To all Rush Pikes Peak Families:


As you may have heard, this past August, the United States Soccer Federation announced a number of new developmental initiatives to begin in Fall 2016.  The most significant and impactful of these changes is the mandate for all clubs to switch from organizing teams by school year and use a calendar year system moving forward.  This change will come into effect the Fall 2016 season at all clubs across the country. A full breakdown of the US Soccer mandates can be found here.

The Rush Pikes Peak staff has already started planning and preparing for the change to our current rosters and player pools.  With such a significant adjustment, we realize the importance of clear communication to assist our families through this process and ensure our players continue in the proper environment to maximize their development.  Our Staff is fully aware that there will be a period of adjustment for all of our players, families and coaches over the coming months.  We ask that you trust we will make player development our number one priority and that we will ensure each individual player is in the right environment to help reach their maximum potential.  To assist us in the preparation for player placement in May and the Fall season, Rush Pikes Peak will be moving the staff training to birth year this Spring.  Structuring the staff training this way will not only allow our staff the ability to work these age groups but also, give the players a chance to get familiar with other players in their birth year from other teams and get to know the coaches that will be coaching in their age group in the fall.  Details have been released and players should make every effort to attend.

As we prepare for the new structure & initiatives to fall into place, please know that our current programs, philosophies, and focus on player development have not and will not change.  We will remain a club that is focused on the player, their development and look forward to a successful Spring season.

The most significant obstacle that we expect to encounter each year will affect the 2002 (u15) age group.  This Spring during player placement, the 2002 age group will represent both future Freshmen & 8th graders.  The exact layout and make up of our 2002 program is currently a work in progress, but we can assure our 2002 families that Rush Pikes Peak will provide an active and competitive program for these players.  Coaches of these age groups will be working closely with our club directors to ensure this is as smooth a process as possible.  The state League Organizing Committee (LOC) is meeting very soon to finalize the Fall 2016 structure and once we have that information, it will be shared promptly.

Additionally, Rush Pikes Peak staff have fielded numerous queries regarding the possibility of current teams staying together through the player placement process and into the Fall season.  As we have previously allowed teams to join our club from areas near Colorado Springs (Monument and Pueblo) and will continue to do so;  Rush Pikes Peak will implement the following policy moving forward;
Teams that are part of outlying areas that play as Rush Pikes Peak teams will have the option of staying together if they are located a minimum of 30 miles from the El Pomar Sports Complex.
It is the hope of the club that this will alleviate any confusion moving forward.

We appreciate there will be challenges that will present themselves in the coming months but our aim is to ensure families are as informed as possible, whilst we work on the implementation of the adjustments to the structure.

For immediate concerns please contact Rush Pikes Peak Technical Director Brian Bronowski at (719) 590-9700 or at [email protected]