Emerald Coast Rush

Contact us and make sure to provide your player's name, date of birth, and prior playing experience. Our team will point you in the right direction for available programs.

Phone: 850-238-3041 

Email: info@emeraldcoastrush.com

We offer:

• Year-round competitive programs
• Spring Rec Soccer (STARS)
• Camps and Clinics throughout the year
• Our Youth Development Program 

Looking to see what program is best for your player?  Contact Us!

Phone: 850-238-3041 

Email: info@emeraldcoastrush.com

Why was the decision made to switch from grouping teams by the school year to the calendar year?

• To be in line with the other 208 countries that register youth players by their year of birth. The change also made it easier for American club teams to play internationally.

How are age groups determined in other FIFA nations?

• By the year in which a player is born; i.e., calendar year.

Which US Youth Soccer programs were affected?

• The Olympic Development Program did not change since it has grouped players by birth year since its inception in 1977. TOPSoccer was unaffected since players are grouped by ability and less so by age. All other player programs were directly affected by the change.

What are Small-Sided Games?

• Anything less than 11-a-side is considered a Small-Sided Game. 

What are the differences between Small-Sided Games and 11 v. 11 matches in regards to field size, goal size, etc.?

• The fields are smaller, as are the goals and the ball. The length of the game is also shorter. The rules to play the game are modified for each age group.

What are the benefits to Small-Sided Games for players?

• With fewer players on the field and a smaller field on which to play the game, the kids are more directly involved in the action of the game. That equates to more enjoyment in playing, more contact with the ball, more tactical decisions made and more physical movement, which improves the player’s physical fitness.

Is this something clubs in the United States already participate in?

• Many clubs, especially those affiliated to US Youth Soccer, have been playing Small-Sided Games in one version or another for years, perhaps even a decade or more.

Are Small-Sided Games a fixture in other countries like Brazil, Germany, Spain?

• While Small-Sided Games are not new to American soccer, many other countries around the world also play Small-Sided Games with young players. In fact, Spain plays Small-Sided Games up through the U-15 age group. 

What are U.S. Soccer and US Youth Soccer doing to help coaches organize Small-Sided Games?

• Assistance is given to coaches through coaching courses and clinics given by the State Associations and the two national organizations.