About Rush Fest
OPEN TO 12U and 13U PLAYERS
Rush Fest is back, and it’s bigger than ever! For the first time, 12U (August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015) and 13U (August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014), will come together for one unforgettable week of soccer, community, and celebration.
On the field, you’ll play, compete, and push your game to the next level. Off the field, you’ll join Rush players and families from around the globe to cheer on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, watching the world’s biggest stage with the world’s best soccer family.
This is more than a tournament. It’s Rush Nation united. It’s the ultimate soccer experience.
Host Hotel
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Welcome to the official host hotel for Rush Fest 2026, the incredible Gaylord Rockies Resort! Located just a 15-minute drive from the fields, our host hotel is the heart of all Rush Fest activities.
By choosing to stay at the host hotel, you’re positioned right where all the excitement happens. Enjoy on-site access to all key Rush Fest events, including:
- Opening Ceremonies & Block Party
- Player Classroom Sessions
- Parent’s Night Out!
- Closing Ceremonies & Gift Exchange
We encourage you to act quickly to ensure your place at the center of all Rush Fest activities.
Rush Fest 2026 is a Stay-to-Play event. While you are not required to stay at the Gaylord Rockies Resort, all hotel bookings must be made through Athlete Travel to ensure your team’s participation is properly coordinated. If you have any questions, please contact Athlete Travel directly via email at support@athletetravel.com or by phone at (858) 299-0028. Athlete Travel partners closely with top lodging providers to secure the best available accommodations. Booking through the provided link guarantees access to exclusive, competitive rates while directly supporting the event.
Our host hotel, the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, offers a comprehensive range of amenities to enhance your stay during Rush Fest 2026:
- Diverse Dining Options: Enjoy meals at any of our eight restaurants, ranging from a fine-dining steakhouse to a casual coffee house.
- Relaxation and Recreation: Their three-acre aquatic paradise features a heated year-round outdoor pool and a zero-entry indoor pool. With thrilling waterslides, a 720-foot-long lazy river with bubblers, and a rocky grotto
- Sports and Activities: Stay active with our pickleball courts, basketball courts, and a variety of outdoor games.
- Fitness and Wellness: Keep up with your fitness regime in our well-equipped fitness room. Or stop by Relâche Spa for a massage and facial.
Staying on-site means you’re always in the middle of the action, making it effortless to enjoy every aspect of Rush Fest 2026.
Off Field Fun!
Rush Fest isn’t just about playing soccer, it’s a full experience! Between games, enjoy a variety of off-day activities around Denver, connect with other families during our Parents’ Night, and catch all the action from the World Cup at our watch parties. Whether you’re exploring, relaxing, or cheering together, there’s always something happening beyond the field.
Your Questions Answered
For additional questions, contact Nik Penn, npenn@rushsoccer.com
Who can register?
Rush Fest is for 2014 & 2015 Boys & Girls Rush teams, regardless of where you reside. Physically filling out registration should be done by a coach or team manager (or parent, if you are only registering an individual.) We will have all levels of play, from DA teams to lower-level and everything in between.
U12 play 9v9
- Players born between: 08/01/2014 – 08/31/2015
U13 play 11v11
- Players born between: 08/01/2013 – 08/31/2014
Do I Have to Bring My Whole Team?
Every 2013 is welcome! While we encourage full teams to attend so that you get to experience traveling with your entire team, it is not a requirement. We still encourage players to sign up as individuals or partial teams!
Can I Register as an Individual?
Yes – if you are able to attend but you are from a state without a specific 2013 team, or there are not enough players to make the journey as a team, we have the option to register as an individual, and Rush Soccer will place you on a team for the week.
Do I Have to Stay at a Specific Hotel?
Book Your RoomYes, Rush Fest is a “stay-to-play” event and you will reserve your block of rooms through the Fest Hotel Registration.
How Can Parents Book Hotels for the Same Rate and Location?
Book Your RoomParents can book their hotels via the same link as players and coaches; however, we ask that you be courteous with your room block – space is limited, and we want as many teams/players as possible to have their choice of hotel.
When Should I Book my Arrival/Departure?
The Opening Ceremony will commence at 5pm on Sunday, July 6th, and the last games will conclude by 2:00 pm on Friday, July 11th. Colorado has so much to offer in the summertime, we recommend you stay a few extra days to have some fun!
Okay, I Registered. Now What?
You should receive an email detailing your registration submission. You will receive a Google Doc to fill out pertinent information regarding your team and will receive emails from Nik to collect payment, rosters, etc.
Are Parents Encouraged to Attend?
Absolutely, this is a Rush-wide festival and we believe the parents should attend to experience the Rush Way in full effect too. We are asking the players to stay together in rooms with chaperones and coaches and not stay in the same room as their parents. This is likely the first time that the players are traveling and staying together as a team and we want to make sure that we give them the responsibility but under the supervision of their chaperones. Learning the Rush Way to travel is a part of this event!
What is Expected of a Rush Chaperone?
Rush chaperones are volunteers and without them, this event wouldn’t be possible. Generally, chaperones are responsible, soccer-loving, and able to pass a background check. Specifically for this event, a chaperone must be punctual, tireless, and attentive. Typically a chaperone at the Rush Fest is responsible for driving the team to and from the fields, arranging all meals, sorting travel items, etc. Contact us if you need guidance.
What is the "Gift Exchange"?
One of the big events we plan is a “kids only” (not strictly) social event in which players socialize amongst each other and exchange Rush gifts from their local club. It is a blast! We recommend you bring an item per child, but by all means bring more – the more a player starts with, the more they can trade for with other clubs! Your item can be anything customized to your local Rush club. (ie Colorado Rush t-shirts, Alaska Rush hat, etc.)
Do we have to bring our own equipment?
Coaches are responsible for bringing their own cones and pennies and we recommend the players each bring a size 5 ball. With over 60 teams anticipated, we are unable to provide equipment for all teams, unfortunately.
Are There Volunteer Opportunities?
Volunteers can help with a variety of tasks during the event, like field setup, and working at the fan store. We could use some helping hands who are anxious to be more involved. Contact shopeau@rushsoccer.com, and we will coordinate with you before the event.
Thanks, and again, we appreciate your help!
Fundraising Opportunities
All donations will directly support essential costs like registration, accommodations, and travel. By contributing, you’re helping these talented young athletes reach their potential and create memories that will last a lifetime.
What Your Support Covers:
- Registration Fees
- Accommodation at the DoubleTree Thornton and other local hotels
- Travel Expenses
- Coaching and Parent Education Programs
- Classroom Sessions
- Evening Activities for Players and Families
Your gift is more than a donation—it’s an important gift in the next generation of soccer talent. Together, we can ensure that every athlete has the chance to shine, grow, and build lasting memories on and off the field.
For Coaches
The Rush Fest will give coaches the opportunity to learn first-hand about the Rush Way. Each day we will see coaches engage in an active learning environment. Coaches will be challenged to take part in a number of tasks including teaching players the Rush Way to warm up and defend corners. A coaching education clinic will also be held during the week. We look forward to supporting coaches on their journey in better serving players.
Coach Pairing
To afford all the players at the event the best experience possible we ask that the head coaches (or assigned coaches) of each team assist another team within the event.
Why do we do this?
Rush aims to give all players the best experience possible. Assistant coaches can add knowledge, enthusiasm, and a unique opportunity for players to experience working with a coach from a different Rush club.
Pairing coaches will allow for the development of relationships, sharing of knowledge and ideas between coaches. As well as the opportunity for head coaches to develop staff management skills, assigning staff to specific roles and responsibilities.
It is an expectation that all staff actively engage in games, whether acting as the head or assistant coach. Assistant coaches are also expected to lead the team training session that will be held during Fest. This allows the players to hear a different coaching voice, maybe a different style and allow some coaching education for the team coach also.
Introductions
We ask that each coach contacts the coach listed as your partner to introduce yourself and give any relevant information about your team you feel necessary. On the first night of the coaches meeting (immediately following the Opening Ceremony) we will have a chance to get together and meet before the morning games.
Resources
Rush Women's Alliance
The Rush Women’s Alliance is excited to host a couple of events focused on connection, community, and conversation! Whether you’re a female coach, leader, or someone who works with female athletes, we’d love for you to join us.
Wednesday 8th, 6am-10am – Female Coaches Breakfast at the Gaylord Hotel – we will get a definite location for you soon. This is an invitation to any female coach or leader to meet and chat over breakfast.
Wednesday 8th, 6pm-7pm – Coaching the Female Athlete – Also at the Gaylord – Venue TBD – this will be for any coach that coaches or intends to coach female players, for an interactive discussion and presentation.
