever for the club.

“When Raoul Voss started to talk with me about this program, I liked where Rush wanted to take it and all the opportunities that are here,” Campagna said. “There are some talented players here who could play in many leagues around the world. The soccer culture here is crazy and everyone is invested in the game. But there are some things we’re trying to change to help build a more professional environment.”

Campagna, the Italy native who was coaching in the New England area prior to accepting the assignment with the Kotoku Royals, has worked to mesh together the laidback African culture with the more rigorous standards of professionalism required to establish a winning club.

“At the beginning when I got here, there were players only eating one meal per day,” Campagna said. “There was no attention to proper diet, and the players didn’t have the energy they needed to perform at the highest level. So, we’ve worked to change that.

“There was also an issue with players not being prompt and just showing up whenever they felt like it. It’s hard to run a training session when nobody was acting like professionals.”

But Campagna appreciates the rich talent pool the club already has while also seeking to deepen it within the smaller community of Akim Oda, located 75 miles northwest of Accra.

“The players here know how to play,” Campagna said. “There’s really little doubt about that. We can improve some of our tactical play, but the talent is there for this team and these players to go to a higher level.”

Campagna’s faith in the player’s clubs is one of the reasons he’s a perfect fit for taking the Kotoku Royals from a middle-of-the-road Division 1 team to Ghana’s Premiership.

“One of the things I like about Rush is how they believe in their players,” Campagna said. “Rush truly believes they can develop a successful academy here in Ghana as well as develop future players. What Rush has already done here by giving more accessibility to players for good coaching and training will help develop players in this region like they’ve never had a chance to do before.”

Rush Canada Alumni training with top European Teams Including Liverpool & Arsenal

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 16:45:00 GMT

Rush Canada Soccer Academy is pleased to announce that Rush Alumnus Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty is currently on trial with several top European academies including Liverpool and Arsenal in the UK.

Just last year Jahkeele became the youngest Toronto FC player of all time to make an MLS appearance . Shortly after, he became the youngest player to get called up to the Men’s Canadian National Team . Earlier this year, he was named to The Guardian’s Next Generation List which honors 60 of the world’s best young players born in 2004 and he has been linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Jahkeele has spent his off-season training with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and a few other top academies in Europe. The 17-year-old doesn’t hold an EU passport, so any potential deals wouldn’t be made until next summer.

Good luck Jahkeele! Rush Soccer is very proud of your achievements!

Colorado Rush Player Trains in Hawaii, on Vacation!

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Colorado Rush Player Trains in Hawaii, on Vacation!

As the 2021 Fall Season wrapped up in Colorado, a young 2009 female player Sofia Carlson, was on her way to vacation in Hawaii with her family, but still had soccer in her heart and on her mind. Sofia, connected with staff in Colorado and Hawaii, relaying this passion to continue to play even while on vacation, and Rush Soccer helped activate this opportunity.

Besides the phenomenal player pathway that Rush Soccer has committed to for its players to succeed on both the boy’s and girl’s side of things, the club has also found other ways to give players an unparalleled experience around the world.

Rush Soccer, being located in several different areas around the world, gives players the chance to train and even play matches with fellow Rush clubs whenever they may happen to be in the area.

Thanks to Rush Soccer, Sofia had a vacation on the Big Island in Hawaii that she will never forget. Sharing what she learned in Colorado with the Hawaiian players and coaches as she dove deep into the Hawaiian culture as a Rush Soccer player.

If you plan on heading out of state, or possibly even the country, and are a Rush player – chances are, we have a team in your destination that you can train with while you are away!

Sofia (bottom left) with her team in Colorado

Sofia in Hawaii at training

Rush Alum Meg Brandt, Pursuing Greater Heights

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 17:06:00 GMT

When Meg Brandt was in the fifth grade, her teacher asked students to write down what they wanted to be when they grew up. Meg scrawled down that she wanted to be a professional soccer player.

And years of hard work later, the Rush Soccer alum proved that goal was far more than a pipe dream.

“I had really big dreams for soccer,” Meg said. “So when I was with Iowa Rush, I wanted to play at the highest competitive level, and I told them that I wanted to play college soccer at the Division 1 level. And they were excited about helping me achieve that.”

Meg wound up at Nebraska, where she earned Big Ten All-Freshman team honors before eventually being selected to the Big Ten All-Tournament team her junior season.

“I committed at a young age,” she said, “and that kind of changes things. Some players get too satisfied. But I was like, ‘Okay, I’m committed. That was my goal.’ But Rush pushed me more after I committed, which I’m really thankful for because I knew I had a lot more work to do.”

By the time she finished her career there, Meg had received an invite to play for the U.S. Women’s U-23 team and had turned the heads of professional scouts.

Then Meg was drafted by the Seattle Reign in the fourth round of the 2020 NWSL draft but never played a game after the league decided to shut down in the early stages of the pandemic. Her rights were traded to Kansas City, but she realized that she still had a lot more work to do.

“I want to play in the U.S., but it wasn’t the right time for me,” Meg said. “I needed to get more experience professionally. So I decided that going overseas was the best option.”

Meg first went to Norway, playing there for three months before seeking out other opportunities in Europe that would better suit her. And she found that at MSV Duisburg in Germany, a second league women’s Bundesliga team.

“It’s a totally rebuilding process for us in the second Bundesliga,” Meg said. “We’re hoping to get promoted, which is the goal.”

Meg is also aiming to elevate her personal game in the process as she continues to develop even after reaching her goal of playing soccer professionally.

“I’ve always felt like I had a lot of room to improve,” Meg said. “And I still do. That’s why I’m doing this. I can’t see myself stopping to play soccer anytime soon. So, I’m really hoping within the next two to three years, I can be back in the U.S. playing and successful at the highest level.”

No matter what ultimately happens with Meg’s career, she credits Rush for helping prepare her for each step in the journey.

“I think that I was well prepared because of Rush,” Meg said. “They held us to a high standard, showing us how to be as professional as possible, for example on away trips. With Rush when we go to tournaments, like whether it was all the girls wearing the same clothes to travel in or stopping and stretching on the way to tournaments. We were also taught that if you’re on time, you’re late basically, so to be early to everything that carried over for me, and it’s taught me to be a lot more per professional.”

New Tournament Partners

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 20:56:00 GMT

New Tournament Partners

Rush Soccer announces two new tournament partners and a new deal with an existing one

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Rush Soccer has secured two new tournament partners, which will assist clubs with elements of travel and apparel, according to Rush Director of Tournaments Steve Lovgren.

Pellucid Travel has been designated as the official housing partner for Rush Soccer and will be providing housing services for member clubs for their events.

“We’re excited to be working with Rush clubs in providing world-class service for their teams and participants in upcoming events,” said Shannon Barrows, the CEO, and owner of Pellucid Travel.

“Given the amount of experience Pellucid Travel and its connections with local Convention and Visitors Bureaus, we think this group is going to help Rush clubs take their tournaments to the next level,” Lovgren said.

Simax Sports is the other new tournament partner, an on-site heat press apparel company with a great reputation for superb customer service and a proven track record of good experience for tournament participants. The Atlanta-based company will be providing screen print t-shirts and other apparel from Capelli, Rush’s exclusive clothing partner, at upcoming events.

“We look forward to providing quality products and great service at Rush tournaments in the future,” said Yuriy Radchuck, Simax Sports CEO and founder.

“The kicker is that Simax will be carrying Capelli gear at all Rush events,” Lovgren said. “This will be a great way to provide support to another partner that has supported Rush so fervently over the years.”

Lovgren also shared that Rush has renewed its contract with Wilson Trophy Company, which will be providing discounted awards. However, new to the agreement will be Wilson Trophy providing co-branded items for winners’ circles, including backdrops, wind feathers, frame pop-ups, mesh banners, and other items to elevate the award ceremony environments.

About Simax: Simax Sports is a national sporting apparel industry that works hand in hand with executives, directors, business owners, and coaches of soccer, lacrosse, gymnastics, track n field, swimming, wrestling, regattas, cheer, féis, etc. Simax is rapidly expanding its services throughout the U.S. to provide the best quality custom printed apparel both on-site at the tournaments and by orders. We have serviced events with 50 teams or 3,000 teams. Simax highly values all relationships with events and tournaments, and we take on every job with passion and dignity.

About Pellucid Travel: Pellucid travel is a full-service sports housing agency, focused on making good things happen for other people. We have easy processes, clear and transparent communication, and the knowledge and experience to find you the right housing solutions.

Making Waves in Germany

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 17:36:00 GMT

FFC Kaiserslautern Rush ascending in German women’s soccer after just four years.

Kaiserslautern, Germany — Nestled in the heart of soccer-rich Germany, FFC Kaiserslautern Rush director Sven Bauer has learned that changing minds takes time—but he’s succeeding.

“In Germany, women’s football is not as good as men’s football,” Bauer said. “Most clubs don’t think girls can play, but with Rush Soccer’s help things are very likely to change.”

In 2017, Bauer partnered with Rush to establish the first girl-only soccer club within 100 kilometers of Kaiserslautern. And while the club is still in its infancy stages, it’s already turning heads.

With a women’s team that is dominating the lower levels of Women’s Bundesliga and a U14 player called up to the women’s national team program, the FFC Kaiserslautern Rush club is solidifying itself as a place for up and coming players in the area to compete.

The club’s top women’s team is in the fifth of six divisions for Women’s Bundesliga but hasn’t lost any of its first 11 matches. However, the team hasn’t been promoted due to some of the restrictions and limitations imposed during the pandemic.

Then there’s Vivian Thomann, an ’08 player who is playing for her club’s U16 team and ready to move up again next season to her U17 club. Thomann was called up to the Women’s National Team pool but has yet to play in a game for them due to Covid limitations.

“Vivi’s mother played in Bundesliga, so Vivi has good genes,” Bauer said. “But she’s really good technically and is continuing to develop other parts of her game.”

Initially located 10 kilometers outside of Kaiserslautern, Bauer moved the club into the city to create better access for players within the city. That decision has resulted in the addition of more than 30 players in the past three months.

But Bauer has an easier time sharing the unique opportunities his Rush club has created for aspiring girls in the area.

“We started a conversation with Raul a few years ago,” Bauer said. “He told me about the Rush Way and the possibilities for us and the pathways for us to be a part of us. That’s been a good way for us to promote our club because it’s unique here. If girls want to play in the U.S. for some time, they can. And girls can come over here and train too. No other club in our area can offer these kinds of opportunities to the girls.”

While Bauer still has his challenges like attracting experienced coaches and developing teams for each birth year, he’s getting there and is excited about the future of the club and its players.

“We want to play at a higher level—and that’s been our focus,” Bauer said. “In order to become better, they need to play under more pressure. And that’s why we want to give our girls more of those opportunities.”

2021 Rush Select Hub Was A Success

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 16:07:00 GMT

With more regional and national soccer events returning in 2021, the Rush Select program hosted its Hub event on Nov. 18-21 in St. Louis, thrilling players and coaches alike at the stunning new Missouri Rush Park facility.

The Hub is a Rush Select regional event for U13-U15 players. The invite-only affair pits Rush Selection regional teams from the South, Northeast, Midwest, and West against one another over a four-day period with a chance to be crowned the Rush Select Hub Champion. Top-level players had the opportunity to showcase their talent for Rush’s national coaches and earn opportunities to play on the national team.

And this year’s event was a big success, according to Rush Select program director Justin Miller.

“The Hub this year was incredible,” Miller said. “From start to finish, I significantly enjoyed this year’s event. The quality of play was high, the facility was incredible, and the coaches over the weekend were very impressive.”

And it wasn’t just the opportunity to go head to head with top talent on the field that had the players buzzing.

Former U.S. Men’s National Team star Clint Dempsey stopped by to address the players on the first day of the event.

“I think the cherry on top was having Clint Dempsey come speak to the players at opening ceremonies,” Miller said. “I think hearing his perspective on what it meant to be an elite athlete really resonated with the players. The whole event was extraordinary and truthfully emblematic of what it means to be a part of Rush.”

Rush Nation would like to congratulate all of the winners from the event, and a special congratulations to the West region for being the overall champions of the event!

CHAMPIONS

09 Boys : Midwest

09 Girls: CO Rush Girls Academy

08 Boys: West

08Girls: Midwest

07 Boys: West

07 Girls: West

HUB WINNERS

Breaking News: Mike Haas Joins Rush Soccer

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:52:00 GMT

Breaking News: Mike Haas Joins Rush Soccer

Mike Haas will offer his services as a part-time employee for Rush Soccer primarily with the Coaching Education department and our Select Program. Haas brings an enormous amount of experience to the club.

Director of Coaching Education, Pablo Toledo, “I’m very happy to see Mike Haas join the Rush Organization. He will bring a wealth of expertise to the Coaching Education Department. Exciting times! Not only is he seasoned and knowledgeable, but he is also kind and personable“.

In addition, Mike will also assist in the Select Program where he brings a technical eye to the table. Mike has worked with both genders in the federation and was a lead scout on several occasions. Justin Miller, Director of Operations and Director of the Select Program, “I think this is a great addition to the select program and to Rush Soccer as a whole. Mike exemplifies the core values. He will be a great addition”.

Mike Haas will be working full-time with Colorado Rush and will act as a part-time assistant and consultant for Rush Soccer.

Mike Haas is a US Soccer National Instructor; holds his National “A” License; has 35 years of coaching experience including the US National Paralympic Team; National Teams Scout; Colorado State Dir. Of Coaching; Mike Played Professional Soccer and Dallas Tornado and the Denver Avalanche; Technical Director for the Storm; Rapids DA Coach and just recently, the Technical Director for Downtown Las Vegas SC.

A Rush of Passion

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 22:05:00 GMT

Rush India SC is leading a soccer renaissance at the grassroots level in India.

Studying to become an engineer and without any organized soccer experience, Dennis Fenandes never imagined himself leading a soccer club let alone jumpstarting a soccer movement across India. All it took was one moment after watching India lose yet another football match to ignite his passion that’s changing the landscape of soccer in one of the world’s most populous countries.

Dennis’s first brush with soccer development came at the age of 18 as a member of the local parish church youth group under the mentorship of Fr. Lawrence. During that time, Dennis learned the nuance of life skill enrichment and core value development through sports. This gave Dennis the idea of what a soccer club could and should look like.

Eventually, Dennis and a group of his friends formed an NGO soccer club to help kids learn the game in a more organized fashion. The founding of the club in Mumbai was the first step in a long journey that eventually led him to Rush, a partnership that has flourished in a challenging environment since 2012.

“Big European clubs would start programs all the time in India and then leave after a couple of years,” Dennis said. “We tried to partner with some of these European clubs, but it never worked out, we lost money and had a bad experience. But we kept looking for the right partner because more than anything we wanted knowledge about how to develop players and grow football. And we needed to make that happen from the grassroots level.”

Developing the sport in India was challenging enough due to the non-existent training and playing infrastructure. Coaching certifications would happen only once every few years, while leagues lacked structure much less player development pathways.

“We realized we didn’t have the knowledge,” Dennis said. “And it was obviously hurting the kids. They were not motivated to play without a tournament or a season. The schools preferred to focus on cricket rather than football.”

In 2012 Dennis learned about Rush. “It was a godsend to meet Tim Schulz the founder and CEO of Rush USA,” Dennis said. “Tim’s visit to India opened up the possibilities for truly developing football. As promised in the next few months, we had the Rush globally proven curriculum and a USSF A License coach in India developing the grassroots at a time when there were very few A License coaches in India, all plying their trade with the National team. The long-term player development program in the U.S. for our players was an unheard-of initiative in India.”

Partnering with Rush to become the 21st international partner was a perfect match in many ways. “The 11 Rush core values were in sync with our objective to have a value-based club,” Dennis said. “Tim Schulz and Justin have just been awesome, their support, trust, and compassion have enforced our belief that Rush truly believes in its core values.

While parents brought their kids to the club hoping that it could transform them into the next big soccer star, Dennis decided to highlight what else Rush could offer. “We told the parents that their kids aren’t all going to become the next Ronaldo or Messi,” Dennis said. “But we showed them how good values in life can be inculcated through sports while helping them develop at their best. And the value system comes first for us and then the success on the grounds follows.”

There’s no denying that success has followed for the players who’ve bought into the Rush way. The list of India Rush SC players who’ve found success at higher competitive levels is both impressive—and growing.

Rush India SC alumni Ridge DeMello represented U16-U17 India national team and at 18 signed a pro contract with Mohammedan Sporting Club, a professional Indian league team. Hamza Shaikh recently signed a pro contract with Vasco SC, while Suhayl Dholkawala has signed with Southern Samity FC a pro club playing in the 2nd division Indian league.

On the women’s front, India Rush SC became the first team in 2017 to win the state championship and qualify for the Indian Women’s League National final round. Former India Rush SC girls players Aditi Chouhan, Dalima Chibber, Ritu Rani, and Soumya Nayak are all playing for the Indian women’s national team now.

India Rush SC players have consistently featured in the U15 to U18 age group for the state team, national team camp, and Indian Super League Club.

India Rush SC is also looking beyond the youth level, as the men’s team has partnered with a second-division Indian league team and also has a team in the highest division in the Mumbai district. On the women’s side, they have teams competing in district and state qualifiers in the Indian women’s league.

The mark India Rush SC has left on Indian soccer isn’t limited to the club itself. After seeing the need for suitable playing grounds, Dennis started working with a company to get turf fields put in all over Mumbai, which had only two just five years ago. They started looking for land to build small-size soccer fields for 5v5 and 7v7 competition. Today, there are more than 300 of these fields throughout Mumbai.

“We were the first club to organize a 5v5 league,” Dennis said. “We had never played 5v5 soccer in India. Every Sunday for three months we had more than 400 kids come out and compete in a 5v5 league. Since then we’ve added 7v7 small-sided tournaments and are competing with other clubs. In ten years, it’s completely changed the way we play football at the grassroots level in India.”

With all the success the club has had in Mumbai, Dennis and the India Rush SC took advantage of the hard lockdowns in Mumbai (they’ve only been able to play three months since the pandemic began in March 2020) to expand. They traveled the country to meet with other interested parties and have added five more Rush affiliates.

“We wanted to visit with coaches and communities and find out if they had the kind of passion needed to establish a successful club,” Dennis said. “And we found it in most places. In Sarhali village in Punjab state, we were asked by the Sahibjada Ajit Singh Ji School principal about the size of the football field we needed, and the next morning the school principal mowed down a huge area and said, ‘Now we have a field.’ You can see the desire for the development of the community and sports even in small villages of India. Head coach Onkar Singh has done a stupendous job for developing football in the last five years.”

Dennis’s passion and enthusiasm for soccer in India is contagious. And it’s not surprising for a man who’s gone a long way from doing soccer at St. Anthony’s Church in Vakla, Mumbai to having a hand in developing some of the players now blossoming for his country’s national team and realizing their goal.

Dennis hasn’t done it alone, developing a committed team that includes George Lawrence, who has developed into a fine technical direction, as well as Vinod Nalawde, Hussain Dholkawala, Naaznin Hussein, and Elvis Goes.

Where many big brands failed, Rush found unprecedented success. What Rush can offer in terms of player development and teaching a value system that goes beyond the pitch is unparalleled in India.

“The Rush Nation growth story in India is a story of success of the value system and of the many friendships that were made in India and Internationally,” Dennis said.

Rush Select HUB 2021 Rosters Announcement

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 18:34:00 GMT

Rush Nation would like to congratulate all of our players that were selected for the Rush Select HUB November 18 – 21st in St. Louis Missouri .

The HUB is the U13-U15 Rush Select Regional Event . It is for the best players within the Midwest, West, Northeast, South, Canada, and Puerto Rico Regions. Each year, all of our Rush Select scouts evaluate all of the players within Rush Nation and the top-performing ones are invited to this event. Once they are there, they will be evaluated again with the hope of making a Rush Select National Team. The National teams will then go and compete in a high-level tournament somewhere in the US or abroad. Their aim will be to win representing Global Rush Soccer.

Congratulations to all of the players Selected. We are excited to see you in St. Louis !

U14 Rosters will be revealed tomorrow…

U13 Teams

U14 Teams

U15 Teams

Clint Dempsey, VIP Speaker at the Rush Select HUB

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 19:28:00 GMT

The Rush Select Hub will take place in St. Louis, Missouri November 18-21, 2021. The Hub is a Select Regional Team event where the best male and female U13-U15 players from across the country will come to compete to see which region will be crowned the Hub Champion. The players attending are from the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West regions. The Regional Teams will also be competing against Canada.

As part of a new special program added this year, the Colorado Rush 2009 Girls will also be attending and competing as they were identified as the best Rush team at this year’s Rush Fest. Rush Fest is a fun and exciting event for all U13 Rush teams.

Leading these teams are top coaches from more than 25 different clubs across Rush Nation. Besides multiple days of gameplay, the HUB will be hosting coaching education events for all interested Rush coaches. These events are a great way for coaches to learn the Rush Way, network, and observe high-level players and coaches. Also in attendance will be Rush Soccer’s top scouts; our scouts will be evaluating the players and coaches for future high-level opportunities.

The weekend opening ceremony will kick off in style with special guest speaker and former US Men’s National Team Captain, Clint Dempsey . As you may have heard, Clint had a tremendous professional career playing for the New England Revolution, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, and Seattle Sounders. During his career, h e made 141 appearances for the United States Men’s National Team and is tied for the USMNT record for all-time leading goal scorer, with a total of 57 goals.

The Rush Select Staff is extremely excited for the Hub. We are looking forward to having the best of the best in St. Louis in November. Please make sure to check the Rush Select section of our website for more updates leading up to and during the Hub. We also encourage you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Levert Achu, from Cameroon Rush to the USA

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 17:15:00 GMT

Levert Achu, from Cameroon Rush to the USA

After three years of intense training, Levert looks back on his time with Rush Soccer:

The future is bright for Levert as he will begin his professional career after joining the ranks of the Rush Academy.

He also has a few words regarding his former teammates in Cameroon:

Meet Steven Lovgren, Rush’s New Director of Tournaments

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 21:54:00 GMT

Rush recently named Steven Lovgren its Director of Tournaments. Lovgren is bringing over a decade of experience to help Rush and its clubs run efficient and profitable tournaments. This year, he’s running 54 tournaments in 15 states, including tourneys for Iowa Rush and Wisconsin Rush.

So, what exactly is his role and how will he help Rush clubs? We caught up with Steve to talk about what he intends to bring to Rush and what he envisions in this role.

Q: How did this role come about for you?

I own a company called Soccer Management Company, so I know cities and tournaments like the back of my hand. One of the components that Rush hasn’t really embarked on is providing services for tournaments. I started talking with Tim [Schultz] and Justin [Miller] and told them this is my passion, this is what I do. So, they brought me on as a tournament director for Rush.

Q: How exactly are you going to be helping existing clubs who want to put on a tournament?

I’m going to try to create an environment for tournament directors and in that environment, I want to be able to help them with their events. I want to create a Rush directory of tournaments so that when executive directors and technical directors begin their tournament selection process, they can look at a list of all the upcoming Rush tournament events. My goal is to help out technically and make existing events better. Tournament directors are sometimes on an island by themselves because nobody else understands the details that go into these types of events. I want to make their life easier.

Q: How is what you’re doing a little bit unique to the soccer tournament world?

Tournament directing is a challenge. There are a lot of roads to navigate, the market is very saturated. A trend we’re seeing is “sports tourism” where clubs build these big complexes and have to get events at them. Everybody is being pressured to do these things. From the club’s perspective, these tournaments are big money makers that can help fund their staffing. But all that’s a very tough road to navigate for a volunteer or someone who’s in a part-time position. I’m not part-time, so I’m immersed in this and that’s all. So I want to bring in my experience to help Rush sidestep potential pitfalls of different things. My goal is to streamline this whole process for everyone.

Q: What’s your vision for Rush with these tournaments?

The Select events are very important, these events help identify talented players so we can get them playing at a higher level. Making these events the best I can is one way I intend to service the Rush program. The other thing that I’m looking to accomplish is general improvements across the board, I want to provide a support system, be a director, as well as negotiate lower costs. All of that is again to streamline the development process for the clubs. That takes work off of the executive director’s hands so there’s less for them to do. This is all the type of training and work that I want to do to help directors and give them success. Sometimes some of these tournaments need to get into the Rush Machine. That’s what I like calling it. The Rush Machine is phenomenal. I mean, look at the number of people we have good people that can help get in behind something and really push and press what we’re doing. I’m very new, but my eyes are kind of glazed over and I’m excited about the possibilities of everybody working together on these items.

Civana Kuhlmann Overcoming Adversity

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 06:00:00 GMT

If Civana Kuhlmann had decided to quit pursuing her dream of becoming a professional soccer player, nobody would question her. The hundreds of hours she’s spent in rehab to return from devastating injuries would make most people look for a new direction.

But Civana isn’t like most people.

“I like to think I’m a driven individual,” she said.

That’s as much of an understatement as saying Messi is just a “pretty good soccer player.”

Civana’s determination while staring at a mountain of work still casting a long shadow over her path to professional soccer is inspiring, especially given what she’s had to endure.

Path to Success

To suggest that Civana’s soccer future was anything other than bright eight years ago would’ve sounded insane. After accepting an invitation to play with the U.S. Women’s U-17 team at the age of 14, she became the youngest U.S. player to ever score in a U-17 match and later became the only U.S. player to record a hat trick in the U-17 World Cup.

While starring on her Rush club team in Colorado during the next four years, she attracted attention from all the top college programs before settling on Stanford. Meanwhile, she solidified her position within the USWNT development program and was invited to play on the Women’s U-20 World Cup team.

Her trajectory seemed almost certain, given her talent and work ethic. But then the smooth ride to stardom vanished.

“After my freshman year [at Stanford], I picked up a shin injury that took me out of the U-20 World Cup.

“My freshman year I picked up a shin injury,” Civana said. “So I had a little bump in the road there which took me out of the U-20 World Cup.”

Mounting Injuries

After recovering to play her sophomore year, the bump in the road turned into a pothole when she tore her ACL four days into preseason of her junior season in 2019. When her meniscus didn’t heal properly, she had to have another surgery six months later.

And just as she was ready to return to the field, Covid hit, pushing the women’s soccer season into the spring of 2021. She was healthy enough to play the shortened season and scored four goals, all game winners for the Cardinal.

But then another devastating pothole, this time a torn labrum and microfracture in her hip. And she made the difficult decision to end her college career with two years of eligibility remaining.

“When I tore my ACL going into my junior year, I was planning on making a full comeback for Stanford and I was extremely focused on being the best teammate I could be, making sure I was lifting up the team in any way I could,” Civana said. “And it was great. We ended that season with a national championship. So that was awesome. But this time around I’d say it’s a little different.”

The toll of her rehab while juggling schoolwork and the pain of only being able to watch but not play for another year started to weigh on Civana.

“I had to make my first mindset shift,” Civana said. “During this injury, that mindset shift was just like, ‘Okay, I’m preparing and rehabbing to be a professional.’ There’s a lot of disappointment and I felt as if being in that environment still with my Stanford teammates would’ve just highlighted, a lot of disappointment. So I had to take early steps to eradicate as much of that as possible. The journey to go pro is always going to be tough whether you’re healthy or not. And now it’s going to be a little tougher.”

A Fresh Outlook

But Civana remains undaunted by the challenge, harkening back to her days with Rush and the core values instilled in her during that time.

“I miss my days at Rush,” Civana said. “I love Rush. It definitely made me the player that I was and still am, the player that was able to go to Stanford. I think of waking up early to go to the center before school and getting in extra technical training. And I think of the core values and how Eric Bushey never letting me be complacent with where I was at. No matter how good of a spot I might have thought it was in, I’d have Eric to bring me right back down in a great way.”

And despite the derailment of what could’ve been an even more highly-decorated collegiate career at Stanford, Civana seems focused, not bitter.

“I know I’m not done with soccer,” she said. “Three major surgeries is difficult and it may make you feel like you’re done with it, but I know personally that I’m not. And as long as I feel that way and as long as I believe that, then there’s more to come.”

Civana now spends her days finishing up school work at Stanford and rehabbing, preparing for what’s next. And regardless of where her path eventually takes her, she hopes her story can inspire other players facing adversity.

“My college career was completely upended and took a course that I would have never imagined,” said Civana, who still managed to play in three College Cups and win two national titles during her time there. “As a youth player, I was never ever injured. You never imagine your college career and work injuries into your vision.

“I feel like a lot of times we want to figure out the why , and we want to have answers for hardship and adversity. And I would say to not try and figure out the why. I think the journey tells you the why but the journey is taking one day at a time. An injury or any hardship doesn’t end your journey. It just makes it look a little different than you probably anticipated. But that’s okay.”

No matter what happens for Civana’s future on the soccer pitch, there’s little doubt that she’s going to be okay one way or another.

Robert Damron Living The Dream

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 18:55:00 GMT

Former Rush Select standout Robert Damron to represent U.S. in Futsal World Cup.

Robert Damron always dreamed of representing the United States—he just didn’t realize it would happen so soon.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper and Rush alum will be wearing his U.S. jersey with pride when the FIFA Futsal World Cup gets underway this month in Lithuania.

“I remember back when I was six or seven years old in my grandparents’ backyard kicking the ball against the fence and pretending to play for the United States,” Damron said from Slovakia, where the U.S. team is currently training. “And now to be able to do it 12 or 13 years later and actually get to wear the badge—it’s unreal.”

Damron’s path from Michigan Rush Northville standout to the U.S. Men’s futsal team wasn’t conventional, though he credits Rush with making it happen. His club started a futsal program, which allowed Damron to work on his goal-keeping skills during Michigan’s long winter months.

As Damron continued to develop, he earned a slot playing in the Rush Select program, which he credits with giving him the skills—both for the game and life—to handle this moment.

“If it wasn’t for a program like Rush Select, I probably wouldn’t be able to do something like this,” Damron said. “I was able to travel on my own and learn the Rush core values, which helped me so much in my professionalism.”

Damron eventually found his way onto the Madonna University roster playing for Michigan Rush Northville technical director Mark Zathey, who serves as the head coach for the men’s team. However, Damron, who chose the remote learning option entering his sophomore year of college this fall, couldn’t anticipate the opportunity to play for the U.S. futsal team, especially since he wasn’t initially invited to the team’s pre-tournament camp.

But just before camp started, one keeper invitee tested positive for Covid and opened the door for Damron’s invitation. He took full advantage of the opportunity, impressing the coaches enough to earn a roster spot.

While Damron has found success in the game of soccer, he’s excelled in futsal, a game which requires a different skill set to be successful for keepers and field players alike.

“In futsal, it’s a lot more about staying big,” Damron said. “Don’t be afraid to get hit. Use everything that you have—your head, your feet, your chest, everything. Just throw yourself at it. In soccer, you have to dive and be a lot more mobile than you are in futsal.”

And that’s fine by Damron, who has grown to prefer futsal over the outdoor game.

“I always wanted to play in goal,” Damron said. “That was my thing. I hated running. My coaches would always say, ‘You gotta play in the field, too. You gotta do both.’ So until I was 13 or 14, I played half and half. But when I started playing futsal, I was strictly a keeper.”

It’s a skill that has afforded him this opportunity at such a young age, a fact that wasn’t lost on U.S. head coach Dusan Jakica.

“We were having an emotional moment because we were getting ready for the World Cup and tearing up and our coach looks at the oldest player on our team, who’s 43, and then says, ‘Hey, you could be his dad’, and then he points to me. So, there’s a pretty big age gap on our team. It’s kind of crazy.”

The U.S. team will need all the experience it has—plus Damron’s mad skills in goal—if the U.S. is going to win its first game in the Futsal World Cup since 2004. The U.S. has only won two games in the World Cup since finishing as the tournament’s runner-up to Brazil in 1992.

And the task won’t be easy either since the U.S. finds itself in the group of death with 2016 World Cup champion Argentina and third-place finisher Iran along with a tough Serbia squad.

“These teams [in our group] are phenomenal,” Damron said. “But we really think that we have a chance to come in and surprise them if we play our game.”

The U.S. will take on the defending champs in Argentina to open group play on Sept. 14th. FoxSports will televise the games in the U.S.

For more information to follow the tournament, visit the Futsal World Cup 2021 website .

Ava Arnold Outstanding Efforts Being Rewarded

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Ava Arnold is a 2007 female soccer player. Born in 2007 from Colorado, Ava earned her way on the 2006 Girls Academy Team (playing up a year) within the Lakewood/Littleton Branch. Coached by Rush Soccer President Tim Schulz & a stand-out WPSL Player from Colorado Rush, Courtney Moore, Ava has been pushed to be the best she can be at all levels.

Ava displays her magician-like approach on the offensive side of the game playing in the center midfield, while also having no fear in tackling and attempting to win the ball defensively.

Ava is a hard worker who consistently works on her craft and leaves everything on the field to help gain a result for her team.

“She is a gamer.” was the overall consensus on how to describe Ava Arnold from the Colorado Rush staff. It is apparent that Ava treats training days just like matches and does not skip a beat.

Ava has been invited and will be joining RUSH Select at the HUB in November in St. Louis later this year for her outstanding play.

REACH Out: Rush players have a unique opportunity to help others around the globe

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:31:00 GMT

REACH Out: Rush players have a unique opportunity to help others around the globe

As Rush introduces new uniforms on its two-year cycle this fall, Rush players and clubs alike have an opportunity to get their old uniforms and lightly-used gear to other soccer clubs around the world for players in need of good equipment through the REACH Program.

REACH—Rush Equipment Assisting Children—has been in operation since 2002 and is responsible for donating hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

“We’re really excited about this initiative and giving players and clubs the opportunity to share with other clubs in need,” said Adam Zarr, the Rush Program Coordinator. “Our REACH Volunteer Coordinators (RVCs) are working within their own individual clubs to find creative ways to collect uniforms and other gear.”

Aside from kits, REACH also collects cleats, warm-ups, socks, and shin guards. Some clubs utilize events like tournaments or camps to collect the items, while others host drop-off events.

This year’s collection will be headed to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Samoa, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Columbia, and Uruguay.

To learn more about the program, visit the REACH webpage!

Rush Regional Centers 2021

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:30:00 GMT

While the pandemic jettisoned the launch of Rush’s Regional Centers in 2020, it did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm for the new program this summer as more than 30 clubs and hundreds of players participated at the four centers last month.

Rush Select program director Justin Miller unveiled the idea for the Regional Centers last year, creating a way for standout players to get identified and get placed on regional and national teams within the Select program. And he wasn’t disappointed with the results.

“It was nice to see that players already in the Select program came out and showed they are still progressing as players,” Miller said. “Also, it was incredible to see new faces that were at the level and could make the program.”

Getting the Regional Centers off the ground was a relief for Miller, who sees this as a key component to helping identify players who may not have as much opportunity or get the visibility players in certain clubs get.

“We want to democratize this program by giving players access to being seen,” Miller said. “Holding it regionally and providing affordable registration are things that can help with our goal, which was important after missing out last year.”

When it comes to identifying rising talent for the Select program, Miller views the Centers as a key component in player development.

“The Centers are essentially the first stage of the Select process and arguably the most important part,” he said. “Identifying players is key in development because you want to put players with like abilities together.”

Miller was pleased with how the Centers turned out and what it means for Rush and being part of the youth club.

“The highlight of any Rush event is bringing players from around the country together,” Miller said. “Rush is so special in that way. You won’t find many soccer organizations in the country that do what we do. We are lucky to be a part of it.”

Colorado Rush WPSL Team

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:29:00 GMT

Colorado Rush WPSL Team

For the Colorado Rush WPSL team, the 2021 WPSL Season was one that had been anticipated for over a year, as the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

<span”>After a huge shift in names on the Colorado Rush roster, from many college players and older – to the small number of Youth Academy players, this narrative was flipped in 2021.

Colorado Rush was stacked with players from its Girls Academy Programs, and they showed out.

After starting the season 0-1-2, Rush went unbeaten in the final 6 games of the season, posting 5 wins and 1 tie to finish in second place in the Mountain Division.

As we do credit to the coaching staff who also works with the Academy players on a regular basis – the overall effort and perseverance of these young ladies cannot go understated. The 2021 season for Colorado Rush was the epitome of what the WPSL stands for, giving young women the opportunity to get a taste and feel for the future.

Stefan Oertel Playing with Rush Partner SC Victoria Hamburg

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:25:00 GMT

Stefan Oertel isn’t one to pass up an opportunity, even if it means moving halfway around the world for it.

The 07 Cajun Rush player recently relocated to Germany to play for the SC Victoria Hamburg youth team for a year, taking advantage of a Rush partnership with the German club.

“My family travels to Germany every summer to visit my grandmother,” said Stefan, who plays on a Rush regional Select team. “So, I asked my home club, Cajun Rush, if I could get an opportunity to play with the team in Germany because I wanted to see how it compared to back home.”

Just a week into training, Stefan is finding just how different—and grueling—the Victoria Hamburg training sessions can be.

“We’ve been running several 10Ks a week to get in shape,” he said. “In the training so far, it’s mainly been about technical ability and decision-making and more conditioning.”

And that pairs nicely with Stefan’s goals for the next year when it comes to improving his game.

“I really want to improve my overall game in every aspect, like technical ability all the way to my soccer IQ,” Stefan said. “I think, especially in decision-making. I’ll be able to get a lot better here because it’s a lot faster. So, you have to start thinking faster to get one, two steps ahead.”

Stefan has been on a steep learning curve since arriving, managing a new culture and a new language while trying to adjust to the German style of training and play.

“We did this drill where everybody had a bib with two different colors on it, and then there were mini goals with cones in them,” Stefan said. “And based on the color coordination, you had to score in certain goals and play with certain people. So you really had to use your brain.”

But Stefan’s also found quickly that the element of fun is universal.

“Just like in America, they’re still wanting to have fun while getting better,” Stefan said. “It’s not just win, win, win. You still have fun. Like one drill I thought was crazy was when they put a blindfold on us and had the other players conduct us to dribble through some cones.”

Stefan has already started language classes and will be attending a German school in the fall. Though he’s excited about the chance to play in Germany, there are some facets of life in the United States that he misses.

“I’m definitely missing my family, my old teammates, my friends,” Stefan said. “But I’m really missing my mom’s cooking because she’s the best cook. And here, the food’s not the same.”

But it’s something Stefan’s willing to endure as he chases his dream of one day playing professionally.

Rush Players Signed With AS Monaco Feminine

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:22:00 GMT

Rush Soccer Well-Represented at Girls Academy Playoffs

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:19:00 GMT

When the Girls Academy league started this season as a way to fill the void of U.S. Soccer closing down its Development Academy, Colorado Rush girls director Russell Finch was searching for the kind of competitive environment required to develop top talent.

Nearly a year later, it’s safe to say that he found it and then some.

“The Development Academy division we played in was really competitive,” Finch said. “It had the kind of teams in it that even if they beat you, it made you better. So, we feel very fortunate to have found something like that with the GA league.”

Finch is hoping it serves his teams well as they enter the inaugural Girls Academy league playoffs.

Over the past week, Colorado Rush had five teams (02/03, 04, 05, 06, 08) participating in the elite league’s national playoffs in Oceanside, California. New Jersey’s SJEB Rush club had two teams competing in the 08 and 06 divisions as well.

“I think one of the most exciting things is that we were well-represented by the number of teams that we had there,” Finch said. “We were able to cause a raucous when any of our teams were playing, since we try to go support one another with chants and cheers.”

“In terms of quality of the leagues, there were some really good teams competing in this event,” Finch said. “Whatever happened, it’s only going to help the girls improve.”

While Finch has leveraged every opportunity to help the girls in his program grow on the field, he’s not missing any chances either to help develop camaraderie between the younger girls and the older ones.

“We’ve got the older girls mentoring the younger ones,” Finch said. “There’s more to this than just playing the games. It’s nice to have someone who’s been there before you talk about what it takes to be successful.”

“We feel like with everything that’s happening here, we’re building the momentum we need to win championships,” Finch said. “It’s an exciting time for sure, so we’re really excited to participate in these playoffs and the exposure it brings our girls.”

And while Finch is serious about player development and winning, he’s not one to miss out on an opportunity to have some fun, particularly when it comes to prank wars.

At one event, one age group slipped into the hotel rooms of one of the club’s younger teams and cleaned their rooms and then hid their suitcases, leading to a baffled and bewildered group of girls upon returning to their rooms.

Another year, one Rush team ambushed another one with super soakers filled with water and honey before getting coated with feathers.

“The girls looked like chickens by the time it was all over with,” Finch said. “It was great fun.”

No matter the final results, Finch is excited for the girls, especially the ones aspiring to play in college who’ve been affected the most by the NCAA’s dead period.

“With all that we’ve been through with COVID over the last year, it’s great for these older girls to finally get a chance to show their stuff in front of the 300-plus college coaches that are attending this event,” Finch said.

Rush Nation wishes the Colorado Rush Girls Academy program the best of luck in their pursuit of league domination.

From Colorado to Valencia, Spain

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:14:00 GMT

On July 20th, 2021, Hope Thao and Ava Priest of the 2006 Girls Academy Team from Colorado Rush traveled to Valencia, Spain to train with Valencia FC for 30 days. Rush has solidified their Academy in Valencia with the partnership of Rush Spain.

Between the Rush Soccer staff that are in the United States, along with our Global Staff all around the world, Rush was able to connect these young women with Coach Ruben Estelles Camacho in Spain.

This is a great program offered to all of our Rush players and we are very proud of this opportunity we can provide.” said Tiago Calvano, Director of International Affairs

This trip was made possible for players like Hope and Ava to gain an experience unlike any other in the futbol realm in North America.

Hope & Ava are divulging into the culture, touring the country, and above all else; learning more about the game of soccer while training with a top club in Spain as a part of Rush.

If anyone has an interest in going to Valencia please contact our Director of International Affairs, Tiago Calvano at tcalvano@rushsoccer.com

When we asked, What is the biggest difference in playing futbol in America and Spain?

Hope answered: “Playing futbol in Spain has been such an exciting opportunity for me to experience. This country’s culture revolves around the game of futbol. It’s a lifestyle. People live & die for this game & I’ve never seen so much passion for the sport since I’ve arrived here. The level here is played at a faster pace & is more technical. Whereas in the US, my experience is players are less technical & more physical. I have definitely gained more knowledge & love for futbol since I’ve been here.”

And Ava said: “The difference between playing futbol in Spain versus the US is many different things but what stood out to me the most is in Spain futbol is part of their culture. Everywhere you go you can see futbol. In the US futbol is just a sport, in Spain it is a lifestyle. Everywhere you go you can see the passion and this passion is unmatched in the US. I am so glad to have this opportunity and to experience this first hand.”

Any new favorite foods?

Hope : “The seafood here is soo good! Including all the fresh fruits. But my favorite so far has been the freshly pressed orange juice & pineapple juice!”

 Ava : “Yes actually, cuttlefish is a new favorite!”

Rush Lobos Thriving With Four Teams in USYS Nationals

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 19:55:00 GMT

SARASOTA, Florida — Mark Forrest, the technical director for the Lobos Rush soccer club, enjoys playing the underdog role. But there’s little doubt that the club is turning into a giant in the state of Tennessee—and the south too, for that matter.

This week, Lobos Rush from Collierville, Tennessee—a suburb of Memphis—has four teams competing at the US Youth Soccer’s National Championship tournament in Sarasota, Florida.

“To give you some perspective, Tennessee has about forty thousand competitive players in the entire state, while the Dallas metro area alone has over a hundred thousand,” Forrest said. “So, we’re not a hot bed of talent by any stretch of the imagination.”

Nevertheless, Forrest and the Lobos Rush club have been able to develop players who are winning state championships with surprising ease and regularity. Now they’re starting to carve out a name for themselves nationally.

“We’ve been able to take players from a very young age and develop them, teaching them to play well as a team,” Forrest said. “I wish I could say we had some magical formula, but it’s really just a lot of hard work by developing the kids who come through here. And now that hard work is starting to pay off.”

Lobos Rush needed a U-Haul truck to cart home all the hardware it won at the Tennessee State Cup this season, finishing with five trophies on the girls side and one on the boys side. Now it has a chance to add to that with a strong showing this week in Florida.

And while Memphis hasn’t been known as a soccer town, Forrest has seen that change with the addition of the Memphis 901 FC, which started playing in the USL Championship in 2019.

“For the casual sports fan, it’s introduced them to the live game of soccer so the hipsters can get a chance to get out, drink some craft beer, and show off their mustaches,” Forrest said. “But for us, we’ve been able to use it as a developmental tool really. Before the club came here, most of them had never seen a live professional soccer match. So, that’s been helpful in giving the kids here a chance to see some good soccer on the professional level.”

Former U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper Tim Howard is one of the Memphis 901 FC owners, and his daughter plays for the Rush Lobos’ 07 girls team.

And while that has attracted some players to the club, it’s the quality of players the Rush Lobos are producing that’s garnering the most attention.

Aside from all the USYS regional championships, Rush Lobos had several teams advance to the national tournament by virtue of winning their National League series. Next season, they are moving to the more challenging Development Player League, a quick rise for the club.

“When Tennessee Rush merged with Lobos soccer club here in 2012, we complemented each other well,” Forrest said. “We’ve been growing ever since. And we’re excited about the future of this club, too.”

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This week, Lobos Rush from Collierville, Tennessee—a suburb of Memphis—has four teams competing at the US Youth Soccer’s National Championship tournament in Sarasota, Florida.

And while Memphis hasn’t been known as a soccer town, Forrest has seen that change with the addition of the Memphis 901 FC, which started playing in the USL Championship in 2019.

Former U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper Tim Howard is one of the Memphis 901 FC owners, and his daughter plays for the Rush Lobos’ 07 girls team.

And while that has attracted some players to the club, it’s the quality of players the Rush Lobos are producing that’s garnering the most attention.

Fremont Rush & Rush Core Values

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 19:50:00 GMT

Rush Select Weston Cup Wrap-Up

Sat, 07 Aug 2021 21:44:00 GMT

The Rush Select Presidents weekend event was a tremendous success. Players from over 40 Rush clubs traveled to Naples, Florida for the Weston Cup. The 22 teams had some solid success on the field competing against some of the top teams in the state of Florida. The teams also were able to have some enjoyable experiences off the field heading to Naples Pier as well as many other off-the-field activities. The warm weather and tremendous action on the field saw Rush walk away from the tournament with five first-place trophies and a couple of runner-up trophies.

Congrats to those first-place teams:

2003 Girls
2005 Girls Blue
2005 Girls White
2006 Girls West/Midwest
2008 Boys Northeast/South

Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions across the world, the Rush Select has to cancel the next phase of the program which is the international trips. The program is looking forward to resuming those trips in 2022.

Please be on the lookout for information about the 2021 Rush Select Centers which will take place at the end of July or early August in each region (Northeast, Midwest, South, and West). This will be a fantastic opportunity for teams to come before their fall season and be scouted for the next cycle of Rush Select events.

Rush Select Centers

Sat, 07 Aug 2021 21:40:00 GMT

The Midwest Center will be July 23 – 25 in Elgin, IL, just outside of Chicago. This is for all Rush Teams and Individuals in the Midwest Region.

The West Center will take place July 27 – 29 in Denver, CO. This is for all Rush Teams and Individuals in the West Region.

The Northeast Center will be held August 6 – 8 in Conshohocken, PA, just outside of Philadelphia. This is for all Rush Teams and Individuals in the Northeast Region.

The South Center will be held August 6 – 8 in Alpharetta, GA, just outside of Atlanta. This is for all Rush Teams and Individuals in the South Region.

More information can be found here on all the Centers as well registration links, hotel links and more.

Be on the look out for more information about each Center as we get closer to the summer!

Each year Rush Select will host four regional Centers for players that want to be a part of the Rush Select program for the U14 – U19 age group. The U13 center will always be tied to the annual Rush Fest event. Starting in 2021, the Centers will be a pre season tournament type event that will feature training, rush way, and ID features. Rush Select is highly encouraging you to come with your team, but there will be options for individuals to register and be placed on other Rush teams attending if you cannot come with your local team.

The aim of the Centers are to continue to promote the Rush Way to both coaches and players while also identifying Rush Soccer’s top talent. At the Centers, players and teams are invited in to train and play games over a three day period, all while being evaluated by the national Rush Soccer staff. These Centers are a great way for all Rush teams to start the season off with pre-season friendlies, learn more about the Rush Way, and get the opportunity to be identified for a higher level team.

At the Centers, the top individual performers will be selected to join Regional Select Teams at the HUB in November to compete against the best U13-U15 players in Rush Soccer from across the United States and Canada. U16-U18 top individual performers will be invited to the Rush Select National Teams for the PDT weekend event in February.

(Spanish) Webinar With Fernando Signorini, On How To Organize Your Team’s Pre Season

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 19:20:00 GMT

Pablo Toledo, Rush Soccer’s Sporting Project Director, will be joined by Fernando ‘El Profe’ Signorini in our next Webinar, on August 11th, to discuss best practices to organize and execute your team’s pre-season.

When: Wednesday, August 11th.
Time: 9:30am (PST), 10:30am (MDT), 11:30am (CST), 12:30pm (EST).

As we get closer to starting the season, more and more coaches reach out to us to inquire about the conditioning side of training. That’s why we connected with Fernando ‘El Profe’ Signorini , one of the most legendary coaches in the world, having worked with many of the top players and coaches in the history of the sport.

Fernando “El Profe” Signorini, is the only footballers trainer who has worked with Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and the only two Argentinian coaches that have won World Cup Titles: César Luis Menotti and Carlos Salvador Bilardo .

‘El Profe’ was Diego’s personal trainer for more than 11 years and Argentina’s National Team Trainer in the 2010 World Cup, in which Diego was the head Coach and Leo Messi was part of the squad. Among other top-class players, he also worked with Juan Román Riquelme. Currently, Fernando works as a full-time professor for the César Luis Menotti Coaching School.

During our meeting, we will talk about the preparation of soccer players with a special focus on how to organize and execute the current period.

IMPORTANT: The Webinar will be in Spanish, but don’t worry! We will translate it, so stay tuned to witness a Masterclass from one of the best!

Coaching Education At Summit

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 23:07:00 GMT

Rush Coaches Debate: Going Through Tryouts

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 23:42:00 GMT

After hearing from players and parents, an amazing panel of Rush Coaches and Directors discussed concepts and ways to improve how players, parents, and coaches go through one of the most stressful periods of the season.

When Chris P. , Rush Soccer’s Developmental Director, suggested that we should dedicate the whole month to analyze Tryouts, we decided to give the same priority to every party involved: Players, Parents, and Coaches.

That’s why Chris hosted two wonderful webinars, first with players and later with parents, and received some key suggestions and concerns for this stressful part of the season. Let’s now hear from the coaches.

Daouda Kante – Kansas Rush.
Randall Porter – Kansas Rush.
Paul Furlong – Lobos TN Rush.

The goal of the discussion was to check if clubs grew during the process and how the experience could be refined for all involved. The process is stressful for all, that we all know.

Is it a regional, National or a state to state problem? How can we conduct the process more efficiently and effectively? And what methods do you feel that would provide coaches an easier way to measure performances that they can later share with players who didn’t make the top team, or didn’t make the team at all? Those are some of the questions posted during the meeting.

Both parents and players suggested that communication must be clear and face to face , whether the player made the team or not. Paul Furlong highlighted that aspect as well, stating that communication, even if it’s already adequate, should always be a priority to improve.

Another point that was remarked by Paul and Randall related to the individual experience that each child has with their coach. They both emphasized that putting better coaches with the younger age groups helps to develop them , not only from a technical standpoint but also to ensure these are coaches committed to the group and willing to go above and beyond expectations and minimum standards. Moreover, their objective is to provide a consistent experience regardless of league or level.

On a different note, Randall pointed out the incidence of state rules. In their case, tryouts must be run on the same day as the other clubs. That affects the dynamic of the process, as from a business standpoint, they are in need of making offers on day one or get ready to lose players from the club.

Complementary to this concept, Paul made a comment on how success tends to breed success . For example, if one branch had a strong 2010 group, players from other branches would migrate there. At Lobos, the pathway is defined early and the Developmental and Recreational branches do lots of work to help these players develop into the travel program, Some of the initiatives taken are weekly training sessions with competitive coaches and holding consistent meetings. Kansas Rush, with the same objective, holds a couple clinics in the fall and spring with the travel coaches.

Thanks to Paul, Randall and Daouda for their contributions, Kristian Bates PA Rush TD shared via email some of their secrets and couldn’t join us as he was in Greece with Rush Select. And congratulations to TN Lobos Rush for having 4 teams at USYS National Championships in Florida this summer!

Now it’s time to hear from you, coach. Did we miss any key point? How would you improve the Tryouts period?

Going Through Tryouts – The Parents Perspective

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 21:13:00 GMT

Rush USL 2 Team Creates More Pathways

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 20:17:00 GMT

For Rush Soccer, the refrain is becoming a constant one: Another year, another dozen new pathways. And with a new USL 2 team, Rush Soccer is adding what abouts to another expressway, giving the club three teams that it backs in the nation’s premier amateur league.

Rush backs 2 other teams in the USL 2 league—Cedar Stars Rush (New Jersey) and Virginia Beach United (a collaboration between Virginia Rush and Beach FC), and shows its fierce commitment to creating more opportunities for aspiring players.

After a delayed start due to the pandemic hitting just before the beginning of the 2020 season, Rush’s newest USL 2 team began its inaugural campaign this spring in the Denver area. However, instead of chalking up last year as a lost one, Rush made lemonade out of lemons.

“We had everything ready to go for 2020 and held our press conference in February—and then Covid hit,” said Joe Webb, the Rush Pro Development CEO. “Early on, everybody was still hoping that the season would happen until they officially cancelled it. So we used all of the Covid time to build relationships with these players and let them train with each other.

“When they got back on campus, a lot of their college coaches called us and asked us, ‘What did you guys do? These players came back fitter and in better playing form than they’ve ever been in.’”

The trickle-down effect from the pandemic has continued to effect the inaugural season as well for Rush, as the switch to spring for the college season delayed a handful of players from joining the team until a week before USL 2 started.

“We’ve still been flying by the seat of our pants, a lot more than I’d like to going into a season,” Webb said. “So, there have been a lot of challenges in that regard.”

But Webb is excited that the team is finally getting to play, creating more highly competitive environments for bright prospects to develop and hone their skills. He sees Rush’s new team as a place for elite college players and other young standouts to take the next step.

“This league is a breeding ground for players who want to get to the pro level,” Webb said. “We don’t have a lot of restrictions that college coaches have. So, it’s really a professional environment for the players over the summer. They’re here to focus on playing soccer and get that professional regimen every day. They’re training in the morning and they’re going to strength and conditioning training in the afternoon and have injury prevention work with physical trainers in the evening. It’s just a great place for them to prepare for that next step and get a taste of what it’s like.”

While the team is comprised of both national and international players, there are several players who have developed out of the Rush youth program—including Bailey Rouse and Luke Hansen—and are competing on the USL 2 team in hopes of landing pro contracts.

“We want players in here who have high aspirations and the desire to do what it takes to become a professional,” Webb said. “And it’s exciting to be working with kids like that.”

Rush also backs two other teams in the USL 2 league—Cedar Stars Rush (New Jersey) and Virginia Beach United (a collaboration between Virginia Rush and Beach FC).

Parenting Tips For Before, During, And After Tryouts

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 21:28:00 GMT

Rush Soccer’s REACH Program Continues Its Support

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 20:24:00 GMT

As Rush Soccer continues to support soccer communities around the world, we are proud to share the story of one of our R.E.A.C.H. or U.N. clubs, which is our clubs that don’t pay for any Rush services and receive help from uniforms to equipment. Little Haiti Rush is our only domestic U.N. club based in Florida. Pablo Gentile is one of the directors. He was born in Argentina and moved to the Dallas area when he was 9. The Little Haiti soccer program allowed him to be involved in a program with the right values and give back. We asked Pablo a few questions regarding his program and background. He felt that it is important for him to be involved with such an organization. Here is what he has to say about his experience in the U.S.A., ” I am a product of the American soccer system. When we came to this country, my parents worked multiple jobs to make ends meet and support my brothers and me. In those early years, I received lots of help from my teammates, their parents, and coaches with rides to practices, games, tournaments, and financial support. They changed the trajectory of my life. I am grateful and indebted to them to give back.

What are the benefits of joining Rush Soccer?

Initially, we created Little Haiti to give our most talented kids a pathway to chase their soccer dreams, whether at the college or pro level. Rush is known worldwide and respected as one of the best clubs in the United States. We are quickly learning that the benefits extend much, much further. There is a clear pathway for the players to earn opportunities to play in higher leagues with Miami Rush Kendall but the organizational support in marketing, branding, coaching education, imaging, a website will be invaluable.

Why, and when did you join Rush Soccer?

We joined Rush last year before the pandemic. We have to thank Kristian Gonzalez (Capelli), Raoul Voss (Global Sporting Director), and Renatto Soriano (DOC at Miami Rush Kendall) for their part in making this come together as well. It has been a group project from the onset. Once we met as a group with the Little Haiti F.C. Board of Directors and Tim Schultz on Facetime, we knew it was a perfect fit for our program. Tim and his team have welcomed us from the start. And once Nik started the onboarding process by connecting me with the endless web of Rush resources, we knew we were now a part of something very, very special. We believe that our talent pool will benefit tremendously from this partnership, but we are very aware of the responsibility for everyone to represent Rush positively. We pass on that message often to the players “we are a part of something bigger now. We need to carry ourselves like it. Many people around the world wear the Rush logo.”

Your Club is the only U.N club among the Rush Soccer clubs in the United States. Can you tell us a little bit about your program and what sets your organization apart from all other domestic Rush Clubs?

Little Haiti is an inner-city neighborhood, 60 blocks north of downtown Miami. Laleau Gomez and Pat Santangelo started the Club, and Mallory Kauderer, Samuel Prunier, Jean Armand, and Father Reginald joined them as the dedicated team of directors. They work in local public schools, churches, and local businesses. Their aim has always been the same, to get the kids off the streets and educate them through team sports. We also have a dedicated team of coaches who don’t make very much money but serve as coaches, mentors, role models, and drivers. The numbers are growing, but we have around 120 players, ages 5-19, in our program. Most of our players were either born in Haiti or are of Haitian descent. They are passionate about the game. With few exceptions, the players either walk to the park, get rides with coaches or take city buses to practice. Although we do not practice every day, it is common to hear them say that they play Soccer 6 days a week, every day except for Sundays, when they attend church and spend time with their families. Those of us who grew up loving the ball and joining games can relate to the kids in our program.

Since you decided to join Rush, is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you about Rush that you would like to share with us?

From the initial conversation with Mr. Schulz to all of the communication we have had since then, we have felt supported and welcomed. This program is just getting started, and we have potential and talent but not much history of official success on the field yet (We will start playing in F.Y.S.A. leagues next year). The trust and love from those associated with Rush have been humbling.

Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?

The people who have been with Little Haiti F.C. Since day 1 are proud to say that 100% of the kids in the soccer program went on to graduate high school. For most, if not all of them, they are the first in their families to earn a diploma.

What is Little Haiti Rush’s mission?

To give kids a safe environment to play Soccer. Positive coaches and role models to guide them in school, in Soccer, and life. To educate them on character development, being responsible, coachable, good teammates. Soccer gives us the platform to teach these things. A very small percentage will play pro soccer, but they will all have to grow up to be good citizens.

What was the biggest challenge your Club is facing Right now?

Transportation is a hurdle. Two years ago, we had a tragedy with three players losing their lives walking to a bus stop to attend a game. It was tragic. That cannot happen ever again. Each of their home lives is different. Some of them live with extended family members. Are they eating properly? Are they getting enough rest? And of course, the financial component of hiring coaches, paying for player cards, registration fees, leagues, tournaments, referees, etc. We are grateful for the support from Capelli in providing much-needed equipment.

What can Rush Soccer do to help, if anything?

You have opened the doors to your Club and your staff. Thank you. It is up to us to represent you all in the best way possible. We want to make you proud.

What do you want the Rush nation to know about your Club here in Florida?

That we are proud to be a part of Rush, we have some talented young players hungry for an opportunity to help their families. I spoke to one player last week who lives with his grandparents. He said he wants to go to college to make his grandparents proud of him for all they have sacrificed for him. Many players like him love the game, and they see it as a vehicle to improve their lives and the lives of their families.

If anybody in Rush Nation wants to help Little Haiti F.C. in any way, Pablo can be reached at pablo@littlehaitirushsoccer.com

Rush Gives Back to the Game

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 20:28:00 GMT

Recently Rush Soccer went to Africa to help bring the REACH program to life in this part of the world. REACH stands for Rush Equipment Assisting Children. the program was created to give back to the sport we love by providing slightly used equipment to those in need.

The program started back in 2002 with Rush Soccer’s 1st club, Colorado Rush donating their old uniforms to a coach that was traveling back to South Africa to teach soccer to children in need. Overnight, this coach saw these players have a sense of community in our Rush uniforms and the program was born. Now, players from all over the US donate their old uniforms to Rush Soccer and we do our best to distribute these around the world.

This year was no different as Tiago Calvano, Rush Soccer’s Director of International Affairs traveled to Africa to donate this gear to our Rush clubs in Senegal, Gambia, and Ghana. “This trip for me was life changing. To see all of the happy faces from the players once they received the gear really made me remember why we are in this sport. I am so glad we were able to bring joy to these communities,” Tiago said.

We would like to thank Rush Nation for donating your gear to the REACH program. You are making a difference in the world and we are proud to have this program be a part of Rush Soccer.

Trina Davis Makes It Pro

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 11:04:00 GMT

Guershom Sylvain Seizes Opportunity

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:53:00 GMT

Three countries and a couple of languages later, Guershom Sylvain has learned how to handle being the new kid. And that’s why the Rush ’04 striker won’t be overwhelmed when he continues both his academic—and soccer—education this fall as part of the Combine Rush boys high school soccer program at Combine Academy.

Guershom, who plays for the Michigan Rush Lansing club, was recently awarded a full scholarship to attend the young program located on a 43-acre campus just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. And he is looking forward to the opportunity to continue his development on the pitch and in the classroom.

“I am excited,” Guershom said. “I’m very blessed and very humbled. To be able to train, play twice a week, and study, that’s a big dream come true for me, and I look forward to seeing what happens in the future.”

When Rush Soccer’s Global Sporting Director Raoul Voss saw Guershom at a recent Rush Select event, it was more than just the prospect of his potential that spurred the full scholarship offer.

“When I watched him play, he really stood out,” Voss said. “He was very engaged in the game and wasn’t shy about taking on players, all the kinds of things you want to see. But when I talked to him afterward, he was really top class. There was just a way about him. He just reinforced the idea that this was a player we wanted to support.”

Attending the Combine Rush Academy will go a long way in supporting Guershom to achieve his goal of one day playing in Europe. (Thomas Tuchel, are you paying attention?) But it took more than just the opportunity of playing for a veteran coach like Bob Reasso to convince Guershom’s mother.

“My mom is not a big sports fan,” Guershom said. “She’s mainly focused on me getting a good education. But she’s very supportive, and she said if I can play and also get a good education then she said for me to do it.”

And it’s not a surprise given the path Guershom’s family has taken.

Guershom was born in Congo before fleeing the country for Malawi. They stayed in a refugee camp before being admitted to the U.S. when he was six years old.

“My journey here has really shaped who I am today,” Guershom. “Being an immigrant and moving here and learning a whole new language, not many people do that. … It taught me to be a stronger person and adapt to a new environment.”

But moving here was only the beginning for Guershom and his family. It’s what’s transpired since then that has inspired him to pursue his dream even more vigorously.

“Seeing my mom who didn’t know English, going to classes to learn English—it’s shaped me to see how hard she’s working,” Guershom said. “And it’s only made me want to fight harder for my goals.”

Combine Academy soccer coach Bob Reasso, a veteran hall of fame college coach who’s had more than 50 pro players under his tutelage, will be the one entrusted with elevating Guershom’s game. And Reasso is also looking forward to the opportunity.

“He’s an absolutely intelligent kid — and inquisitive,” Reasso said. “He wants to know as much about soccer as possible. So I’m as excited to coach him on the personal side as well as the soccer side.”

Guershom, who named Kevin De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Paul Pogba as some of his favorite professional players to watch, was thoughtful when asked about what part of his game needed the most work.

“My vision could be better,” Guershom said. “I think there’s a lot more to know if I can see the game better. I definitely have a lot of room to grow and that’s one big thing I wish I could improve on.”

Guershom is seeing clearly now—and by all indications, it’s a bright future.

Select Program Announces Weston Cup Rosters

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:57:00 GMT

The best players from across the Rush will make up the 22 teams that will be in attendance. In November of 2020, the top U13 -U15 players met in Missouri at the HUB and competed against each other while being evaluated for this event in Naples. The ones that performed the best in Missouri have now been selected for this opportunity in Florida. The U16 – U18 teams will be made up of veterans to the program and National teams have been formed based on their time with the Rush and the Select program.

The U13-U15 teams will be split into a West/Midwest regional and Northeast/South regional team. The U16 and U17 groups will be national teams with players from all over the country formed into Blue and White teams. The U18 group will only have a blue team. The teams will be coaches by some of the top coaches Rush has to offer. When the Rush Select teams take the field at the Weston Cup over 40 Rush clubs from across the nation will be represented!

Director of Rush Select, Justin Miller had this to say about the rosters, “We have a great group of players ready to head down to the event. We are excited to compete and have a lot of success on the field. This is a first time event for Rush Select and we are all excited to leave our mark.”

Stay tuned to all Rush social media channels for all the action from the Weston Cup!

18 Things To Raise A More Confident Child

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:00:00 GMT

This post is based on an article from acclaimed psychologist Carl Pickhardt.

Did you know that less than 1% of youth players reach the professional ranks?

You probably did, so do coaches. We state the obvious when we say that to break into these ranks you need to be beyond exceptional. We know all of this and we are objective enough to know that the chances of this happening are very, very slim. Yet it seems at times that we are willing to sacrifice it all for 3 points on Saturday. No matter the damage. We should remember that youth sports are about developing better players and better people, and that winning is most frequently not a good parameter of good coaching.

Carl Pickhardt, a psychologist and author of 15 parenting books, says on his article ’18 Things to Raise a More Confident Child ‘ that a kid who lacks confidence will be reluctant to try new or challenging things because they’re scared of failing or disappointing others. This can end up holding them back later in life and prevent them from having a successful career.

This article invites all readers to self-reflect on:

How do you do at tip #1 “appreciate effort, no matter if they win or lose?” and tip #8 “never criticize their performance”?
How can we still give honest, realistic feedback while still implementing these strategies?
In tip #4, the author encourages us to allow kids to “act their age”, are we doing this or demanding that they be ‘more serious’ and ‘act like grown ups’?
How might you implement Tip #9 “Treat mistakes as building blocks for learning” and tip #13 “praise them when they deal with adversity”?

 Thank you Parents for taking the time to read and reflect over these questions. You’re doing it for your children.

Mackenzie Donates Over 200 Items for REACH

Sat, 05 Aug 2017 18:23:00 GMT

Meet Mackenzie, a player with Michigan Rush Lansing. Mackenzie is a great example of what happens when you combine a love for soccer with empathy and initiative. She held her own R.E.A.C.H. drive in the fall of 2017 to send equipment to kids with the desire to play soccer but lacking the gear to do so. Working with her local club to set up the collection drive and Rush HQ to select a destination to benefit from her efforts, Mackenzie took total ownership of this effort. Her collection included 58 pairs of cleats, 74 jerseys, 47 pairs of shin guards, and much more! All of which was then shipped to players in Bosnia who benefitted from what was collected.

Bosnia Rush provides training to both academy level as well as recreational youth players. Many at no cost. Thanks to this donation drive, many now will have game day uniforms, shin guards and cleats to play in.

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“This isn’t just about me,” he said. “It’s about the culture we’re building together, players, families, staff, everyone buying into the standards we set and showing up every single day.”

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“Soccer has always been more than just a sport to me, it’s been a way of life,” she shared. “It’s taught me discipline, resilience, and connection, and coaching allows me to give back to the game that gave me so much.”

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