#COMPETITIVE

Quick overview

WHAT IS COMPETITIVE?

Nowadays, there are so many names, acronyms, leagues, etc...that it can get confusing to know what is what. Each league claims to be the best and focus on college recruiting. Here at Rush, we want to start simple and take it from there.

Competitive soccer starts at U9. You can figure out your playing age by taking the last year of the current soccer season (for example 2022/2023 season, subtract your player's birth year from the last year...2023-2012=U11) which runs from August 1st-July 31st. The playing formats are as follows: (all formats are based on US Soccer development mandates)

U8 and younger play 4v4 (no goalie)

U9/U10 play 7v7 (includes field players and goalie)

U11/U12 play 9v9 (includes field players and goalie)

U13 & Older play 11v11 (includes field players and goalie)

Players develop at different ages and different times of their youth career. The most important factor about their experience in the game of soccer is enjoyment. If a player is enjoying what they are doing, they will be willing to sacrifice for it. The expectation of "Competitive" soccer is that player's commitment to the sport and to the team is higher than that of recreational soccer.

Missouri Rush focuses on development over winning. Winning does not equal development but development leads to winning.

Our mission statement is to "Create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone to grow as players and people".

Missouri Rush offers playing opportunities at all levels. Whether your player is new to the sport or competitive enough to play at the highest level, we have a place for them.

To get started with Rush Soccer, complete the form below and we will reach out to provide answers and guidance.

COMPLETE FORM

UNDERSTANDING OUR PLAYER PATHWAY

Every player plays soccer for different reasons. Having a pathway that challenges them and provides them with opportunities to help meet their goals is important. You can click on our pathway image to be taken to our pathway page to gain a better understanding of how players progress and what options there are here at Rush Soccer.

EXPECTATIONS

What can you expect when joining a competitive team?

While it may vary from team to team, the commitment levels all begin with the understanding of what the team's goals are. These goals are generally set by the coach and or the program the team is part of. Generally speaking, most teams train two to three times a week (spring and fall) which consist of approximately 16 weeks per season. In winter, teams participate in a variety of events which can dictate what commitment levels look like. Summer months are slower but teams may still train or prepare for late/early events.

During the younger ages, players should be expected to play all positions and rotate through equal playing time. As players get older, their playing position may become more solidified and playing time be dependent upon skill, fitness, commitment, and/or other factors.

Along with the physical commitment, there is also a financial commitment as well. Teams manage their own competition calendars which bring about different costs. Teams that are more aggressive and may compete in more events will have a higher team fee than teams that are more conservative. Each family should be provided a budget for their player's team fees which will outline the expenses and payment schedules.

At some levels or programs, player movement from team to team during a season is also part of a player's development. This movement is usually discussed with all coaches involved as well as the parent and player. At the end of the day, the decision on which opportunity the player goes with is always up to the player and family.