The Colorado Rapids today announced that the Colorado Fusion Soccer Club have joined the club's Rapids adidas Alliance.
Launched in June 2009, the Rapids adidas Alliance is one of the most integrated partnerships in American youth soccer.
The Colorado Fusion enter the Rapids adidas Alliance joining the three other charter Colorado youth soccer clubs: the Boulder County Force Soccer Club, Denver metro area Colorado Storm Soccer Association and Colorado Springs based Pride Soccer Club.
"We are thrilled to have the Colorado Fusion Soccer Club join the Rapids adidas Alliance," said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. "Fusion encompasses all the values and goals that all of our Alliance clubs demonstrate and to have them join as a partner within our Alliance helps to strengthen our structure of player development in Colorado."
The Rapids adidas Alliance was established to create a working relationship between existing clubs that benefits soccer development through shared resources and encouraging players to stay in their home clubs in the U11-U14 age groups. Those players have direct access to the Rapids U16/U18 Development Academy teams through visible scouting and direct coaching and curriculum ties.
Rapids adidas Alliance clubs also have exclusive access to on-field and in-stadium educational events with the Colorado Rapids.
"I'm excited that Colorado Fusion is joining the Rapids adidas Alliance because it gives the kids in our club access to world-class resources," said Fusion Executive Director Jeff Park.
"It also gives Fusion the opportunity to work with an organization with a similar mission and a shared geography. Our members love soccer, and we hope that this special relationship with the Colorado Rapids will give them a place to show their passion. I can't wait to experience the sea of Fusion fans chanting from the stands at every Rapids game!"
"Our partnership with the Colorado Rapids is a logical step for two parties who bring in their respective expertise for mutual benefits," Harald Heinrich, Fusion Boys Academy Director said.
"The Colorado Rapids offer our elite players direct access to a professional soccer environment, help us attract more youth players in Denver and Aurora, and connect us with the big world of soccer all the way to London. Colorado Fusion will be able to support and expand the Rapids Youth Academy within a shared geographical area, offer playing options to the boys who do not graduate to the Rapids competitive teams, and to the girls who get their start within the Rapids system."
Trey Harrington, Fusion Girls Academy Director added, "The partnership between the Colorado Rapids and the Colorado Fusion will be an exciting venture for both organizations. It will set a new level for youth soccer in Colorado. It will give our boys the opportunity to reach the highest level of soccer. It will also allow us to share our resources in soccer and business to grow the game in Colorado. The girls' side is excited to see what new and innovative way we can grow women's soccer here in Colorado."
For full details on the Rapids adidas Alliance, visit www.ColoradoRapids.com.
