April 20, 2022

New REACH Coordinator – Welcome John Collins

Rush’s new REACH director Johnny Collins bringing fresh ideas to vital club program

It’s hard to imagine anyone understanding the importance of soccer outreach more than Coach Johnny Collins. He’s traveled the world for over two decades coaching soccer in various cultures sharing his passion for the game and love for people.

It’s also hard to imagine anyone getting a more difficult start on life than Coach Johnny either.

Coach Johnny, who was recently named Rush’s new Outreach Coordinator and will be overseeing the R.E.A.C.H. program, was born in South Korea and moments later left to die in a trash can before he was rescued and eventually adopted by an American family.

While growing up in the United States, he developed into a good soccer player, playing at a Division 1 school before losing his scholarship his junior year after a compound fracture to his ankle. Realizing that his playing days were over, he embarked on a journey to do what he considered the next best thing to playing—coaching.

Coach Johnny moved overseas and spent the next 24 years coaching in almost every imaginable climate among almost every imaginable group of players. He coached in Korea, Papua New Guinea, Japan, Kenya, China, Malaysia, Kuwait, Singapore, Australia and Indonesia, to name a few. He’s coached players on U.S. military bases, Somalian refugees, homeless kids in the Philippines, and orphans in Vietnam. He even once organized a girls soccer tournament in Kuwait during Ramadan.

Over the past six years, he’s worked with the U.S. State Department as part of its Sports Envoy team. And this summer he’s going to Kyrgyzstan to help coach there as well.

Last month Coach Johnny started working with the Altitude Rush soccer program in Florida, living in the U.S. for the first time since he left college to pursue his coaching dream overseas. And while his journey has been anything but conventional, he’s embraced the twists and turns of his journey that often has him wondering where he’ll end up next.

“Life is an adventure, right?” Coach Johnny said with a wry grin.

But if there’s one thing that Coach Johnny has seen during his travels, it’s how soccer is a universal language that connects people of all ages from vastly different cultures. He’s also seen the need for good uniforms and equipment.

“The Rush R.E.A.C.H. program as it is has been important so players who don’t have access to nice uniforms and equipment can get what they need,” Coach Johnny said. “But there’s also so much more we can tap into as an organization by helping with all kinds of needs, not only abroad but also in our own communities.

“We’re not going to lose the focus of getting equipment and uniforms to players who need it, but I’m excited about some of the changes that will make REACH a much more robust program and spur players on to become even better citizens in their own communities.

“For example, it’d be great if a bunch of Rush players went out and picked up trash along the highway or cleaned up around their rivers. We have a great opportunity here to be known for more than just soccer.”

To learn more about Rush’s R.E.A.C.H. program, visit the website here.

Hudl Flex User Guide

By Lucas Sampaio • October 10, 2024
Coastal Families, Hudl TV has been a fantastic addition to our game streaming this season. Below, you'll find links to the Hudl Flex User Guide to assist anyone responsible for setting up and recording with the Hudl Flex cameras. We also have a recorded video call from Hudl with our Coastal Rush players that covers some helpful topics. Be sure to check out these helpful tutorials and resources for Coaches, Team Managers, Athletes, and Parents: Athletes Guide to Hudl : Share this out with athletes and parents for a walk through of all things Hudl on the Athletes side of things Coaches/Managers Resource Guide : Share this out with coaches for a step by step walk through of the Hudl platform on the coaches/managers side of things Coastal Rush Hudl Fan Landing Page : Share this out with friends and family who can’t attend games in person and want to watch via livestream If you have any additional questions, please email Coach Kyle at kyle@coastalrush.com.

Coastal Rush Soccer Breaks Record with 57 Player College Commitments for Fall 2024

By Lucas Sampaio • June 24, 2024
[Pensacola, FL, June 24, 2024] - Coastal Rush Soccer, a soccer club within the largest youth soccer organization in the world, is celebrating a remarkable achievement with a record-breaking year of college commitments for Fall 2024. The National average for high school soccer players continuing their athletic journey in college stands at 7.5%, but Coastal Rush Soccer has surpassed expectations with an impressive 57 college commitments, which is 5x the national average. This outstanding success is directly attributed to Coastal Rush’s College Advisory Program (CAP). The announcement of 57 college commitments sets Coastal Rush Soccer apart as a leader in nurturing young soccer talent and providing them with opportunities to further their education while pursuing their sports dreams. The organization's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes has clearly paid off, with a significant number of players set to embark on their college soccer careers in the upcoming fall. Rush Soccer's College Advisory Program (CAP) has been a great resource in guiding players through the college recruitment process, ensuring that they are well-equipped to make informed decisions about their future. The local CAP offerings led by John Michael Guidroz, Felipe Lawall and Nick Cooper offer personalized support and expert advice, the CAP has empowered players to explore their options and find the best fit for their academic and athletic aspirations. "Our College Advisory Program (CAP) team is dedicated to empowering players through the college recruitment process. With a proven track record of exceeding the national average in college commitments by 5x times, CAP offers unparalleled support and guidance to families. No other club equips players for success quite like Rush Soccer. We are very proud of all of our athletes that will be attending college, for athletics and academic excellence,” said Josh Tyler, Global CAP Director for Rush Soccer. Kyle Sealy, Boys Director of Coastal Rush Soccer, adds, “By prioritizing academic excellence and holistic development, Coastal Rush has created a pathway for young athletes to pursue their passion for soccer while securing their future through higher education. We are very proud of each of our players for attacking the recruiting process head on and finding a fit for themselves academically as well as programs that fit their needs as individual players” Kenny Skinner, Girls Director of Coastal Rush Soccer, also adds, “We at the club would like to show our gratitude to all those who have helped the players find their fit at the next level. In addition to our local CAP directors we also have many great coaches and directors at the home club who have helped our student athletes. Also lastly, a big congratulations to all the players in making this next step!” As Coastal Rush Soccer continues to make a mark in the world of youth soccer development, the organization's emphasis on empowering student-athletes to achieve success both on and off the field remains at the core of its mission. With 57 college commitments for Fall 2024, Rush Soccer is setting a new standard for player development and college preparedness in the soccer community.

Coastal Rush Spring Update

By John Guidroz • March 22, 2024
Quick Spring Update 2024
Show More
Share by: