Rush Soccer

Sports Psychology Consultant Worked with Albany Rush

duda@360player.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 23:59:52 GMT

Dr. Bob Hoople Brings Expertise in Sport Psychology to Albany Rush

Albany Rush youth soccer players recently had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Bob Hoople , a highly respected Sport Psychology Consultant and Assistant Professor in Applied Psychology at SUNY Cobleskill . Dr. Hoople, who leads DBH Sport Psych Consulting LLC , has dedicated his career to enhancing the mental performance of athletes, teams, and professionals across various fields.

With over 15 years of university-level teaching experience and extensive work with individual athletes and teams, Dr. Hoople’s expertise in Sport and Performance Psychology has helped competitors sharpen their focus, build confidence, and perform under pressure. He has also worked in coaching and consulting roles, supporting not only athletes but also businesses, healthcare professionals, paramedics, and law enforcement personnel in high-stakes environments.

Certified by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology as a Mentor for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification , Dr. Hoople brings cutting-edge strategies in mental resilience and performance enhancement to the athletes he works with.

During his session with Albany Rush, Dr. Hoople provided invaluable insights on mental toughness, handling game-day pressure, goal-setting, and maintaining focus in competitive situations . Players walked away with practical tools to elevate their performance both on and off the field.

Albany Rush is grateful for Dr. Hoople’s time and expertise in shaping the next generation of athletes, ensuring they develop not only technical skills but also the mental strength necessary for success.

WPSL COMPETITION IN NEW YORK CAPITAL DISTRICT REACHES NEW HEIGHTS WITH ADDITION OF ALBANY RUSH

duda@360player.com — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 20:36:48 GMT

ALBANY RUSH JOINS WPSL

ALBANY RUSH WOMENS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO THE WPSL FOR THE 2025 SEASON!

NY Select and CT Select join MLS NEXT

duda@360player.com — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 23:34:27 GMT

Fall 2021 Season is here! The EDP Schedules are Now Posted

duda@360player.com — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 08:47:18 GMT

Fall 2021 Season is here! The EDP Schedules are Now Posted

Check out Fall 2021

Fall 2021 Season is here! Good Luck to all of our CT, MA, and NY teams representing the Blue and White!

Simpson and Demake Named Coaches for our CT Rush UWS program

duda@360player.com — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 07:09:07 GMT

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NORTH BRANFORD, Connecticut, Friday, January 20, 2022: CT Rush is thrilled to announce Britt Simpson as the new Head Coach of our UWS program for the upcoming 2023 season. Simpson is a graduate of the UWS program and currently coaches the 04/05 Girls team. Coach Simpson will be assisted by Stephanie Demake. Demake also serves as the Head Coach of Post University in Waterbury, CT.

A native of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Simpson has a storied career as a player, moving to Connecticut to compete at Yale University, and captaining the team for the 2018/19 season. Simpson then competed professionally in the WSL in England before returning to Connecticut to work for Pfizer.

Assistant Coach, Stephanie Demake, is a native of Auburn, MA, and competed at Worcester State University before embarking on a storied coaching career. Her first role was as an assistant at Wheaton College before holding the same position at Ohio University, Stetson, Troy University, and Davidson College. Demake was named Head Coach at Post University in 2018.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Brittany as an assistant coach. With the tremendous support from Rush and the quality of players within the program, Brittany and I aim to facilitate an experience that is competitive, professional, and unmatched in Connecticut”, stated Demake. “It’s exciting to be a part of the continually growing community of players, coaches, and directors committed to the growth of the women’s game.”

CT Rush launched the UWS program in 2021 and has successfully implemented a pro-am soccer experience for Rush alums, local collegiate athletes, and other interested players. CT Rush will be announcing tryout dates shortly.

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About Northeast Rush

Northeast Rush ( www.northeastrush.com ) is comprised of Rush clubs based in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, and Florida. With over 250 teams and 4,000 players, Northeast Rush is one of the largest Rush groups within the organization. Headquartered in Newtonville, MA, with offices within each region, Northeast Rush offers premier-level club soccer, camps and clinics, recreational soccer, and international opportunities.

CT Rush UWS Welcome’s Sarette Builders as a Sponsor

duda@360player.com — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:57:47 GMT

CT Rush UWS Welcome’s Sarette Builders as a Sponsor

NORTH BRANFORD, Connecticut, Friday, January 20, 2022: Connecticut Rush is excited to enter into a partnership with Sarette Builders, one of the primary sponsors of our UWS team.Under new coaching leadership, the UWS program will enter its third season later in 2023, and attracting local and reputable sponsorship highlights the growth that the team has experienced in its short history.

Based in Old Saybrook, CT, Sarette Builders are a professional contracting and remodeling business. We are thrilled to welcome owner Wade Sarette and his organization into the CT Rush family and appreciate their support for the upcoming season.

CT Rush Select Joins ECNL Regional League for 2023/24 Season

duda@360player.com — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:55:10 GMT

CT Rush Select Joins ECNL Regional League for 2023/24 Season

NORTH BRANFORD, Connecticut, Tuesday, April 4, 2023: Northeast Rush is delighted to announce that CT Rush Select will join the ECNL Regional League for the 2023/24 season. Teams at the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19 age groups will compete in the Northeast League.

Founded in 2009, the ECNL challenged the status quo of youth soccer, with a vision to be better. Today it represents the epitome of excellence in youth soccer as the league and its clubs, players, coaches, and everyone involved seeks to constantly “Raise the Game” for the future.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our CT Rush Select players. It enables us to compete in one of the nation’s best soccer leagues,” said Greg Cumpstone, Director of Coaching for CT Rush Select. “We are an ambitious club, and we want to place our players in the best environment possible to develop and progress as soccer players.”

We feel strongly that this advancement into the ECNL Regional League Northeast is the right step,” continued Cumpstone. “In recent years, our players and teams have shown their ability to compete at the highest level, and I am excited to see them continue to prove themselves against some of the best in the business. We have been pushing for the move into the ECNL, and we feel that being invited to join is a recognition of the hard work and quality of our players and coaching staff.”

CT Rush Select is the first Northeast Rush region to receive an invitation to the ECNL organization. The ECNL Regional League is a national-level platform that will present opportunities for our players to compete in the Northeast League, compete in renowned tournaments, and increase college recruitment exposure.

“We are excited to be invited to compete in the ECNL Regional League, as it is widely recognized as the elite level competition nationally,” said Craig Thomas, Northeast Rush CEO. “CT Rush Select has set the competitive standard for our club and thoroughly deserves the opportunity to compete in the Regional League.”

CT Rush Select operates teams out of North Branford, CT, and will be holding tryouts for the 2023/24 season later this month. If you are interested in earning your spot and being a part of the club’s inaugural season in the ECNL, register here:

CT Rush Select Boys Welcomed to the National Academy League

duda@360player.com — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 14:52:22 GMT

CT Rush Select Boys Welcomed to the National Academy League

Matt Brown Announced at Albany Rush USL2 Head Coach

duda@360player.com — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:04:52 GMT

Matt Brown Announced at Albany Rush USL2 Head Coach

ALBANY, New York, Tuesday, December 20, 2022: Albany Rush is delighted to announce Matt Brown as the new Head Coach of our USL2 for the upcoming 2023 season. Coach Brown also serves as the Head Coach of Union College in Schenectady, NY, and will oversee all aspects of our USL2 program.

“We are excited to have Matt and his staff lead the team. We are looking to build on our inaugural season and look forward to competing against quality teams in the northeast,” said Brian Gordon, General Manager of New York Rush. “I’m excited to see the team grow under Matt’s leadership and improve on last year’s finish.”

A native of Southampton, England, Brown boasts a decade of coaching experience at the collegiate and international levels. Before joining Union College Men’s Soccer in February 2022, Brown coached with Bucknell University, where he spent two years as an assistant coach before being elevated to interim head coach for the 2021 season.

“I am very excited to be a part of this project, and I look forward to leading the team for the upcoming season. I believe a solid group of players is returning, and we are looking to add to the group over the next few months,” mentioned Brown. “Our aim is to be competitive within our conference while aiding players in their development and preparation for college and beyond. It will be a great summer of soccer in the Capital Region.”

New York Rush launched the USL2 program in 2022, offering highly competitive soccer beyond youth programs for alums of the program, local collegiate athletes, and any other interested players. Albany Rush will be announcing tryout dates in the near future.

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About Northeast Rush

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About Northeast Rush

Northeast Rush ( www.northeastrush.com ) is a leading youth soccer organization based in Newtonville, Massachusetts, serving communities throughout New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Florida and Internationally throughout Greece (www.rushgreece.gr). Our programs provide players of all levels an equal opportunity to explore their potential and pursue developmental experiences, both on and off the field. Northeast Rush and Rush Greece represent over 200 teams and 3,000 youth soccer players, pro-am adult teams and players, an international residency academy, and multiple annual soccer events including the prestigious 45-year-old Needham Memorial Day Soccer Tournament hosting more than 600 teams in May of each year.

Northeast Rush and Premier Sports Medicine Announce Partnership.

duda@360player.com — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:27:08 GMT

Northeast Rush and Premier Sports Medicine Announce Partnership

Northeast Rush are thrilled to announce Premier Sports Medicine as the exclusive Athletic Training Partner for our adult teams, tournaments, and events

Northeast Rush is thrilled to announce a new relationship with Premier Sports Medicine of New Jersey, LLC, who become the Exclusive Athletic Training Services Provider for Northeast Rush. The “first name” in athletic training and sports medicine services, Premier Sports Medicine was originally founded in 2006 and has since expanded to Georgia, New Jersey, and Arizona.

“We are beyond excited to be the Exclusive Athletic Training Provider for Northeast Rush,” said Adam Greenfield, Founder and President of Premier Sports Medicine. “We are looking forward to building relationships with the players, coaches, and administration to provide the safest sporting experience in the Country!”

http://Northeast Rush and Premier Sports Press Release

NY Rush has added some Tryout dates!

duda@360player.com — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:23:51 GMT

Tryout Dates Added

NY Rush has added dates to the Tryout schedule due to last week’s weather cancelations

Visit Albany Rush for updates

Visit NY Rush for Additional Region Tryout schedules

Northeast Rush and Needham Soccer Club Join Forces for the 2022 Memorial Dy Tournament and College Showcase

duda@360player.com — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:14:48 GMT

Northeast Rush and Needham Soccer Club Join Forces for the 2022 Memorial Dy Tournament and College Showcase

NEWTONVILLE, Massachusetts, Monday, October 11, 2021: Northeast Rush today announced a partnership with Needham Soccer Club for the organization and delivery of the 45-year celebration of the Needham Memorial Day Tournament. The inaugural Northeast Rush College Showcase will run in conjunction with the tournament on May 27-30th, 2022.

“We are delighted to be part of one of the oldest, successful, and renowned tournaments in the country,” stated Craig Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Northeast Rush. “The addition of tournaments is important to club development, and working with Mark and such a prestigious event is an exciting opportunity.”

The Needham Memorial Day Tournament (NMDT) is one of the longest-running and well-respected events on the soccer calendar, attracting elite teams locally and from all over the world. Northeast Rush will provide access to top competition as well as a vast network of college coaches.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Northeast Rush for our popular College Showcase,” said Mark Miskin, Needham Soccer Club Executive Director, and NMDT Tournament Director. “Northeast Rush is well recognized and committed to being a true partner. As partners, we will emphasize NMDT’s five core principles: the best fields, the best referees, the best athletic trainers, the best hotels, and the best staff. These principles combine to give our participating teams the best tournament experience.”

Needham Memorial Day Tournament and Northeast Rush College Showcase information will be available in the New Year. Please join us in welcoming Mark Miskin and all of Needham Soccer Club to the Northeast Rush family.

For tournament registration, please click here: https://bit.ly/NMDTRush

About Northeast Rush

Northeast Rush ( www.northeastrush.com ) is comprised of Rush clubs based in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and North Carolina. With over 175 teams and 2500 players, Northeast Rush is one of the largest Rush groups within the organization. Headquartered in Newtonville, MA, with offices within each region, Northeast Rush offers premier-level club soccer, camps and clinics, recreational soccer, and international opportunities.

About Northeast Rush

ALBANY RUSH OPENS IS USL/UWS STORE TODAY!

duda@360player.com — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:10:23 GMT

ALBANY RUSH OPENS IS USL/UWS STORE TODAY!

COME AND SUPPORT OUR USL/UWS PROGRAMS

ENTER OUR STORE

We have scarves for $20 ($5 fee for delivery)

We have ticket packages for the summer season

Adult Packages (16+)

USL/UWS package $75 (all home games for both)

USL – $60 (all home games)

UWS – $40 (all home games)

Child Packages

USL/UWS package $40 (all home games for both)

USL – $30 (all home games)

UWS – $20 (all home games)

Individual games

$10/$5

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About Northeast Rush

Northeast Rush ( www.northeastrush.com ) is a leading youth soccer organization based in Newtonville, Massachusetts, serving communities throughout New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Florida and Internationally throughout Greece ( www.rushgreece.gr ). Our programs provide players of all levels an equal opportunity to explore their potential and pursue developmental experiences, both on and off the field. Northeast Rush and Rush Greece represent over 200 teams and 3,000 youth soccer players, pro-am adult teams and players, an international residency academy, and multiple annual soccer events including the prestigious 45-year-old Needham Memorial Day Soccer Tournament hosting more than 600 teams in May of each year.

Albany’s USL2 2023 Summer Schedule is Here!

duda@360player.com — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:07:10 GMT

Albany’s USL2 2023 Summer Schedule is Here!

ALBANY AND CT RUSH UWS TEAMS FINISH STRONG AND REPRESENT THE BLUE AND WHITE

duda@360player.com — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:00:23 GMT

ALBANY AND CT RUSH UWS TEAMS FINISH STRONG AND REPRESENT THE BLUE AND WHITE

Albany Rush and CT Rush Players Honored by UWS

UWS 2021 All East Conference Honors

Congratualtions to both Albany Rush and CT Rush UWS teams. Whiles this was our first season in a very strong UWS Conference both teams fought all season and just missed playoffs.

The women not only were able to field teams and compete at such a high level, they were able to fill the stadiums for home and away games with our youth squads representing the blue and white.

Albany and CT look forward to the 2022 season and expanding on what they were able to accomplish this season.

Northeast Rush is proud of the hardwork, dedication, and love of the game of both these squads. We want to extend a congratulations to all and we would like to recognize 3 players honored by

the UWS East Conference this season.

Iron Women of the Year (played every minute of every match in the regular season)

Sofia Eifler – Albany Rush

Honrable Mention

Jenna Hall – CT Rush

Katie Krohn – Albany Rush

USWNT Olympic Roster and Schedule (2024)

duda@360player.com — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:42:57 GMT

Soccer Stats 101: Understanding Key Soccer Metrics for Players

It’s that time again. In July and August, the best athletes from around the world will gather in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. For soccer, that includes the beloved USA Women’s Soccer Olympic (USWNT) team. Fans can watch beloved players like Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith take the field and play their hearts out to win the gold for their country.

The Latest USWNT Olympic News

In June, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes announced that she had chosen 18 women and four alternates from the team to represent the USA at the 2024 Olympics. Only eight of the players had previously played in the Olympics.1 The coach also commented that she wanted some of the younger players to gain more experience before competing in the future.2 The USWNT has a strong shot at winning the gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, even without their star player, Alex Morgan.

Alex Morgan and the 2024 Olympics

Many fans have wondered if Alex Morgan is playing in the 2024 Olympics. The answer to that question is no. For the first time since 2008, the USWNT Olympics roster won’t have Morgan on it. When Hayes announced the names of the players who made the team earlier this summer, she shocked fans everywhere when she didn’t mention Morgan.

Hayes explained the reasoning during a press conference, “It was not easy making a decision. There are 16 outfield players and two goalkeepers on a roster of 18. It was a tough decision, especially considering Alex’s record and history with this team. I felt I wanted to go in another direction and selected other players.”3

Morgan, who currently plays for the San Diego Wave, is a captain of the USWNT, and has been on the team for more than 12 years. Throughout that time, she has earned countless awards and accolades and has become a household name for soccer fans.

The USWNT Olympic Roster 2024

Goalkeepers

Casey Murphy

Casey Murphy is 6’ 1”, making her the tallest goalkeeper to ever play for the USWNT. She was born in New Jersey and played college soccer at Rutgers, where she met her husband and fellow athlete, Chris Mirabelli, who was on the track team. Murphy played youth soccer through 2019 and joined the USWNT in 2021. She currently plays for the North Carolina Courage.

Alyssa Naeher

Born in 1988, Alyssa Naeher is one of the senior members of the USWNT, which she joined in 2014. The Bridgeport, Connecticut, native was a First Team All-American at Penn State and is currently the goalkeeper for the Chicago Red Stars. She was also part of the team that won the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Defenders

Tierna Davidson

Born in California, Tierna Davidson attended Stanford University. Before she went pro, she wanted to be an astronaut, but her plans changed when she joined the Chicago Red Stars in 2019. Today, she plays for NJ/NY Gotham FC. 2024 marks her second time on the USWNT Olympic roster — she was also on the team for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Emily Fox

Emily Fox is a Virginia native who played soccer at the University of North Carolina before going pro. After playing for various teams in the U.S., she moved to the UK and joined the Arsenal Women’s Football Club in 2024. However, her loyalty remains with her home country, and she has been a member of the USWNT since 2018.

Naomi Girma

Naomi Girma was born to Ethiopian parents in San Jose, California, and went on to play soccer at Stanford while earning a degree in symbolic systems. Upon graduation, she went pro, but she also continued her education by pursuing a master’s degree in engineering. Girma, who made the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team roster in 2024 for the Paris Olympics, currently plays for the San Diego Wave.

Casey Krueger

Born in Illinois, Casey Krueger was a top-rated soccer recruit in high school, which led to her successful career at Florida State. In 2013, she went pro, and in 2016, she joined the USWNT. Krueger currently plays for the Washington Spirit and is the mom of a little boy named Caleb.

Jenna Nighswonger

California native Jenna Nighswonger also played for Florida State before graduating and going pro in 2022. She currently plays left back for NJ/NY Gotham FC. Nighswonger joined the USWNT in 2023 and made the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team roster in 2024. She first started playing youth soccer on the U.S. team in 2014.

Emily Sonnett

Growing up in the Atlanta area, Emily Sonnett was a soccer superstar as a child before going on to play for the University of Virginia. She currently plays multiple positions for NJ/NY Gotham FC. Sonnett joined the USWNT in 2015 and has played on the U.S. Women’s National Team in the Olympics in 2016, 2020, and 2024.

Midfielders

Korbin Albert

Korbin Albert grew up in Illinois and played soccer for two seasons at Notre Dame before making the decision to go pro. She currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain in France’s Première Ligue. One of the newest members of the USWNT, Albert played in her first match against China in December 2023.

Sam Coffey

Sports are an integral part of Sam Coffey’s family. Both her father and her sister are sportswriters, and Coffey is the athlete in the family. The New York native currently plays for the Portland Thorns, and she joined the national team in 2022, making this her first time to play on the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team in the Olympics.

Lindsey Horan

Lindsey Horan is currently a midfielder for Lyon, a club in France’s Première Ligue. The Colorado native grew up playing soccer and was the 2010 CONCACAF U-17 Women’s Championship leading scorer. She joined the USWNT in 2013. 2024 marks her second time on the U.S. Women’s Soccer Olympic Team.

Rose Lavelle

Cincinnati native Rose Lavelle currently plays midfielder for NJ/NY Gotham FC. After playing soccer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she began her pro career in 2014 and joined the USWNT in 2017. Throughout her career, Lavelle has earned several awards and accolades, and she appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2023.

Catarina Macario

Catarina Macario was born in Brazil, where she played soccer all her life before moving to the U.S. at the age of 12. Despite not speaking English, she played youth soccer in San Diego and broke a goalscoring record while playing in the Elite Clubs National League. She went on to play for Stanford before going pro. Today, she plays for the Chelsea club in the Women’s Super League in the UK in addition to playing for the USWNT.

Forwards

Crystal Dunn

New York native Crystal Dunn is a mom to three cats, five chickens, and one little human. The former University of North Carolina soccer star currently plays for NJ/NY Gotham FC and has been a member of the national team since 2013. 2024 marks her second time playing in the Olympics with USWNT.

Trinity Rodman

Trinity Rodman is one of the youngest members of the USWNT, and she was one of the youngest women ever drafted into the National Women’s Soccer League. She currently plays for the Washington Spirit. The California native is the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, so athletic ability runs in her blood.

Jaedyn Shaw

Born in 2004 in Texas, Jaedyn Shaw is one of the younger members on the USWNT, and she was the second-youngest player to join the National Women’s Soccer League. Shaw currently plays for the San Diego wave, and she is the first Vietnamese American to represent the United States in women’s soccer.

Sophia Smith

Sophia Smith was born in Colorado into a basketball family — her father and her older sister played in college. However, by the time she was six years old, she exhibited stellar talent in soccer. She played briefly at Stanford before joining the Portland Thorns. In 2022, she was the National Women’s Soccer League’s MVP, and in 2023, she scored more goals than any other player in the league.

Mallory Swanson

Mallory Swanson is a Colorado native who had plans to attend UCLA in 2016, but she delayed college in favor of joining the USWNT and playing in the Rio Olympics. Swanson is currently a forward for the Chicago Red Stars. She is married to MLB star Dansby Swanson.

Alternates

The USWNT has four alternates: Croix Bethune, Jane Campbell, Hal Hershfelt, and Emily Sams. Bethune is a midfielder who currently plays for the Washington Spirit. Campbell is a goalkeeper who plays for the Houston Dash. Hershfelt is a midfielder who plays for the Washington Spirit, and Sams is a defender for the Orlando Pride.

The USWNT Olympics 2024 Schedule

July 25, 2024: U.S. vs. Zambia (U.S. won 3-0)

July 28, 2024: U.S. vs. German (U.S. won 4-1)

July 31, 2024: U.S. vs. Australia (Australia won 2-1)

August 3, 2024: U.S. vs. Japan (U.S. won 1-0)

August 6, 2024: U.S. vs. Germany (U.S. won 1-0)

August 10, 2024: U.S. vs. Brazil (U.S. won 1-0)

Begin Your Journey to the USWNT Olympic Roster

Are you or your daughter ready to begin your own journey to the USWNT Olympic Roster in 2028, 2032, 2036, and beyond?

Join Northeast Rush, the premier youth soccer league in the Northeastern United States. With teams in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, the league offers a player-centered approach. Each team is matched with elite full-time and part-time coaches who have played soccer all over the world. NE Rush’s National-Level Youth Soccer Program can help prepare your son or daughter for long-term participation in the sport.

Soccer Stats 101: Understanding Key Soccer Metrics for Players

duda@360player.com — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:09:23 GMT

Soccer Stats 101: Understanding Key Soccer Metrics for Players

Measuring, understanding, and analyzing youth soccer metrics is a key part of player development in select youth soccer programs. The term “metrics” simply refers to the way an individual player’s or a team’s performance is tracked in a measurable quantitative manner.

These statistics provide useful insight into a player’s strengths and weaknesses, which helps them set goals for advancement and improvement. Metrics also help coaches personalize training programs and strategies to make the most of their players’ performances.

Youth soccer player metrics are a great tool to help coaches, players, and families track a team’s and players’ development and progress. Metrics also provide a way for families to become productively involved in the game by helping players of all interests and backgrounds set goals and strive to meet and surpass them.

Soccer Stats Key Metrics

Metrics for youth soccer can highlight a snapshot in time or track performance over time. Both are valuable in teaching, adjusting techniques and gameplay, and helping young players develop and increase their confidence.

It’s wonderful when a coach, parent, or friend encourages a player and tells them how much they enjoyed watching them play — and they should continue to do that. However, many youth soccer players, especially as they advance in their skills, find that tangible evidence provided by player and team metrics and trends gives them something solid to track as they improve their game play.

Metrics and trends are more than numbers to aspire to and be proud of; they also show players and teams where they have improved over time and where they need to continue improving. Whether the players are new to the game or taking part in a high-level, competitive program, game measurements can help their development as well as their overall enjoyment of the game.

Possession Percentage (PP)

Possession percentage (PP) is a team metric determined by dividing the total number of passes made by the team during a game by the total number of passes made by both teams. A possession begins when a player controls the ball, and it ends when their control ends, such as when a player shoots the ball, or it is lost or intercepted.

Pass Completion Rate (PCR)

A completed pass occurs when the passed ball goes directly to a teammate without it being touched by an opposing player. The pass completion rate (or percentage) is a common way to evaluate passing performance. The PCR is calculated by dividing the number of completed passes by a player or team by the total number of pass attempts.

Shots on Target (SOT)

Also known as shots on goal (SOG), a shot on target (SOT) is a shot made by the offense directly on the net. The SOT must either result in a goal by the attacking team or a save by the goaltender or the defense. A shot that deflects off the horizontal crossbar or vertical post without being deflected by the defense or goaltender doesn’t count as an SOT. This metric is a numerical count of shots meeting this definition.

Goals and Assists

A player is credited with two points for each goal they score. Scored goals are measured by counting the number of successful goals made by a player or team during the game. This metric can be refined by identifying the number of goals scored during each quarter or half (depending on the teams’ age group). The scoring player also receives two points for a goal scored.

Similarly, each player who makes an assist is awarded one point for each assist. An assist is a pass that leads directly to a goal without the ball being intercepted by the defense. Each goal can have up to two assists: a secondary assist and a primary assist. The ball counted as a secondary assist is passed directly to the player who receives credit for the primary assist.

Passes that can be counted as a primary assist include:

The final pass before a goal is scored

Winning a penalty

Making the shot, pass, or cross that results in an own goal aided by the opposition

Other factors that can lead to a goal, such as a blocked shot, other defensive moves, or an unassisted goal resulting directly from an interception, aren’t counted as an assist. For example, a game’s final scoring statistics may count four goals but only two assists.

Dribble Success Rate (DSR)

A player’s dribble success rate (DSR) is calculated by dividing the number of successful dribbles by the total number of attempted dribbles. A dribble occurs when a player with possession of the ball attempts to beat their opponent. A successful dribble occurs when the player with the ball beats the defending player while retaining possession. An unsuccessful dribble occurs when the dribbling player is tackled and loses the ball either to the defender or loses possession of the ball to open space or out of bounds.

Tackles and Interceptions

These metrics can be counted as the number of tackles and interceptions. They can also be measured as a percentage, such as successful or missed tackles as a percentage of all tackle attempts.

Successful tackle: A tackle is won when the tackler or a teammate regains possession, or the ball goes out of play.

Missed tackle: A tackle is missed when a player unsuccessfully challenges for the ball. This is calculated by adding fouls to an attempted tackle to the number of times a dribbler beats a player.

Interception: This occurs when a player takes, or steals, possession of the ball from their opponent by moving into its intended path. With an interception, a player prevents the pass from being completed.

Distance Covered

Distance covered on a soccer pitch is highly dependent on the player’s age and the size of the field for the team’s age group. The position-specific distances covered during a game vary, as mids cover the most distance, followed by strikers and then defenders.

The most accurate way to measure distance covered is with a FIFA-approved soccer GPS tracker device or vest that is approved for on-field wear. Ordinary fitness trackers must comply with Law 4 of the FIFA Rules of the Game:

“Where wearable technology (WT) as part of electronic performance and tracking systems (EPTS) is used in matches played in an official competition organized under the auspices of FIFA, confederations or national football associations, the competition organizer must ensure that the technology attached to the players’ equipment is not dangerous and meets the requirements for wearable EPTS under the FIFA Quality Programme for EPTS…. The FIFA Quality Programme for EPTS supports competition organizers with the approval process of reliable and accurate electronic performance and tracking systems.”

Position-Specific Metrics

Position-specific metrics are especially valuable for players who specialize in a single position: forward, midfielder, defensive back, and goalkeeper.

Forwards (or Strikers): Metrics pertaining to this key offensive position include pass completion rate (PCR), shots on target (SOT), dribble success rate, goals and assists, and tackles and interceptions. Speed and ability to accelerate are good ways to measure a striker’s on-field performance, as these metrics rely heavily on the player’s age, skill level, and training regimen.

Midfielders: Metrics for mids, who make both offensive and defensive plays, include pass completion rate (PCR), shots on target (SOT), dribble success rate, goals and assists, and tackles and interceptions. As mids must cover long distances on the pitch throughout the game, total distance and sprinting distance can be measured using a soccer GPS or performance tracker.

Defensive Backs: Backs’ performance on the field can be measured by pass-completion rate (PCR), dribble success rate, and tackles and interceptions.

Goalkeepers: As the last line of defense before a ball is netted, goalies use a specific set of metrics that measure their positional performance. The most common metrics are:

Save Percentage: The number of shots saved against the total shots taken on the net. A skilled goalkeeper saves about 69% of shots on target (SOT). To put this stat into perspective, the highest save percentage by a Major League Soccer player in a season is 76.7%, set in 2007 by Matt Pickens of the Chicago Fire.

Goals Against Average (GAA): Goals against average measures the number of goals a goalkeeper allows on average per game. Elite players aim for a GAA below 1.5.

Conclusion

Understanding and analyzing youth soccer player metrics is crucial for player development, helping coaches personalize training programs, and families track progress. By focusing on key metrics such as possession percentage, pass completion rate, and position-specific metrics, players can gain tangible insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. These metrics not only enhance performance but also increase players’ enjoyment and engagement in the game.

Metrics are more than just numbers; they reflect a player’s growth over time, providing a clear pathway for setting and achieving goals. Whether a player is new to soccer or participating in a competitive program, these measurements are invaluable for their development. Coaches, parents, and players alike can benefit from the comprehensive understanding these statistics offer.

For more information on how to effectively use these metrics to boost youth soccer performance, join Northeast Rush today. Explore their programs and get the guidance you need to help players reach their full potential. Visit Northeast Rush to learn more and become part of a community dedicated to developing the next generation of soccer talent.

Soccer and Mental Health: The Mental Benefits of Playing Youth Soccer

duda@360player.com — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:05:42 GMT

Soccer and Mental Health: The Mental Benefits of Playing Youth Soccer

Many people view soccer as nothing more than an exciting sport or a way to stay physically fit, but the game offers many other benefits, including providing a boost to soccer players’ mental health. This is critical in the world today, especially for youth soccer players who might need a boost of confidence or who are developing their social or cognitive skills. Let’s take a closer look at the mental health benefits of playing soccer.

The Importance of Mental Health in Youth and Developing Brains

As children grow up, they develop many cognitive, social, and emotional skills. When development takes place in the right environment with access to the right resources, it can set them up to become happy, healthy, successful adults with an array of skills.

Specifically, the human brain grows until it reaches adolescence. After that, the “teen years are all about fine-tuning how the brain works,” according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The brain continues maturing throughout the twenties, which is why it’s important to emphasize mental health in youth sports.

The Link Between Physical and Mental Fitness

Believe it or not, physical activities like soccer and mental health go hand-in-hand. People who exercise more tend to have more positive emotional well-being, positive moods, better concentration skills, increased alertness, and less mental illness. Reasons for this include:

Exercise impacts the chemicals in the brain that affect mood and mental health.
Physical activity reduces stress and tension and can help you sleep better.
Exercise boosts your confidence.
Participating in physical activities you enjoy, like soccer, are fun and distract you from the negative aspects of life.
Greater levels of physical activity lead to more energy.
Participating in team sports adds a social element that can boost mental health.

The Mental Benefits of Playing Soccer

Engaging in any type of exercise offers some benefits, but playing team sports can improve a person’s mental health even more. The mental benefits of playing soccer specifically include boosting confidence, developing social skills, and promoting team building and leadership skills.

Boosts Confidence

Compared to kids who think poorly of themselves, kids with high levels of confidence and self-esteem are more likely to try new things, build strong relationships, and cope with mistakes and failures. Playing sports like soccer can provide a confidence boost.

Athletes of all ages feel great when they find a sport they enjoy, and they feel even better when they are good at it. As they work hard and practice to meet and surpass their individual and team goals, it builds confidence in their abilities, which translates into other areas of their lives.

Alt text: A group of young soccer players in blue uniforms put their arms around each other, learning social skills

Develops and Improves Social Skills

Part of growing up and developing through childhood and teen years involves learning appropriate social skills. Children tend to focus mostly on themselves, but when they are placed in a team environment, they learn to communicate, collaborate, and interact with their teammates to achieve the same goals together. Many young athletes even go on to bond and form friendships with their teammates off the field.

Increases Motivation

When kids choose to participate in a sport they truly love, it can help increase self-motivation. This means they are playing for their own love of the game, not to please their parents or to impress someone else. It’s important for parents and coaches to help set goals that are important to their kids, not themselves. Once kids and teens accomplish their goals, they quickly understand how great it feels, and this often motivates them to set and achieve goals in other aspects of their lives.

Working hard on the field also helps improve self-discipline. This can motivate athletes of all ages to apply the same discipline to other aspects of their lives.

Improves Cognitive Development

Another one of the mental benefits of soccer is that it can help with cognitive development. Studies have shown that exercise increases the size of the area of the brain that is responsible for thinking and memory. Physical activity can also improve sleep and reduce stress and anxiety, which can give that area of the brain a boost. The hormones released when participating in physical activity also help improve cognitive function, including the ability to pay attention. Athletes are typically better problem solvers, more creative, and have better executive functioning skills.

Promotes Team Building and Leadership Skills

It may seem obvious, but team sports help with team building skills. Again, when someone is a part of a team, it helps build their social skills, but it also improves communication skills, emotional IQ, and trust in their teammates.

Another one of the mental health benefits of playing soccer is that it helps with leadership skills. By participating in team sports, kids and teens sharpen their soft skills, such as problem-solving, integrity, agility, and strategic thinking. These skills are crucial for building strong leaders.

Potential Mental Health Challenges to Overcome in Soccer

Although the impact of sports on mental health is generally positive, soccer players of all ages may have to overcome some challenges at times that can have a negative impact on mental health. These include:

Bouncing back from an injury
Living in the shadow of a sibling who is a better player
Not making a team
Poor performance during a match that impacts self-worth
Dealing with unrealistic pressure from coaches and parents
Balancing soccer with other activities like school and work

One study found that around 35% of elite athletes suffer from some sort of mental health issue, such as anxiety, depression, or burnout.

How Coaches Can Best Support Their Players’ Mental Health

Coaches can play a role in how sports affect mental health by providing their athletes with the right tools and support to overcome certain challenges. This might include:

Building strong relationships with young athletes
Helping athletes set realistic goals
Talking to the team regularly about health in general, such as practicing self-care and ways to prevent injuries
Ensuring athletes receive proper treatment for mental or physical health issues
Creating an open culture where it is acceptable to talk about mental health
Providing authentic, ethical leadership
Inviting speakers or providing activities that make a positive impact on mental health

How Parents Can Make Soccer a Positive Mental Experience

Even more importantly, parents can help make playing soccer a positive mental experience for their kids. It all starts with ensuring kids play because they love the game, not because parents want them to play. Other ways to help include:

Showing that winning isn’t the only important aspect of the sport
Providing support and encouragement on both good and bad days
Modeling good sportsmanship
Remaining respectful of coaches and referees
Encouraging kids to communicate their feelings

Final Thoughts on Soccer and Mental Health

Playing team sports can improve a person’s mental health. It provides an especially great opportunity for children and teenagers to build skills and learn behaviors and actions that can help set them up for a lifetime of success.

You can start by joining Northeast Rush, the premier youth soccer league in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Our core values include creating a safe environment for every player, establishing unity, respecting everyone, and promoting empathy, tenacity, and apologizing when you make a mistake. All of these values are essential for creating a space where every player can enjoy a positive impact on their mental health.

The Ultimate Soccer Gear Guide: Reviews and Recommendations

duda@360player.com — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:59:07 GMT

The Ultimate Soccer Gear Guide: Reviews and Recommendations

Youth soccer gear does more than make these young athletes look sharp — it is an essential part of letting them play safely and with optimal performance. From the youngest players to elite-level professionals, the right soccer gear is crucial to improving their abilities on the pitch and reducing the risk of injuries.

Families facing financial challenges for purchasing the best gear can check into Northeast Rush scholarships to help their young players participate in Rush soccer programs. The Rush Scholarship program is designed to assist in several areas of need, including providing funds to pay for uniforms and training gear.

Players, friends, and families can also support their team by sporting Rush Spirit Wear, which is available for each of the Rush clubs. Spirit wear includes hoodies, tees, jackets, scarves, sweatpants, and wristbands, plus accessories such as stickers, water bottles, coffee mugs, towels, and flags.

Recommended Soccer Gear for Safety and Performance

Recommended soccer gear for youth players is designed to ensure their safety and improve their performance, both by enhancing their play and not interfering with safe movement. According to U.S. Youth Soccer, U6-U12 players use modified equipment while playing on smaller fields than those used by teens and adults. These age-appropriate rules help make it safer and more enjoyable for young athletes to learn and play soccer.

FIFA Law 4 (Player Equipment) specifies the required youth soccer equipment for the U6-U8 age groups. U10-U19 players generally follow the FIFA Laws of the Game relating to equipment. The FIFA rules are followed more frequently as players grow and advance in their age groups. As a result, it’s wise for families to become familiar with these rules.

The recommended gear in this guide has a history of positive reviews by professionals and families. Items are made with safety and quality in mind. Keep in mind that these recommended pieces of gear are just a sample of products that are available.

New gear is continually brought to market, and every high-quality piece of gear cannot be identified separately. It’s important for families to evaluate the quality and safety of gear for youth soccer players by reading customer reviews, checking with their coaches and leagues, consulting pros at sporting goods stores, and being aware of any recalls and guidelines issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Soccer Cleats

Soccer players wear cleats to prevent slipping and injuries, such as sprains and twisted ankles and knees. Getting a secure grip on the grass pitch allows players to run, stop, pivot, plant their feet, and shoot safely and confidently.

According to FIFA Law 4, cleats are recommended but not required for players in the U6-U8 group. Players in any age group may not wear baseball cleats with metal spikes or a toe cleat. The best cleats (sometimes called boots) for youth players are tailored for the kind of surface they will play on, such as:

Firm ground : These cleats have molded studs that provide good traction on grass.
Soft ground : These cleats have customized screw-in studs that provide safe traction in wet and muddy conditions.
Artificial surface : These cleats have small rubber studs that provide traction but don’t dig excessively into the artificial surface.

It’s important for parents to have their children’s feet measured at a sporting goods store to ensure that the cleats fit correctly and to adjust for anticipated growth. It’s not advisable to buy too-large cleats, thinking a child will grow into them, as that can be a safety hazard and cause blisters and other injuries.

The pros at the store can also show your player how to lace and secure their boots correctly and safely. Having loose laces and ends can be a tripping hazard on the field. If your young athlete plays a certain position, mention that to the store’s pro to ensure the cleats are compatible with their position’s playing requirements.

Soccer cleats can be made of leather or synthetic leather. Natural leather tends to absorb water more than synthetic leather, making it heavier in wet conditions. Synthetic leather cleats tend to be lighter, more durable, and more affordable than natural leather cleats.

Other factors to consider include good ankle support, cushioning, and padding, particularly in the blister-prone heel area. Players should take some time to wear their new cleats on the grass (not concrete) to break them in without wearing the molded studs down.

When choosing cleats, it’s crucial to select a reputable brand that offers high-quality cleats. Top brands include the following:

Adidas
Diadora
Lotto
Mizuno
New Balance
Nike
Puma
Umbro
Under Armour

These brands also offer a variety of cleats that fit your child’s skill level and style of play, as well as designs and styles that appeal to young players.

While price is often a factor in buying cleats, their quality, durability, and comfort are the most important considerations. Sporting goods stores and soccer-specific retailers often have sales that can make it easier to afford a quality boot that will protect your child’s feet throughout the season.

Soccer Ball

FIFA Law 2 addresses soccer ball requirements, particularly its size and weight. All soccer balls for kids must meet FIFA quality standards. An age-appropriate ball size encourages proper kicking and ball-handling skills, accounting for each player’s size, kicking strength, receiving ability, and bone and muscle development.

U6-U8: Size 3 soccer balls measure 23-24 inches in diameter and weigh 320-340 grams.
U10-U12: Size 4 soccer balls are 25-26 inches in diameter and weigh 350-390 grams.
U14-U19: Size 5 regulation soccer balls measure 27-28 inches in diameter and weigh 410-450 grams.

The best soccer balls are made with quality materials and feature secure, smooth stitching, which allows players to kick and receive the ball safely, reliably, and comfortably.

The best soccer balls for youth players are made by well-regarded brands, such as the following:

Adidas
Franklin
Lotto
Nike
Puma
Select
Umbro

Of course, soccer balls are available in a multitude of designs, from vibrant colors and patterns to simple solid colors and patterns for a low-key style. Families can find good deals on soccer balls during seasonal sales at sporting goods and soccer-specific stores, as well as reputable second-hand sporting goods outlets.

Shin Guards and Socks

Shin guards and socks are key to protecting players’ lower legs. FIFA’s Law 4 requires players in the U6-U8 age group to wear shin guards under their socks. Players in the U10 group and up must follow FIFA rules regarding shin guard use.

It’s important that players do not wear their shin guards over their socks—this can cause a hazard if another player’s foot gets caught in the shin guard. Also, this would interfere with the maximum protection that shin guards are designed to provide.

The size of the shin guard is a key factor in safety and comfort. They should not be so long that they interfere with the ankle and knee range of motion. Likewise, they should not be too short, which leaves the player’s lower leg partially exposed to injury. Shin guards also come in a variety of widths, so select a shin guard that isn’t too wide or too narrow for your child’s leg.

Some brands tend to run small or large. The player should try them on in a soccer retail or sporting goods store to guarantee a comfortable, secure, and safe fit. Players are encouraged to move around while wearing the shin guard to see whether they stay put or shift under their socks.

There are three basic types of shin guards:

Slip-in shin guards : These are the lightest shin guards, and some are secured to the calf with Velcro straps at the top and bottom of the guard. They can also be secured within a guard sleeve or worn inside the sock; they can also be secured with tape inside the sock. These styles don’t offer the highest level of protection and are not the best choice for younger players. They are a good option for midfielders, who take some hits but also need flexibility as they move up and down the field. Forwards can also benefit from these lightweight guards, as they need maximum flexibility as they pivot, sprint, and attack. Goalies often prefer these guards, as they don’t need as much leg protection as the field players.
Ankle-protection shin guards : These styles provide additional padding at the ankle. This makes them a great option for younger players and for defenders, who tend to take the most contact. Older players may find these types of shin guards to be overly constricting.
Shin socks : These guards are socks with additional protective armor on the front. They are easy to put on and comfortable to wear, as the player doesn’t need to use tape or sleeves to secure the shin guards. Forwards and goalies can benefit from these lightweight guards, as they provide good flexibility and maneuverability.

Weather is an important factor in selecting a shin guard, and lightweight guards that allow ventilation can be appealing for warm-weather games.

The following brands offer good, reliable options when buying shin guards and socks:

Adidas
Franklin
G-Form
Malker
Mitre
Nike
Puma
Storelli
Vizari

These brands typically offer a range of shin guards, from budget-friendly versions to technically advanced versions at a higher price. If you have a new player who’s still trying out the game, aim for the best-quality shin guard in your price range. A cheap guard that doesn’t provide adequate protection just isn’t worth the savings — avoidable injuries could discourage your child from continuing to play soccer.

Players should wear soccer-specific socks that have sufficient protective padding and some compression. They have enough elastic strength at the top to stay up and enough room to cover the shin guard. Soccer socks wick sweat from a player’s skin to ensure they don’t overheat and stay comfortable.

Youth teams frequently supply socks with the uniform kit that is provided to each player. Players can also purchase extra socks for practice.

Goalkeeper Gloves

Gloves are a crucial part of the goalkeeper’s kit. When defending the goal during an offensive attack, the keeper can face ball speeds sufficient to jam a finger or injure their face and body if the ball isn’t caught.

Soccer-specific gloves help the goalkeeper control and secure the kicked ball against the body. Gloves also help the keeper catch and protect the ball on wet grass. Playing on artificial turf, which has sharper blades than natural grass, requires more heavily reinforced gloves.

When purchasing goalie gloves, it’s crucial to be sure they fit the player’s hands. Keep in mind that kids can grow out of gloves during a season. As with other soccer gear, trying gloves on in the store ensures they fit well, protect the hands, and don’t inhibit performance.

Young goalies should be able to feel the ball easily, without having excessive room at the fingertips. Too-small gloves that compress the hands will cause discomfort and make it difficult to play in goal.

Some reliable glove brands for young players include:

Adidas
Brava
Elite
Nike
Puma
Reusch
Storelli
Uhlsport
Umbro

Goalie gloves are subjected to hard work and may only last for about 12-15 games, depending on how well they are cared for between games. You will know it’s time to replace them when:

The latex starts to peel and flake, especially on the palms, compromising the goalie’s grip.
The padding on the palm and backhand thins and wears out, leaving the goalie vulnerable to bruising and pain.
Worn-out Velcro and cracked, loosened elastic reduce the security of the wrist straps, which can lead to losing a glove mid-play.
Damage to the protective, stabilizing finger spines leave fingers vulnerable to injury.

It’s a good idea to have two pairs of goalie gloves and alternate them to extend their life throughout the season, especially in wet conditions. Rotating goalie gloves also ensures that the player doesn’t need to break in a new pair of gloves mid-season. Some goalies like to use one pair for practice and another for games.

Goalies should clean their gloves according to the care instructions and then completely air dry the gloves in a cool place that is out of the sun after each practice and game. (Never use a hair dryer!) This keeps the material supple and reliable and prevents waterlogged gloves from becoming stiff, moldy, and smelly.

Soccer-Specific Apparel and Uniforms

Youth soccer players should always wear soccer-specific uniforms and gear, even if it seems like money could be saved by using other gear they already have. Soccer is an exciting, active game that also carries the risk of injury, and soccer-specific gear is designed to protect players during play.

League rules, from FIFA to U.S. Soccer to Northeast Rush, require the use of soccer gear that meets their safety and league standards. Coaches will also require players to change out of non-soccer-specific gear for practices and games.

Conclusion

Rush Soccer’s holistic approach to player development ensures that every participant receives top-tier training, resources, and support, enabling them to reach their full potential on and off the field. By prioritizing community, respect, and education, Rush Soccer not only builds exceptional athletes but also well-rounded individuals. Ready to elevate your soccer journey? Join Rush Soccer today and become part of a dynamic and supportive community dedicated to excellence.

Soccer Practice Warm-Up Drills for Youth Soccer

duda@360player.com — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:50:16 GMT

Soccer Practice Warm-Up Drills for Youth Soccer

In addition to proper nutrition , physical fitness, skill development, and plentiful rest, soccer practice warm-up drills are important for young athletes who want to keep their bodies in great shape. Not only do they improve performance and encourage players to focus, but they can also help prevent injuries .

The Basics of Soccer Warm-Up Drills

Soccer warm-up drills prepare a player’s body for intense game activity. Players typically perform these drills for soccer practice or before a match. One of the most important reasons for warming up is that it can help prevent common soccer injuries — knee injuries and ankle sprains, for example — by up to 35%. When a player warms up, it gets their heart pumping and their blood flowing, which means more oxygen reaches the muscles. It also loosens up the joints and tissues, activates the nervous system, increases flexibility, and even improves mental clarity.

Warmup drills for soccer players also help with performance. The body responds to these physical effects by increasing the player’s ability to focus, improving coordination and helping them become more powerful. Because drills often mimic the skills necessary for the sport, players often see an improvement in their personal skills over time.

How To Warm-Up for Soccer Practice

Soccer practice warm-ups usually include a combination of light aerobic exercise, stretching or dynamic warm-up exercises , and skill drills. Aerobic activities might be as simple as jogging, or they could be much more intense. Dynamic stretching exercises might include arm circles or leg swings, while skills drills might focus on dribbling or passing the ball.

What Happens If You Don’t Warm-Up Before Playing Soccer?

Athletes who don’t warm up before playing soccer are prone to injuring themselves, whether at practice or during a match. Muscle and joint injuries are particularly common in these situations. Skipping a warm-up can also lead to other performance issues, such as low energy, lack of coordination, and lack of mental focus.

How Long Should You Warm-Up Before a Soccer Game?

The exact type of soccer practice warm-up an athlete performs, as well as the length of the warm-up, often varies by factors like age group and ability level. Generally, 15 to 30 minutes of warmup is ideal, although some professional athletes may warm up for longer periods.

Soccer Practice Warm-Up Drills to Try

Soccer teams and athletes may use dozens of soccer practice drills before practices or matches. Let’s discuss a few basic drills to help get you started:

Rondos

Rondos help players practice their passing skills. Think of them as sort of like a game of keep away. The team forms a large circle, and one or two players stand in the middle. The other players attempt to pass the ball to each other without letting the one(s) in the middle steal it.

Zig Zag Dribbling

Some warm-up drills for soccer encourage players to perfect a specific skill, such as dribbling. For this drill, line up at least five cones five yards apart in a zig zag pattern. Line the team up at the first cone and have the first player dribble the ball around each cone, following the zig zag pattern. When they reach the end, they will sprint back to the line and pass the ball to the next person.

Shuttle Runs

Shuttle runs are great warm-up drills for soccer players and any athletes who want to improve speed and agility. Set up two cones about 25 yards apart. Each player will start at one cone, sprint to the other cone, touch the ground, sprint back to the starting cone, and touch the ground and repeat a certain movement a designated number of times.

Fun Youth Soccer Practice Warm-Up Drills

Youth soccer practice drills are often similar to adult drills, but they add an element of fun that can help keep younger athletes engaged. Let’s take a look at a few favorites.

Clean Your Room

Kids usually don’t want to clean their rooms, but “clean your room” drills for youth soccer practice are often a big hit. Set up a square of about 20-by-20 yards (smaller or larger, depending on the number of players). Every team member but one should have their own ball, and when the drill starts, they will enter the square and dribble the ball around it. The remaining player is the person who must “clean the room.” When the coach signals, they will enter the square and attempt to steal each player’s ball and kick it outside the boundaries. When the square is empty, the drill is complete.

Sharks and Minnows

Chances are good that kids and teens already know the playground game known as sharks and minnows, and it can also be one of the most fun soccer practice drills. Set up a square area of about 20-by-20 yards (adjust as needed). Most of the team will stand on one side, each with a ball, but about two to four players will stand in the middle. They are the sharks.

When the drill begins, the minnows will attempt to dribble their balls to the opposite side of the square while the sharks try to kick it out of bounds. To return to the game, the player whose ball was kicked out must complete a physical task, such as 20 jumping jacks.

Finders Keepers

Some of the best practice soccer drills for youth players have a competitive aspect, including finders keepers. In the same 20-by-20 square, place half the number of balls as there are players. For example, if a team has 10 players, use five balls and place them in the middle of the square. Players will line up on one side, and when the coach blows the whistle, they must sprint to the center, obtain a ball, and dribble it for the duration of the drill, usually about a minute.

Players who don’t get a ball will attempt to steal one from their teammates. At the end of the drill, the players who don’t have a ball will perform a physical task, such as completing 10 push-ups before starting over.

When it comes to safety, skill development, and other important aspects of soccer, Northeast Rush is the premier youth organization in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The league offers a player-centered approach, ensuring each young athlete receives the attention and coaching they need to thrive. Learn more about how you or your child can join NE Rush today.

When Does the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Play Again?

duda@360player.com — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:40:58 GMT

When Does the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Play Again?

The U.S. Women’s National Soccer team took home the gold medal in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, making it the fifth time they have won the Olympics Games since 1996. Not only did this excite their current fans, but it helped this group of talented athletes gain numerous fans, including young soccer players who hope to join the team one day themselves.

So, when can you catch their next match? Luckily, you don’t have to wait until the 2028 Olympics to see them take to the field again.

Upcoming Events for the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team

The United States Women’s National Soccer Team has won four World Cup titles (1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019) and five Olympic gold medals (1996, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2024), but those events are only held every four years. Luckily, the team, which is part of the Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), has some upcoming events for the remainder of 2024.

Post-Olympic Press and Events

Of course, many fans of USA women’s soccer are still riding high from the big win at the 2024 Olympic Games. The team defeated Brazil 1-0 in the final, after also beating Zambia, Germany, Australia, and Japan. Since then, there have been some major shakeups on the women’s national soccer team and in women’s soccer, in general.

Fan favorite Alex Morgan, who made headlines in July when she wasn’t selected for the Olympic team, announced in September that she was retiring from the sport. “It has been a long time coming, and this decision wasn’t easy, but at the beginning of 2024, I felt in my heart and soul that this was the last season that I would play soccer,” the 35-year-old striker said in a statement. Morgan also announced that she is pregnant with her second child and plans to spend time with her family.

Twila Kilgore, the team’s assistant coach and former interim head coach, also announced that she was leaving the team in September. During her tenure, she coached the team to a 10-1-3 record, and as an assistant, she contributed to their 2024 Olympic gold medal. “Being a part of this storied program as both an assistant and interim head coach has been both a privilege and a rewarding experience,” she said in a statement.

Key Tournaments and Matches

For fans of the team who are looking forward to new matches, several games are just around the corner. The U.S. women’s soccer schedule features several friendlies throughout the fall of 2024. You can catch them on the following dates:

USA vs. Iceland on October 24 and October 27

USA vs. Argentina on October 30

USA vs. England on November 30

Where to Watch the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team

The two matches against Iceland will be held in Austin, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee, respectively, while the match versus Argentina will take place in Louisville, Kentucky. The match against England will take place across the pond in London.

If you aren’t lucky enough to have tickets to any of those matches, you can always catch them from the comfort of your own home. Friendlies featuring the USA women’s soccer team are typically broadcast on Max (formerly HBO Max), although you can sometimes catch them on TNT or TBS. You can also watch some matches on the Peacock app.

Star Players to Keep an Eye On

With several veterans saying goodbye to the sport, many fans are keeping their eyes on some of the younger women on the team to perform in upcoming tournaments. Pay close attention to Mallory Swanson in the coming months. The 26-year-old forward scored the winning — and only — goal in the final against Brazil during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

Additionally, forward Trinity Rodman, who joined the team in 2022, is another one to watch. Sophia Smith is another player who is quickly becoming a fan favorite. The Colorado native scored three goals throughout the Olympics in 2024, and she has won numerous awards over the last couple of years for her on-the-field talent.

Team Updates

Several key USWNST players suffered injuries in September that could impact their ability to play in the upcoming friendlies. Sophia Smith, who typically plays for the Portland Thorns, left the field with an ankle injury during a match in September. According to her coach, it wasn’t too serious, but she may miss some playing time. Trinity Rodman, who plays for the Washington Spirit, also suffered an injury in September. During a match against the Kansas City Current, she had an “intense back spasm” and was eventually removed from the field via wheelchair.

Continue to Support the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Through Future Games and Off-Seasons

The USWNST has become quite popular over the last few years and has gained fans from around the country. With so many new, young, talented players making a name for themselves this year, the team is likely to soar to the top of all women’s soccer rankings and win even more tournaments and championships in the future. These talented women also give young girls who love soccer something to aspire to achieve.

If you are the parent of a girl who is interested in youth soccer, join Northeast Rush for a player-centered approach led by elite-level coaches. Our programs foster player development and growth that young soccer players can carry with them throughout their playing careers, no matter what they aspire to do. Programs are available in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts for young athletes.

What Are Plyometric Exercises, and How Can They Benefit Soccer Players?

duda@360player.com — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:27:52 GMT

What Are Plyometric Exercises, and How Can They Benefit Soccer Players?

When athletes want to improve their performance on the field, they often turn to plyometric exercises. These movements help build power and gain muscle through the use of speed and force. For soccer players, specifically, these exercises help improve everything from agility and endurance to reaction time and explosiveness. They may even help prevent injuries.

What Are Plyometric Exercises?

Plyometric exercises are short and fast, yet powerful high-intensity movements that typically involve jumping or similar actions. While athletes may use them for training or to improve their overall performance, almost anyone can benefit from this type of movement. They can even help the average person focus on getting into better shape or help someone who is recovering from an injury improve their physical function.

The Science Behind Plyometric Exercises

Harvard Medical School describes plyometric exercises as “short, intense bursts of activity that target fast-twitch muscle fibers in the lower body. These fibers help generate explosive power that increases speed and jumping height.”

Basic plyometric exercises typically involve jumping, skipping, hopping, or bounding. As a matter of fact, this type of movement was once called jump training. For example, if you have ever been in a gym and watched someone jump up onto a box, that’s a common part of a plyometric exercise routine. Every time someone performs this type of movement, their muscles stretch and contract as part of the stretch-shortening cycle. Over time, this makes the muscles stronger, which leads to better athletic performance. These exercises also help improve coordination and flexibility.

Why Are Plyometric Exercises Important for Soccer Players?

Athletes across numerous sports often incorporate plyometric exercises into their training, and that includes soccer players. Not only do they help enhance overall performance, but soccer plyometric exercises may also help improve skills specifically required to excel in the sport. They can even help prevent injuries.

Benefits of Plyometric Exercises

Plyometric training exercises offer numerous benefits to anyone who incorporates them into their health routine, but the benefits for soccer players are virtually endless. They include:

Increasing sprinting speed and/or velocity

Preventing injuries, like ankle sprains and torn ACLs

Helping soccer players recover from injuries, such as a torn ACL

Improving agility and the ability to change directions quickly

Improving explosiveness, including acceleration and deceleration

Improving vertical jump performance

Strengthening the legs and lower body

Improving neuromuscular control and coordination

Improving kicking distance

Best Plyometric Exercises for Soccer Players

The best plyometric exercises for soccer players are quick, high-intensity movements that focus on improving agility, strength, and explosiveness. There are many to choose from, but some good examples of plyometric exercises include:

Jump squats: To do jump squats, start in a basic squat position and jump vertically off the ground, pushing your hands toward the sky to gain momentum. This is one of the best plyometric exercises for power and explosiveness.
Box jumps: Plyometric box exercises, like box jumps, aren’t easy for beginners, so you may need to work your way up to them. To do them, simply stand in front of a box or sturdy surface and jump up onto it with both feet. Step back down and repeat.
Lateral bounds: One of the best plyometric exercises for speed and agility is the lateral bound. Start in a neutral position and jump to the left as far as you can and land only on your left foot. Repeat it by jumping to the right and landing on your right foot.
Single-leg hops: Single-leg hops will help improve balance. As the name suggests, stand on one foot and jump side to side or front to back over and over.
Hurdle jumps: Hurdle jumps can also help with explosiveness. To do them, set up a series of hurdles that are about six inches off the ground (more advanced athletes may prefer higher hurdles). Start with both knees bent at shoulder width apart and jump over each hurdle without stopping.

How to Safely Include Plyometric Exercises into a Soccer Training Routine

Soccer players who do not have recent experience with this type of movement should always start with plyometric exercises for beginners before working their way up to more advanced exercises. Otherwise, it’s easy to suffer injuries. It’s also important for experienced coaches to introduce and supervise these exercises to ensure players use the proper form. Not doing so can also lead to injuries.

Other ways to ensure players stay safe while including plyometrics in their soccer training routine include:

Don’t overdo it. Plyometrics aren’t something to do every single day, and each drill should only last about 30 to 60 seconds. Always start small and work up to longer intervals.
Practice plyometric exercises on surfaces with give, like a dirt or grass field. Hard surfaces, like concrete, can damage joints.
Avoid locking your knees when jumping and land softly on your heels or the balls of your feet.
Avoid plyometrics if you have back or joint problems.
Warm up before starting with dynamic stretching or light aerobic exercises.
Cool down with static stretches to reduce muscle soreness and tightness.
Wear supportive athletic shoes while performing these movements.

Is your child interested in discovering a lifelong passion for soccer and staying active? Join a Northeast Rush team today for the ultimate youth soccer experience. NE Rush employs highly experienced full and part-time coaches to create an elite playing environment that doesn’t just foster player development, but also personal growth for each player.

Youth Soccer Safety: The Importance of Proper Soccer Cleats for Kids

duda@360player.com — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:17:27 GMT

Youth Soccer Safety: The Importance of Proper Soccer Cleats for Kids

Safety should always be a top priority for youth soccer players. Although there are many ways to prioritize a young athlete’s health on the field, one detail that many parents and coaches often overlook is the choice of footwear. Properly fitted cleats not only help kids remain comfortable during matches and practices, but also help prevent injuries and keep growing feet healthy. In some cases, cleats can even help improve performance. Learn how to buy the best soccer cleats for kids as well as other important details about this important aspect of your child’s uniform.

Why Soccer Cleats Matter for Kids’ Safety and Performance

For many kids, a pair of soccer cleats may seem like nothing more than a fun and stylish accessory to wear during practice or a big match. However, soccer cleats are much more important than the way they look on the players. Cleats add traction between the athlete’s foot and the field surface, which can help players move and change directions faster, often improving performance.

Cleats can also prevent players from slipping and falling. Furthermore, when a child’s cleats fit properly, they stabilize the foot and joints in the lower body, potentially preventing injuries like ankle sprains. Well-fitted cleats are a must for comfort and to prevent issues like blisters from forming during a match. When young players are physically comfortable, they are able to focus and perform at their peak ability.

Different Types of Soccer Cleats for Kids

When searching for the best soccer cleats for kids, it’s important to remember that not all soccer shoes are created equally. You should start by considering the type of cleats your child needs, a selection that largely depends on the surface of the field where they play.

Grass/Outdoor Cleats:

Youth soccer cleats for grass and most outdoor surfaces are typically called “firm ground” (FG) cleats. Their molded studs, which are usually made from plastic or rubber, are designed with traction and stability in mind.

Turf Soccer Cleats:

If your child plays on synthetic surfaces, you will want to look for turf soccer cleats. These cleats have many tiny rubber studs that help athletes gain traction on fields with artificial turf. Some players even use them for practice on grass fields because they are more comfortable and may provide more stability.

Indoor Soccer Cleats:

Indoor soccer cleats for kids are ideal for young athletes who play inside in gyms or on other types of flooring. They feature flat rubber soles that are designed to grip smooth surfaces, and they tend to be more flexible and lightweight than FG or turf cleats.

How to Choose the Best Soccer Cleats for Kids

Once you have narrowed down the type of cleats you need, you will need to determine how to choose soccer cleats for your specific child. This usually involves finding the right fit, choosing between boys’ and girls’ soccer cleats and considering any additional key features that ensure your child’s comfort and safety on the field.

Fit and Comfort:

Choosing the right fit is extremely important, especially for young players whose feet are still growing. Cleats that fit poorly are uncomfortable, unsafe, and could even cause physical problems, ranging from blisters to more serious injuries.

How should soccer cleats fit? Generally, soccer cleats are designed to be snug — more so than shoes for other sports. However, you want to ensure your child can wiggle their toes inside the shoes, or they may be too tight. Always have your child try the shoes on in person before making a purchase and remember that a higher price doesn’t always mean a better pair of shoes for your child.

Girls’ vs. Boys’ Soccer Cleats

Girls’ and boys’ soccer cleats also fit differently, so consider your child’s sex when making a purchase for optimal support. Boys’ cleats are typically wider, while cleats for girls are narrower, especially at the heel.

Key Features to Search for Include:

Several other features to consider when shopping for soccer cleats for kids include the following:

Style: Soccer cleats come in a variety of styles and colors, including lace-less shoes and shoes that mimic the styles of professional athletes.

Skill level: Typically, new players should choose cleats with comfort in mind, while more advanced players may want to focus on performance-enhancing features.

Material: Leather is comfortable but not ideal for wet conditions. Synthetic leather is more durable and often more affordable but may not be as comfortable or last as long, while mesh is lightweight and comfortable but may not be as durable as other options.

Other safety features: Look for shoes with extra features to help prevent injuries. For example, molded cleats offer more ankle stability.

Where to Buy Soccer Cleats for Kids

If you’re wondering, “Where can I buy soccer cleats,” you have many options. Ideally, you want to shop in person rather than online. If you see a great deal online, find a store to try the shoes on in person, and when you find the right fit, go home and order the same pair at the lowest price. Sporting goods stores and stores that specialize in soccer gear will have the biggest selections, but you can also try small shoe stores that specialize in athletic footwear or even department stores. Another option may be a store that sells a specific brand, like your local Nike, New Balance, or Adidas store.

Set Your Young Player Up for Success

Choosing well-fitting, comfortable soccer cleats for youth soccer players is a great way to prevent injuries, improve performance, and enhance confidence on the field. Just keep in mind that kids’ feet grow at a rapid pace, and cleats that fit one day may not fit a few months later. Once you buy your child’s shoes, take time to learn how to break in soccer cleats for added comfort. Taking care of them and learning how to clean soccer cleats can also help them last longer.

Is your child ready to play soccer? Join a Northeast Rush team today. With clubs in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, NE Rush is a premier youth soccer program that offers a player-centered approach, talented full- and part-time coaches, and an environment that fosters long-term development.

How to Play College Soccer: A Guide to Recruiting

duda@360player.com — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:05:42 GMT

How to Play College Soccer: A Guide to Recruiting

Does your child dream of playing college soccer? No matter where they are in their journey, it’s important to understand the college recruiting timeline and the steps involved. Ultimately, you may find that it’s well worth the effort.

For kids who love the sport, there are many advantages to playing college soccer. Ranging from earning scholarships and gaining exposure for the opportunity of potentially playing professionally to building important life skills such as leadership, confidence, and resilience.

If your child currently plays youth soccer or is on a high school team, this guide can help you understand how to play college soccer and the steps that can help get your child recruited.

How to Get Recruited for College Soccer

If you’re wondering how to get recruited for college soccer, there are many ways to do it, but the earlier you start, the better your chances. The process for choosing players for any college sports team, including soccer, is competitive. It’s important for players to spend their high school years building their reputations and perfecting their skills at the same time. That includes perfecting academic skills, not just what players can do on the field.

Key Steps for Getting Recruited

The path toward playing soccer in college might look a little different for everyone, but there are some key steps that can help players get there. They typically include:

Improving skills: Whether kids play for their high school teams or local clubs, improving skills and staying in great shape should be a top priority.

Researching schools: Have an idea of the schools of interest to ensure players meet their requirements, both for playing soccer and academic purposes.

Creating a highlight reel: Put together a three-minute reel of your player’s best plays and moments on the field. You can use it to grab a potential dream school’s attention.

Reaching out to coaches: When you narrow down a list of schools, it’s time to reach out to the soccer coaches with an email. Attach your player’s highlight reel and a list of their accomplishments. Express your interest and make sure you are polite and courteous. Sell yourself as the perfect candidate for their teams.

Being persistent: For most players, the college soccer recruiting purpose is a long one. Players must prove themselves before they are accepted, so it’s important to remain persistent yet patient.

Maintain Strong Academics

While many young athletes are concerned with their performances on the field, they often forget that their performance off the field is just as important. Coaches want players on their team who are also dedicated to their studies and maintain high GPAs. Many colleges and universities, especially NCAA schools, have some strict academic standards for student athletes. Make sure you find out what they are as soon as possible and work hard to meet them.

Attend Camps and Showcases

Another step in the process of college recruiting for soccer that many young athletes overlook is the need to attend camps and showcases. This is a great way to get their name out there and build a positive reputation. College coaches typically attend these types of events to look for potential players for their teams. This gives players a chance to show off their skills in person.

Understanding the College Soccer Recruiting Timeline

Obviously, everyone’s college soccer recruiting timeline will look a little different. However, most players will actually begin taking steps toward making their dreams a reality during their freshman year of high school. It may seem early, but it’s never too soon to start.

Freshman and Sophomore Years

Although most players won’t start reaching out to colleges and coaches during their freshman and sophomore years, they will want to start preparing well in advance. That means focusing on performance on the field, building skills, and focusing on weaknesses. This time can also be used to attend camps and play in tournaments. In other words, players should participate in as many soccer-related opportunities as possible. During this time, it’s also important to focus on improving academic performance and raising grade point averages.

Junior and Senior Years

During players’ junior and senior years, the real fun begins. This is when they start narrowing down their choice of colleges, sending out their highlight reels, contacting coaches, and visiting campuses. By the end of players’ junior year, they should have a good idea of which school(s) they want to attend. Commitment letters are typically signed during players’ senior year.

Researching the Best College Fit for You

Before anyone begins a journey toward becoming a college soccer player, it’s important to do some research. However, this involves doing more than just searching something like “what colleges have a good soccer program.” It’s necessary to narrow down the best fit for each player’s personal goals. Ask the following:

What are my academic goals?

What are my athletic goals?

What are my professional goals?

What is the school’s/school’s soccer team’s reputation?

Does the school offer scholarships?

Do they have walk-on opportunities?

How do the schools support student athletes?

Do I like the coach?

NCAA Divisions, NAIA, and Junior Colleges

It’s also important to note that schools and their athletic programs can be divided into three categories: Junior Colleges (NJCAA), NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), and NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association).

Junior colleges are two-year schools that aren’t quite as competitive as the other schools. Young athletes often attend to improve their grades, improve their athletic skills, or both before transferring to a four-year university. Junior colleges are less likely to offer scholarships, though their entrance requirements are more lenient.

NAIA is made up of about 237, mostly small schools throughout the United States. Players typically receive more personalized support from coaches and professors, but the level of play is a bit more competitive than it is at junior colleges. For example, you might compete against lower-division NCAA schools. There are also more scholarships available. Many pro players have attended NAIA schools.

There are more than 1,200 NCAA schools, and they are divided into three divisions: DI, DII, and DIII. DI schools have the most competitive programs, and their teams receive the most attention from the media and fans. Many pro athletes start out at DI schools. DIII schools are focused more on academics and do not offer athletic scholarships, while DII schools fall somewhere in the middle.

How Playing College Soccer Can Benefit Young Adults

Whether players are just looking for scholarships to get into school or they hope to become professional soccer players, there are numerous benefits of playing college soccer. Many of them will set players up for lifelong success. They include:

Access to an education and professional development

Health, body, and skills development

Life skills, like time management, teamwork, and discipline

Bonding and building lifelong friendships

Path to a future in soccer, from coaching to playing pro

Learn how to play soccer in college with the Northeast Rush College Advisory Program. Its goal is to help youth soccer players and their families with their recruitment journey. Northeast Rush offers numerous resources, including dedicated full-time regional CAP directions that are committed to delivering personalized year-by-year guidance to each player with college soccer aspirations.

A License To Learn

duda@360player.com — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 17:43:00 GMT

The post A License To Learn appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Inaugural International Rush Cup Set for December 2022

duda@360player.com — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 18:00:00 GMT

The post Inaugural International Rush Cup Set for December 2022 appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Opportunities Abound Overseas

duda@360player.com — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 16:20:00 GMT

Rush Travel is creating new experiences for clubs and players abroad

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 .

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New Opportunities Abound for Rush Select Players

duda@360player.com — 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.”

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Former Rush Player Wins Epsana Cup in Greece

duda@360player.com — 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!

The post Former Rush Player Wins Epsana Cup in Greece appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Morgan Huff Finding Stride in Germany

duda@360player.com — 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.”

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New REACH Coordinator – Welcome John Collins

duda@360player.com — 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 .

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Select 08 Boys Blue – Dallas Cup Recap

duda@360player.com — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 18:21:00 GMT

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The French Connection

duda@360player.com — 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.

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2008 Select Boys Blue to Dallas Cup

duda@360player.com — 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.

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Rush Fest 2022 – A Party Like No Other!

duda@360player.com — 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 .

The post Rush Fest 2022 – A Party Like No Other! appeared first on Rush Soccer .

From Ghana to Croatia

duda@360player.com — 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.

The post From Ghana to Croatia appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Coaching Education – Oportunidad en Buenos Aires

duda@360player.com — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 15:08:00 GMT

The post Coaching Education – Oportunidad en Buenos Aires appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Rush Soccer Historic Partnership

duda@360player.com — 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@rushsoccer.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.

The post Rush Soccer Historic Partnership appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Rush Select Performance at PDT 2022

duda@360player.com — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 18:42:00 GMT

The post Rush Select Performance at PDT 2022 appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Determined Dream Pursuit

duda@360player.com — 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.”

The post Determined Dream Pursuit appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Opportunity of a Lifetime

duda@360player.com — 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.”

The post Opportunity of a Lifetime appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Rush to Host National Futsal Tournament in Summer 2022

duda@360player.com — 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!

The post Rush to Host National Futsal Tournament in Summer 2022 appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Rush Select PDT 2022 Rosters Announcement

duda@360player.com — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 21:42:00 GMT

The post Rush Select PDT 2022 Rosters Announcement appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Sharing the Love

duda@360player.com — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 19:32:00 GMT

The post Sharing the Love appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Ghana Rush – Kotoku Royals FC Coach Paolo Campagna

duda@360player.com — 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.”

The post Ghana Rush – Kotoku Royals FC Coach Paolo Campagna appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Rush Canada Alumnus training with top European Teams Including Liverpool & Arsenal

duda@360player.com — 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!

The post Rush Canada Alumnus training with top European Teams Including Liverpool & Arsenal appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Colorado Rush Player Trains in Hawaii, on Vacation!

duda@360player.com — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT

The post Colorado Rush Player Trains in Hawaii, on Vacation! appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Key win to take the lead

duda@360player.com — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 13:45:17 GMT

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Rush Alum Meg Brandt, Pursuing Greater Heights

duda@360player.com — 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.”

The post Rush Alum Meg Brandt, Pursuing Greater Heights appeared first on Rush Soccer .

New Tournament Partners

duda@360player.com — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 20:56:00 GMT

The post New Tournament Partners appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Meet our new sports director

duda@360player.com — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 10:43:35 GMT

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.

Here are some reasons to make blogging part of your regular routine.

Blogging is an easy way to engage with site visitors

Writing a blog post is easy once you get the hang of it. Posts don’t need to be long or complicated. Just write about what you know, and do your best to write well.

Show customers your personality

When you write a blog post, you can really let your personality shine through. This can be a great tool for showing your distinct personality.

Blogging is a terrific form of communication

Blogs are a great communication tool. They tend to be longer than social media posts, which gives you plenty of space for sharing insights, handy tips and more.

It’s a great way to support and boost SEO

Search engines like sites that regularly post fresh content, and a blog is a great way of doing this. With relevant metadata for every post so search engines can find your content.

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Every time you add a new post, people who have subscribed to it will have a reason to come back to your site. If the post is a good read, they’ll share it with others, bringing even more traffic!

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2021 Rush Select Hub Was A Success

duda@360player.com — 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

The post 2021 Rush Select Hub Was A Success appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Our initiative for inclusive development continues

duda@360player.com — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 05:56:08 GMT

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.

Here are some reasons to make blogging part of your regular routine.

Blogging is an easy way to engage with site visitors

Writing a blog post is easy once you get the hang of it. Posts don’t need to be long or complicated. Just write about what you know, and do your best to write well.

Show customers your personality

When you write a blog post, you can really let your personality shine through. This can be a great tool for showing your distinct personality.

Blogging is a terrific form of communication

Blogs are a great communication tool. They tend to be longer than social media posts, which gives you plenty of space for sharing insights, handy tips and more.

It’s a great way to support and boost SEO

Search engines like sites that regularly post fresh content, and a blog is a great way of doing this. With relevant metadata for every post so search engines can find your content.

Drive traffic to your site

Every time you add a new post, people who have subscribed to it will have a reason to come back to your site. If the post is a good read, they’ll share it with others, bringing even more traffic!

Blogging is free

Maintaining a blog on your site is absolutely free. You can hire bloggers if you like or assign regularly blogging tasks to everyone in your company.

A natural way to build your brand

A blog is a wonderful way to build your brand’s distinct voice. Write about issues that are related to your industry and your customers.

One point off the lead after late equalizer

duda@360player.com — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 05:56:08 GMT

Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.

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Take a few moments to plan your post

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Breaking News: Mike Haas Joins Rush Soccer

duda@360player.com — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:52:00 GMT

The post Breaking News: Mike Haas Joins Rush Soccer appeared first on Rush Soccer .

A Rush of Passion

duda@360player.com — 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.

The post A Rush of Passion appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Rush Select HUB 2021 Rosters Announcement

duda@360player.com — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 18:34:00 GMT

The post Rush Select HUB 2021 Rosters Announcement appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Clint Dempsey, VIP Speaker at the Rush Select HUB

duda@360player.com — 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!

The post Clint Dempsey, VIP Speaker at the Rush Select HUB appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Levert Achu, from Cameroon Rush to the USA

duda@360player.com — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 17:15:00 GMT

The post Levert Achu, from Cameroon Rush to the USA appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Meet Steven Lovgren, Rush’s New Director of Tournaments

duda@360player.com — 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.

The post Meet Steven Lovgren, Rush’s New Director of Tournaments appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Civana Kuhlmann Overcoming Adversity

duda@360player.com — 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.

The post Civana Kuhlmann Overcoming Adversity appeared first on Rush Soccer .

Robert Damron Living The Dream

duda@360player.com — 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 .

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Ava Arnold Outstanding Efforts Being Rewarded

duda@360player.com — 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.

For more information about the HUB, please contact Rush Soccer’s Select Administrator Jacob Lissek via email at jlissek@rushsoccer.com

You can also visit our dedicated website to the HUB by visiting The Hub (rushselect.com)

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REACH Out: Rush players have a unique opportunity to help others around the globe

duda@360player.com — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:31:00 GMT

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Rush Regional Centers 2021

duda@360player.com — 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.”

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Colorado Rush WPSL Team

duda@360player.com — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:29:00 GMT

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Stefan Oertel Playing with Rush Partner SC Victoria Hamburg

duda@360player.com — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:25:00 GMT

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Rush Players Signed With AS Monaco Feminine

duda@360player.com — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:22:00 GMT

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Rush Soccer Well-Represented at Girls Academy Playoffs

duda@360player.com — 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.

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From Colorado to Valencia, Spain

duda@360player.com — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:14:00 GMT

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Rush Lobos Thriving With Four Teams in USYS Nationals

duda@360player.com — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 19:55:00 GMT

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Fremont Rush & Rush Core Values

duda@360player.com — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 19:50:00 GMT

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Rush Select Weston Cup Wrap-Up

duda@360player.com — Sat, 07 Aug 2021 21:44:00 GMT

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Rush Select Centers

duda@360player.com — 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!

The post Rush Select Centers appeared first on Rush Soccer .

(Spanish) Webinar With Fernando Signorini, On How To Organize Your Team’s Pre Season

duda@360player.com — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 19:20:00 GMT

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Coaching Education At Summit

duda@360player.com — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 23:07:00 GMT

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Rush Coaches Debate: Going Through Tryouts

duda@360player.com — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 23:42:00 GMT

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Going Through Tryouts – The Parents Perspective

duda@360player.com — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 21:13:00 GMT

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Clueless about Goalkeeping? Help your team, NOW!

duda@360player.com — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 00:06:00 GMT

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Rush USL 2 Team Creates More Pathways

duda@360player.com — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 20:17:00 GMT

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Parenting Tips For Before, During, And After Tryouts

duda@360player.com — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 21:28:00 GMT

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Rush Soccer’s REACH Program Continues Its Support

duda@360player.com — 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

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