After hearing from players and parents, an amazing panel of Rush Coaches and Directors discussed concepts and ways to improve how players, parents, and coaches go through one of the most stressful periods of the season.
July 26, 2021
Rush Coaches Debate: Going Through Tryouts
When Chris P. , Rush Soccer’s Developmental Director, suggested that we should dedicate the whole month to analyze Tryouts, we decided to give the same priority to every party involved: Players, Parents, and Coaches.
That’s why Chris hosted two wonderful webinars, first with players and later with parents, and received some key suggestions and concerns for this stressful part of the season. Let’s now hear from the coaches.
- Daouda Kante – Kansas Rush.
- Randall Porter – Kansas Rush.
- Paul Furlong – Lobos TN Rush.
The goal of the discussion was to check if clubs grew during the process and how the experience could be refined for all involved. The process is stressful for all, that we all know.
Is it a regional, National or a state to state problem? How can we conduct the process more efficiently and effectively? And what methods do you feel that would provide coaches an easier way to measure performances that they can later share with players who didn’t make the top team, or didn’t make the team at all? Those are some of the questions posted during the meeting.
Both parents and players suggested that communication must be clear and face to face , whether the player made the team or not. Paul Furlong highlighted that aspect as well, stating that communication, even if it’s already adequate, should always be a priority to improve.
Another point that was remarked by Paul and Randall related to the individual experience that each child has with their coach. They both emphasized that putting better coaches with the younger age groups helps to develop them , not only from a technical standpoint but also to ensure these are coaches committed to the group and willing to go above and beyond expectations and minimum standards. Moreover, their objective is to provide a consistent experience regardless of league or level.
On a different note, Randall pointed out the incidence of state rules. In their case, tryouts must be run on the same day as the other clubs. That affects the dynamic of the process, as from a business standpoint, they are in need of making offers on day one or get ready to lose players from the club.
Complementary to this concept, Paul made a comment on how success tends to breed success . For example, if one branch had a strong 2010 group, players from other branches would migrate there. At Lobos, the pathway is defined early and the Developmental and Recreational branches do lots of work to help these players develop into the travel program, Some of the initiatives taken are weekly training sessions with competitive coaches and holding consistent meetings. Kansas Rush, with the same objective, holds a couple clinics in the fall and spring with the travel coaches.
Thanks to Paul, Randall and Daouda for their contributions, Kristian Bates PA Rush TD shared via email some of their secrets and couldn’t join us as he was in Greece with Rush Select. And congratulations to TN Lobos Rush for having 4 teams at USYS National Championships in Florida this summer!
Now it’s time to hear from you, coach. Did we miss any key point? How would you improve the Tryouts period?
The post Rush Coaches Debate: Going Through Tryouts appeared first on Rush Soccer.
Fremont Rush Soccer proudly hosted our first-ever Starting XI Pizza Party at Bombay Pizza House to celebrate our January 2025 recipients! These 11 standout players, selected by their coaches, demonstrated exceptional dedication, sportsmanship, and one of the Rush Core Values on and off the field. Players and their families gathered at Bombay Pizza House, where they enjoyed a dine-in pizza party featuring: 🍕 One Large Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza 🍕 One Large Specialty Pizza of Their Choice 🥤 Two 2-Liter Sodas 🧄 Three Orders of Garlic Sticks In addition to the delicious food, the event brought teammates together, strengthened the Rush community, and emphasized the importance of recognizing player achievements. As part of this significant milestone, each recipient was awarded the inaugural Starting XI certificate, acknowledging their hard work, commitment, and embodiment of Rush values. This new tradition adds a meaningful aspect to our monthly celebration, providing players with a lasting keepsake to commemorate their achievements. 📸 Check Out the Highlights! 📸 Relive the fun from our first Starting XI celebration by browsing the event photos here: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-jNjhTx We extend our sincere appreciation to Bombay Pizza House for their ongoing support, hospitality, and commitment to our Rush players. Their partnership allows us to create meaningful moments while giving back to our athletes. We can’t wait for next month’s Starting XI celebration! Keep working hard, Rush players - your next pizza party could be just around the corner! Go Rush! ⚽🔥
Each month, we proudly recognize 11 outstanding players who embody the spirit and values of Fremont Rush Soccer. These athletes, chosen by their coaches, have demonstrated one of the 11 Rush Core Values through their dedication, teamwork, and passion for the game. Fremont Rush Starting 11 – February 2025 🏆 Congratulations to this month’s honorees: Saurya Divi - 2013B Blue Alexander Li - 2013B Inter Thanos Pavlidis - 2017B Nero Arush Das - 2012B Nero Jeremy Liu - 2015B Blue Arjun Mandala - 2015B Nero II Jasmin Tooley - 2013G Blue Mario Liu - 2016B Nero Olivia Hwee - 2018B/G Pre-Comp Vyushti Mudigere - 2015G Blue Mila Guo - 2016G Blue As part of our partnership with Bombay Pizza House, our Starting 11 players ( as a group ) will receive a dine-in pizza party featuring: 🍕 One Large Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza 🍕 One Large Specialty Pizza of Their Choice 🥤 Two 2-Liter Sodas 🧄 Three Orders of Garlic Sticks This recognition is not only a testament to their hard work but also a way to inspire their teammates and our community to strive for excellence in all areas of life. Our Starting 11 are more than athletes; they are young leaders who reflect the values that define Rush Nation and exemplify what it truly means to be a part of the Fremont Rush Soccer family. We commend these players for their commitment to excellence both on and off the field! Go Rush! ⚽
Our Fremont Rush 2016B Blue team has showcased their incredible skill and dedication, clinching the 2025 San Mateo County Winter Classic championship in the BU09 Silver division! Competing against some of the toughest youth soccer teams in Northern California, our players displayed unmatched teamwork, passion, and determination , making this victory a truly special moment for the club. Throughout the tournament, the 2016B Blue team exhibited remarkable skill and determination. Their journey to the championship was marked by strategic play, cohesive teamwork, and an evident love for the game. Coach Cristian's Insights Coach Cristian Aldana, the guiding force behind the 2016B Blue team, shared his reflections on the tournament: Experience of Competing: "Competing with the 2016B Blue team was a motivating and exciting experience where we pushed ourselves to the limit and enjoyed every game." Team's Greatest Strength: "The team's greatest strength during the tournament was the teamwork and the excitement with which they played each match. The players always enjoy playing, and it is reflected in our game." Player Excellence: "All players excelled in the development of the tournament, showing great team coherence and camaraderie." Key Takeaways: "We conclude that we must enjoy every game and every tournament in which we have the opportunity to play in order to better develop our collective and individual skills, and feel confident in making decisions on the field." Impact on Future Seasons: "The experience of the tournament helps us gain confidence and motivates us to give our maximum effort in the new season that we are starting. It also helped us explore new positions and combinations between players." This recent triumph adds to the impressive track record of the 2016B Blue team. Previously, they had an extraordinary run in the Gold NorCal State Cup 2024 bracket , demonstrating exceptional skill, determination, and team spirit.Such consistent performances highlight the team's dedication to excellence and continuous growth. f The team is now setting their sights on upcoming tournaments and league play, eager to continue their winning momentum. With the Rush philosophy of player development, teamwork, and passion for the game, our young athletes will keep pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. Congrats Once Again & Go Rush!
