Rapids Adidas Alliance

On June 9, 2009, the Colorado Rapids launched the Rapids adidas Alliance, one of the most integrated partnerships in American youth soccer.

YOUTH CLUBS IN THE RAPIDS adidas ALLIANCE: 

Colorado Storm Soccer Association (joined June 9, 2009)

Colorado Fusion Soccer Club (joined Sept. 29, 2009)

Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club (joined April 8, 2010)

Rainbow Youth Soccer League (joined April 8, 2010)

Colorado EDGE Youth Soccer Club (joined May 29, 2010)

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COMMENTS

"This partnership is a positive step in our continued efforts to identify, develop and promote players within our structure," said Rapids' Technical Director Paul Bravo. "The Rapids adidas Alliance will give our partnering club’s membership full access to our Development Academy with the plan to develop players for our First Team.

"The development and education instituted within the Rapids adidas Alliance will not only be on the player level, but we will also share in coaching resources and philosophies that will move us all forward together. We are really excited about this opportunity and are looking forward to a long lasting relationship with each of our affiliates."

"The Boulder County Force Soccer Club is excited to formally join an alliance with the Colorado Rapids and adidas," said Hardy Kalisher, Boulder County Force Director of Operations. "The Colorado Rapids have taken a leadership position in grassroots and elite level youth soccer. The adidas Alliance is the next step in the evolution of the Boulder County Force and youth soccer in Colorado. The adidas Alliance will mean a better soccer experience for all Boulder County Force players, coaches and families."

"Pride Soccer Club is very enthusiastic about the opportunities created for our boys program as we enter into a relationship with the Colorado Rapids through the adidas Alliance," added Pride’s Boys Director of Coaching Gary Evans. "Through shared resources we will enhance our player development program and improve our training techniques which will prepare our players for great opportunities. Whether a player aspires toward a professional or college career he is able to do so in Colorado Springs because of the innovative training and high quality coaching staff at Pride Soccer Club."

“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!”

"As a former player and Assistant Coach for the Colorado Rapids, I am excited about the alliance between Colorado Storm and the Rapids," explained Storm Technical Director Steve Trittschuh. "I look forward to working with and developing the top players in the State of Colorado in the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy. This also gives the younger players in Colorado Storm a chance to play at the highest level whether that is attending college on an athletic scholarship or being a member of the Colorado Rapids professional team. This is great for the State of Colorado combining the largest youth club with a top professional MLS club."

With this announcement also comes the news that Trittschuh will now coach the Rapids' U16 Academy team and Storm Director of Coaching Michael Haas will coach the Rapids' U18 Academy team. Trittschuh appeared in 91 matches for the Rapids from 1996-98 and later served as an Assistant Coach from 2003-06.

"The EDGE Soccer Club are excited about teaming up with the Colorado Rapids and their adidas Alliance," said Dr. Randy Snyder, President of the EDGE Soccer Club and Arvada Soccer Association. "The EDGE strive to provide the best facilities and training in the state. We feel that this partnership will only enhance our players' and coaches' abilities to be the very best. We hope for a long and mutually beneficial relationship."

For more information about the Rapids adidas Alliance, contact the Colorado Rapids Soccer Academy at (303) 727-3578.