What is the new partnership? This partnership brings together the Wilmette Wings, one of the top community-based youth soccer programs in the North Shore and one of the largest and most prominent soccer clubs in the world, Rush Soccer
Why are we doing this? Wilmette Wings is partnering with Chicago Rush to create opportunities typically associated with larger soccer organizations while maintaining our community-based, not-for-profit, priorities. The partnership is designed to create player pathways for everyone from those who play for recreation, all the way to players with elite and post-high school aspirations.
All players and coaches will have access to harness an incredible number of resources afforded to the Wings organization through the new relationship. While the whole club benefits from the new affiliation with a global soccer organization, at age groups U11 and above, players will also have opportunities to expand game and training opportunities.
Who is Rush Soccer & Chicago Rush? Rush Soccer is an international soccer organization that was founded in Denver, Colorado and is now the largest club in the world. Rush Soccer’s aim is to partner with like-minded clubs creating an enormous player base where elite players eventually feed into a Rush professional team representing one of the most recognized brands in the world. Rush Soccer partners with over 80 youth and professional clubs across the world to provide opportunities for soccer players of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels to learn, develop and play the game of soccer in a fun and safe environment.
Chicago Rush is represented In the Chicagoland area by the following five clubs: Chicago Rush South, Chicago Rush West, Chicago Rush Fox Valley, Chicago Rush North and Chicago Rush United.
When does it start? The Wilmette Wings and the Chicago Rush partnership will kick off in the 2022/2023 season.
What opportunities will be available in the Winter 2022 & Spring 2022 seasons? Although the full partnership will not be realized until the 2022/2023 season, players will have the opportunity, by invitation, to play alongside other Rush club players in addition to their Wings team through the Player Loan Program and the Rush Select Program. Summer League play ID Clinics (Super Y) will be available in addition to other programming, currently in design, for the Winter and Spring of 2022.
What can Wings players expect when we are fully integrated in the 2022/2023 season? Beginning in the 2022/2023 season when we are fully partnered with Rush, players can expect the following:
8U, 9U, 10U, 11U & 12U players will continue as Wilmette Wings but will be “Powered by Rush”. Powered by Rush means players will have access to the Rush online e-learning system, Rush camps, clinics and jamborees, participate in Rush Select Statewide Teams (by invitation), Rush Club Player Loan Program playing opportunities, and Practice Share programming.
At 13U and above the Wings will officially transition to, ‘Chicago Rush North Shore’ and the “Rush Way”, becoming the hub of Chicago Rush in the North Shore region.
How will the partnership affect club registration fees? Registration fees will continue to be managed by the Wilmette Wings and will cover all typical programming for a full soccer season. Fees will not increase due to the Chicago Rush partnership, though players choosing to accept opportunities that expand their training and game time will pay an additional fee.
How will the partnership affect the player’s experience? Most importantly, we will continue coaching, playing and operating with the same focus on what makes Wilmette Wings the club we are today. The partnership will give all our players additional resources, and opportunities to enhance their playing experience.
Will we change locations to train or play games? All training and games will remain local and within our current portfolio of fields. Players selected for advanced training and games may need to travel within the Chicago area.
What benefits will Wings players get being a part of the Rush Network?
● Adds to Wings player depth by expanding the club’s North Shore footprint.
● Access to Rush Training opportunities with other Chicago Rush Clubs.
● Player Loan Program which allows for guest playing opportunities with other Rush Clubs & teams.
● The Rush Select Program, which is a combination of selected players from across the Chicagoland area Rush Clubs that will compete in state and regional competition and training. This will be in addition to playing on their current team.
● College Advisory Program
● Coach/Player/Parent Education
● The Rush Way curriculum, including access to, ‘The Rush Coaching Manual’, which has resources for coaches, parents and players.
Will we have to buy a new uniform? For the Winter 2022 and Spring 2022 seasons players will not need to purchase new uniforms. Beginning in Fall 2022, all players 13U and above will purchase new uniforms for the inaugural Chicago Rush North Shore season. All 12U and below players will continue to wear Wilmette Wings uniforms. The 2022/2023 season is the Wilmette Wings second year of our current uniform so any 2011 and below birth year players will not need to purchase a new uniform.
Will the club retain their unique name and identity? Of course! Maintaining our community-centered approach was fundamental in our choice of Rush. We will continue the Wilmette Wings brand at the 12U and lower ages with an exciting rebrand to Chicago Rush North Shore for 13U and above. Both brands will be fully under the direction of the Wilmette Wings Soccer Club board.
Does this partnership change our club status? Wilmette Wings will remain a 501(c)(3) organization that will continue to manage both the Wilmette Wings and Chicago Rush North Shore programs.