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THE HEART OF RUSH coaching

At Rush Soccer, passion for the game is in our DNA. Everything we do starts with The Heart of The Rush, our philosophy that puts love for the game and player development at the center. It’s more than just a starting point; it’s who we are and how we grow the game, one player at a time.


The Game is the Teacher

We firmly believe that the best teacher of soccer is the game itself. Through the complexities and dynamic nature of live play, players discover their creativity and develop crucial skills. This belief is operationalized through our 70 Games Rule, which encourages youth teams to engage in 70 11v11 scrimmages annually. These scrimmages, whether formal or informal, are integral to fostering a practical understanding of the game.

A group of people on a field, including a man in blue and women in sportswear, appear to be in discussion.

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

November 11, 2025
Jess Nash of Rush Wisconsin joins U.S. Soccer at a global FIFA coaching course, representing Rush excellence in coach development.

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

October 24, 2025
Montana Rush coach Kaitlyn Sisler wins the Rush Women’s Alliance Scholarship for leadership in female athlete development.

Collin Scott Named ECNL RL Girls Coach of the Year

September 24, 2025
Lobos Rush coach Collin Scott honored as ECNL RL Girls Coach of the Year for excellence in player development.
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Rush Soccer Partners with Coaches’ Voice to Elevate Coaching Development Across All Clubs

September 9, 2025
Rush Soccer and Coaches’ Voice launch the Rush Coach Education Center to enhance coach training worldwide.
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How we coach

At Rush Soccer, coaches do more than run sessions they lead with purpose. They’re mentors, role models, and game-changers who put people first. Every interaction is a chance to inspire, build character, and fuel a lifelong love for the game.

Coaching Principles

Our coaching environments promote self-expression, responsibility, and discipline, not through strict rules but through fostering accountability. Our Rush Blue Thread encompasses eight fundamental principles that guide every coaching session, ensuring consistency and quality across our coaching staff.

The Rush Blue Thread

A player centered approach to coaching that encompasses eight fundamental principals.


  1. Coach positively to encourage and build confidence
  2. Minimum 75% of each session is game based and opposed.
  3. The ball is moving at least 70% of the time in a session.
  4. Coaching points are based on visual cues.
  5. Use conditions to encourage competition.
  6. Each activity contains a decision making element
  7. Design of the session/week/season plan meets the needs of players/teams.
  8. There is an ongoing cycle of feedback & reflection between the player and coach.
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The Rush Way to Play

Our style of play, The Rush Way, is aggressive and proactive. It emphasizes continuous movement, possession, and a mindset of attack, whether we have the ball or not. This philosophy ensures that Rush players and teams are adaptable, passionate, and purpose-driven on the field.


The Rush Way to Play is a reflection of our core values and culture, and a tradition sustained for almost 25 years. Our style of play is supported by these four overarching pillars:

  • ADAPTABLE

    Read The Game: Rush players must be flexible and able to adapt to the changing circumstances and demands of the opponent. Players learn through repetition, observation, and study of game scenarios.

  • BRAVE

    Freedom Without Fear, But With Responsibility: Players must autonomously read the game, decide the best action, and execute. Rush players are encouraged to play with freedom and without fear,  yet understanding the importance of responsibility and the balance between the two. 

  • OFFENSIVE

    Attack Oriented: Rush teams value possession with a purpose, the purpose of scoring. The objective is not to merely have the ball, but to attack the goal. We want to be dangerous. We want to keep scoring, always, no matter the current score. Whether in possession or defense, we are attacking.

  • INTENSE

    Only Your Top Effort Is Acceptable: Rush teams have a strong presence on the field, through loud and clear communication, and an explosive, high intensity physical display. No matter how well or bad a team or player might be playing on a certain day, top  effort is demanded and expected from one another. This intensity is especially high in transitional moments.

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Rush Women's Alliance

The Rush Women’s Alliance is a strategic initiative by Rush Soccer that reflects our deep respect for the role of women in the game. We are committed to creating a supportive environment where female coaches, administrators, and executives are encouraged to grow, lead, and thrive. Through intentional mentorship, professional development, and impactful networking opportunities, the Alliance empowers women across the Rush network to shape the future of soccer, on and off the field.

A coach talks to a team of young players on the bench during a soccer game. They're wearing green and black uniforms.

coaches' Voice

If you're a current Rush coach please go to our E-Learning website to access all our coaching resources and become certified as a Rush Way Coach.


  • Our Game Model
  • Coaching Curriculum & Season Plans
  • Rush Way Coaching License
  • Handbooks & Guides
  • The Rush Blueprint
  • The Global Technical Report