Last month, seven boys from our 2002, 2003, and 2004 teams travelled to Casa Grande, Arizona to take part in the Rush Select Program ID camps. This news comes only a month after two of our 2001 Rush Canada girls travelled to Sweden to compete with the Rush Select Team (read more).

If you’re unfamiliar with Rush Select, it’s simple: Rush Select teams are comprised of top Rush players from across North America to attend various events on a yearly basis. Think of it as an all-star guest playing opportunity, but amplified. Players return to their club with a new understanding of the Rush Way, our core values, and exactly what it means to be a part of the largest youth soccer organization in the world. Learn more about Rush Select.

After being recommended by the Rush Canada Coaching Staff and Technical Director, the following Rush Canada players attended the tryout in Arizona: Luca Franchitto (2004), Paolo Giovenco (2004), Juan Pablo Delgadillo (2003), Jordan Samuda (2003), Jaheim Hall (2002), Cayden Mantello (2002), and Holden Smith (2002).

The camp consisted of training, matches, and time for 1-on-1 evaluation between player and the Rush Select Coaching Staff. After completing the program, we’re proud to announce that five of our Rush Canada boys were identified and selected to play for the Rush Select teams.

The identified players in the 2002 age group will take part in domestic tournaments and international trips in the first half of 2017. The identified players from the 2003/2004 age groups will also take part in domestic tournaments and international trips in the first half of 2017 starting with the Desert Classic and President’s Day Tournaments in Phoenix in February.

“The 2003/2004 camps last week were the best yet. I want to thank Gatorade for its role in fueling our athletes at Rush Select camp, giving players the best chance to perform at their highest levels,” said Director of Rush Select Brian Lux.

The 2002 boys will compete in the prestigious MIC-Mediterranean International Cup. The MIC Cup is a youth football tournament celebrated in la Costa Brava, Spain with teams and national teams coming from around the world. Previous attendees include the likes of renowned academies like Barcelona FC, Real Madrid CF, FC Bayern Munchen, Ajax FC, Celtic FC, FC Inter, and the Brazillian National Team. Learn more.

MIC Tournament Fact Sheet

• 596 football matches in 5 days.
• More than 5.000 participants.
• Around 220.000 viewers.
• Live matches on TV and Internet.
• 22 towns involved.
• 29 stadiums.
• More than 250 teams representing 40 nationalities of 5 continents.
• Staff with more than 300 people.
• Economic impact: Over 3.5 million €
• Learn More

Well done boys! More information coming soon.