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

2011/U13

Boys- Bolivia Rush
Girls- Northeast

2010/U14
Boys- South
Girls- South

2009/U15
Boys- Midwest
Girls- West

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

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

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

We look forward to the International Rush Cup 2024!

The post Triumph and Talent: The 2023 International Rush Cup appeared first on Rush Soccer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome Varazdin Rush!

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This past weekend, Aug. 5th and 6th, the Rush Branches in Colorado set up a series of friendly matches.

Entry FEE: a piece of equipment!!!

Each player was requested to bring a slightly used piece of equipment for the R.E.A.C.H. program. R.E.A.C.H. or Rush Equipment Assisting Children is a 25-year-old program where Rush Soccer collects equipment to send to communities in need. This weekend’s collection brought in over 2,500 pieces and will be next used in Liberia and Costa Rica.

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

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

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

Our Mission

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

Join Us!

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

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

About Xylem Inc:

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

About Rush Soccer:

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

About Manchester City:

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

The post Xylem x Rush – Let’s Solve Water appeared first on Rush Soccer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post Partnership to Enhance Fundraising Initiatives in the Global Soccer Community appeared first on Rush Soccer.

For the vast majority of competitive club soccer players, landing a college scholarship is their top goal for their playing career. And for a handful that aspire to more, there’s a potential to play professionally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post Blazing Her Own Path appeared first on Rush Soccer.

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

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

Championship-winning teams were:

• 2010 Boys Rush Select Blue
• 2009 Boys Rush Select Blue
• 2009 Boys Rush Select White
• 2009 Girls Rush Select Blue
• 2009 Girls Rush Select White
• 2008 Girls Rush Select Blue
• 2007 Boys Rush Select White
• 2006 Boys Rush Select Blue
• 2006 Girls Rush Select White

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

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

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

Watch our PDT Recap video here!

The post Rush Select Makes History at PDT appeared first on Rush Soccer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But Tamayo is excited to see what that will be.

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

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