N1 US SOCCER TOP TEAM ENTRY LEAGUE

Rush Academy Families,

We hope this message finds you well and excited for the soccer season. As we gear up for another year of growth and development, we are thrilled to share some exciting news that will enhance the quality of our club.

After careful consideration and thorough evaluation, the leadership team has been exploring additional league opportunities. For the 2026-27 season we have been accepted into the National League 1 N1 National Leagues and the National Championship series. This decision was made with the collective goal of advancing the quality of our players' experience, improving competition levels, and ultimately strengthening the overall quality of our club. 

Our top teams (U16-U19 Age Groups) will have the opportunity to compete on a national platform through US Soccer to enhance player development. We have always expressed an interest to join the national platform as Rush Academy Peninsula. Our league commitment to TASL and the Virginia Premier Soccer League "VPSL" remains the same and we will continue to be a proud member of the UPSL Academy National Leagues for our U13, U15 & U17s. 

Moving forward our staff will continue to focus on long-term player development. We understand this is a marathon and not a sprint and we stay committed to putting our players first by providing the best environment for them to train, compete, and ultimately reach “their” goals. 

Here are some key benefits we anticipate by adding this league access for our teams:

1. Enhanced Competition: Moving to a new league will provide our players with the opportunity to compete against different opponents, thereby challenging them to elevate their skills and performance on the field.

2. Increased Exposure: Participating in a different league can attract attention from college coaches and scouts, opening up additional pathways for our players to pursue their soccer aspirations beyond the youth level.

3. Improved Development: By facing different competition week in and week out, our players will have the chance to grow and develop their abilities at an accelerated pace, setting them up for success both on and off the field.

As the landscape continues to shift, we have taken significant time to research, evaluate and talk with our staff and membership about the best environment for our players. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Rush Academy Peninsula. Together, we are shaping the future of soccer for our young athletes and building a legacy that will endure for years to come.