July 21, 2021

Going Through Tryouts – The Parents Perspective

Continuing with our Monthly Educational Campaign around Tryouts, Chris P. -Rush Soccer Development Director- spoke with Rush Parents from Virginia Beach, Kansas and New Mexico. In this discussion, parents shared their feelings on how to survive and thrive through tryouts and how they can support their children.

This is the second part of our Monthly Campaign. Previously, Chris P. hosted an amazing Webinar with Rush Players. Click  HERE  to Watch and/or Read!

We could say that we, as coaches, always focus on our players, since they are the protagonists of the game. During the Tryouts, we want them to be able to enjoy and perform in the best way, without losing the possibility of having fun with their teammates and friends. But  many times we leave aside another fundamental part of the process: parents .

As we go through the Tryouts period again, we wanted to hear from Rush’s parents about this process, how the kids cope, and how to improve the experience for all parties involved.

Chris P. , Rush Soccer’s Developmental Director, had a great conversation with wonderful Rush parents, in which they discussed Tryouts and the possibility of improving the process for kids, parents and coaches.  Watch below!

During the discussion, parents shared that  they experienced anxiety and felt uneasy as they didn’t know what team their child would be on  and who would integrate the parent group. That is why Jenny Mick, from Kansas Rush, tried to stay involved: “I feel very anxious through the process of tryouts so I volunteer for registration at Kansas Rush tryouts, this helps me stay connected”.

“ Having open and honest conversations with coaches all year long is key to a successful tryout  for the upcoming season”, Antonia Bynum from New Mexico added. Antonia and Daylon explained that they also model the behaviours they want their children to show by keeping a positive mindset and attitude.

Echoing what Rush Players told Chris P. during the previous Webinar, some parents suggested that  clubs should communicate clearly and let parents know whether their child was in the top, middle or lowest third of the team, giving parents an idea of where the player stands . James Mick from Kansas thought ‘as players get older it is key for them to know where they stand and the pecking order on the team so the player can drive the process’.

Chris P. received some wonderful ideas and suggestions, but there’s one that emerged above all:  Communication is key as well as consistency on feedback and continuing our relationships, so there is transparency on both sides .

Parents went on to share their favorite Rush memories towards the end of the conversation and they gave us some goosebump moments. We’d like to hear from other parents your ideas on what we can do to improve tryouts/placements as well as your favorite memories!

Thank you volunteer parent coaches!

By Alexander Palacios • November 17, 2022
All recreational leagues depend on volunteer parent coaches! Without them we have no league. We provide a small reward to rec head coaches by giving them a 50% discount on the fee for the child they are coaching. However, sometimes there are volunteer parent coaches that go above and beyond! We would like to take this opportunity to recognize one of them. Thank you to our new sponsor, Planet Fitness, who is providing the means for us to give a deserving volunteer parent a nice extra reward. Stacy Velleca currently coaches three of her kids’ teams through the Rush recreational program: Ruby is in U8 (2 nd grade), Cooper is in U12 (6th grade), and Laney is in U13 (7 th grade). Stacy has been coaching them every Fall and Spring for years. And she takes it very seriously. When she started coaching, she went out of her way to learn more about soccer and coaching, so that she could help the kids develop their skills and have fun. While her teams may or may not be ready to play in the World Cup, the players, and their parents both appreciate her. Her teams are usually full with all returning players season after season. Thank you, Stacy! For the time and effort you put into coaching! Thanks to Planet Fitness we are giving Stacy an annual Black Card Membership. So, if she can find any time for herself, she can stay in shape to more easily make it through all the practices and games! Thank you to Stacy and all of our volunteer coaches!!! Kansas Rush 

A License To Learn

By duda • August 18, 2022
The post A License To Learn appeared first on Rush Soccer.

Inaugural International Rush Cup Set for December 2022

By duda • August 11, 2022
As Rush continues to expand its global footprint, one of the most exciting results of such growth is the inaugural International Rush Cup. The post Inaugural International Rush Cup Set for December 2022 appeared first on Rush Soccer.
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