As a member of the Rush Soccer global community, we provide opportunities to participate in local regional leagues, OPDL and League 1 Reserve while at the same time helping players beyond our borders. Since most are still at a young age, we are also cognisant of the importance of continuing education while exploring their soccer development which may include Pro, College, or University streams.

Rush Altitude is such a program and offers the ability for players to stay in school while at the same time train as a professional and play other professionals. Rush Altitude is based in Port St. Lucie in Florida, USA and participates in Division 2 of the United Soccer League (USL).

Last December, Rush Canada travelled to Rush Altitudes facility to participate in a select tournament pitting regional Rush Select teams with teams from other areas including Canada. Our 2006 team, who just recently won the League 1 Ontario U19 Reserve Cup Final participated and finished first in their age group. After returning home and receiving positive feedback from the Select and Altitude coaches at the event, our Technical Director, Mr. Slobodan Pavlovic (in photo with Patrick above) arranged a series of matches against Altitude Rush senior and junior teams back in Florida and from there an opportunity presented itself to one of our players.

Patrick Aponowicz has accepted a contract and will be travelling to Florida over the coming days. Patrick joined Rush Academy in 2015 and during his time at Rush Canada Patrick was a regular in the Rush Select program. He travelled to Europe with our Select team and was scouted and selected twice to attend Tottenham’s Residential Program. He was also invited to trial for a Danish First Division Club, HB Koge (who are part of the Rush professional pathway).

All of us at Rush Canada wish Patrick safe travels and every success with his new adventure!