Virginia Rush Soccer Club to join national program

By Christopher A. Vito
The Virginian-Pilot

The Virginia Rush Soccer Club has been invited to play in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

Take it from the top administrator at the area's largest youth soccer club: This is a big deal.

"It means the best of the best, playing and getting exposure from scouts all across the country," said Dave Dengerink, Virginia Rush president and technical director.

Only the U 16 and U 18 boys squads for the Rush, a program composed of roughly 6,000 players, will participate in the Development Academy, which has just 31 members nationwide.

Prior to its entry into the Development Academy, the Virginia Rush had played teams no farther away than Roanoke, Dengerink said. Now, the U16 and U18 teams will face national competition.

"It gives our kids a chance to play in an extremely competitive environment," he said. "Virginia is a very solid soccer state. It'll be good to see how we stack up."

Dengerink said Rush's selection signals a bright future for the soccer players of South Hampton Roads.

"Most definitely, this program will open doors for players looking to play at the college level and beyond," he said. "The academy is all about developing players' potential, and it'll be nice for them to have on their soccer resumes."

The Development Academy's schedule will be rigorous: Virginia Rush is expected to play 37 weekend games between September and June.

Twenty-two to 30 players will make the teams' rosters. U.S. Soccer has granted these players permission to participate on their high school teams, too.

"It's a good opportunity, and I'm excited to have this chance," said Jordan Cyrus, a rising junior at Norfolk Academy.

With more extensive travel to games, Cyrus will get to see even more of the country. And college coaches will get to see even more of him.

"I've heard college coaches are going to be focusing on the league," said Cyrus, who hopes to play professionally.

Christopher A. Vito, (757) 446-2630, Christopher.Vito@pilotonline.com