Rio Rapids Soccer Club added to the Rapids adidas Alliance

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Colorado Rapids announced in Albuquerque on Monday night that the organization has partnered with the Rio Soccer Club to create the Rio Rapids Soccer Club, which will join the Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club and the Carolina Rapids Soccer Club as part of the Rapids adidas Alliance. The Albuquerque, N.M. club currently has a membership of more than 1,200 boys and girls of all ages and abilities, and affiliates in Las Cruces, N.M.

“Rio Rapids SC benefits many youth soccer players throughout New Mexico, and we’re thrilled to help in their development of players and people, both on and off the field,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “We have seen firsthand the passion for soccer that both Rio and the city have, and with our television partner Altitude available throughout the area, we can bring more soccer to the fans here. This is a great step forward for both organizations.”

“We are extremely excited to work with Rio Soccer Club,” said Brian Crookham, the Rapids’ Senior Director of Youth Development. “The Rio staff and board have worked hard to ensure that they have an environment that creates opportunity for players of all levels and abilities. This market is very important to us and we look forward to a long relationship.”

“The Alliance is a fantastic opportunity for the players of New Mexico,” said Rio Rapids President Greg Woodhouse “Not only from a player development perspective, but it also completes the pathway to participation at the highest level, whether that is college or professional soccer.”

As part of the Rapids adidas Alliance, the Rio Rapids will work with the Rapids Academy staff to provide common coaching and parent education, and will receive administrative support from Rapids Academy staff who will be on site several times throughout the year.