Resources
We are proud to partner with other sport organizations and abuse prevention organizations to build our Club, our league, and our sport’s capacity to create safe environments free of abuse and misconduct.
The Rapids are the first MLS Club and one of the only professional sport teams in the United States to endorse the Aspen Institute’s Project Play-led Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, a philosophy that emphasizes the human rights of children and closes gaps in availability and quality of sport programming at the Club.
We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all stakeholders at the Club. We are proud to have the largest Safeguarding Department in Major League Soccer tasked with the largest scope of work.
Safeguarding Team
Nicole Johnson leads the Safeguarding Department at the Club. Nicole brings a decade of experience shaping athlete-centered policies across global sport systems. With prior roles at the International Olympic Committee, U.S. Center for SafeSport, The Aspen Institute, and the Center for Sport and Human Rights, Nicole’s work has ranged from leading safeguarding policy overhauls and creating coach education programs completed by more than 3 million people to hosting international best practice sharing workshops and organizing inclusive sport programs across west Africa. Her work consistently bridges local impact with international best practices.
With an M.A. in International Human Rights from the University of Denver and a certification in safeguarding in sport from the International Olympic Committee, Nicole has worked across continents to implement inclusive sport policies, contribute to high-impact research at leading labs, and design safeguarding strategies for youth and elite athletes alike.
Nicole is FIFA Guardians and Youth Mental Health First Aid certified and SafeSport Trained.
Dr. Maita Furusa the Club’s new Safeguarding Manager, supports the development and implementation of safeguarding policies and practices across the organization. He is passionate about optimizing athletes’ sporting experiences and promoting their safety through evidence-based approaches.
Prior to joining the Rapids, Maita spent seven years at Swansea University, where he completed both his Master’s and PhD in Sport and Exercise Science. His research, conducted in collaboration with the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), focused on safeguarding children in sport, with particular emphasis on preventing abuse, enhancing enjoyment, and promoting positive parental involvement.
Maita is FIFA Guardians certified, SafeSport Trained, and a member of International Society of Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise (QRSE).
Nadiya Romo serves as the team’s Safe Sport Intern, supporting the department’s internal and external communication strategies. Nadiya is a rising junior at Louisiana State University, studying Mass Communication and Journalism. Growing up with a deep passion for soccer, she began playing at age 3 including a tenure with the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club. After an injury led her to step away from playing, Nadiya remains connected to the sport by leveraging her communication skills and soccer experience to make a positive impact for the Club’s players as an Intern.
Nadiya is FIFA Guardians certified and SafeSport Trained.
Poncé Shepard, Jr. serves as the team’s Safe Sport Intern, supporting the roll out of the Club’s mental health support services for players. Poncé recently graduated with his M.A in International Security with a focus on global governance and policy implementation. With previous roles as a peer advisor and in research centers, Poncé has a strong foundation in research, diplomacy, and applied policy. He brings a rigorous and globally informed perspective to athlete protection and sport integrity initiatives the Club.
Poncé is FIFA Guardians certified and SafeSport Trained.