Phoenix, Arizona: SC del Sol and Rio Rapids announce an official U.S. Soccer Girls’ D.A. affiliate
agreement effective immediately.
U.S. Soccer: “Clubs that establish standards-driven environments will serve as leaders in their
community and are an integral part of the pathway for players and coaches to reach their full
potential. To create the clearest pathway, Clubs must work together in their community.
Collaboration is a shared responsibility to improve environments for every player and coach. The goal
is to optimize the development of all players, coaches and technical leadership and will result in
improved everyday environments for all Clubs involved.”
Rio Rapids Director of Soccer Operations, Chris Brennan: “As a club we are delighted to have
affiliated with SC del Sol and provide our female players a pathway in to the US Developmental
Academy. SC del Sol is an extremely well run, professional club and on the field is one of the most
successful, innovative, forward thinking clubs in the country. Our previous dealings with the staff at
SC del Sol, and the success we have had with players from Rio Rapids representing SC del Sol on the
national stage, give us great confidence that this affiliation will be very successful for both parties. At
Rio Rapids we are always striving to provide our players, and the players in New Mexico, the best
training and playing opportunities and this type of relationship is another example of how committed
we are to furthering soccer in New Mexico.”
SC del Sol Director of Girls DA, Les Armstrong: “U.S. Soccer has made it clear to us that they see
official collaborations as being critical to the long-term success of the DA. We are delighted to have
Rio Rapids officially on board with our DA program. This will be a mutually beneficial partnership that
will serve to strengthen the DA environment for both sets of players and coaches. We have always had
a great relationship with the Rio Rapids and this agreement serves to cement that relationship even
more.”
About Rio Rapids: Rio Rapids SC is the premier soccer club in New Mexico. Based out of Albuquerque
the club has 70 teams between U9 and U19, the largest youth academy pool (U5-U8) and the most
qualified, experienced staff in the state. Rio Rapids are an Adidas Alliance affiliate of the Colorado
Rapids and through that relationship and shared resources have a coaching curriculum that all
players follow to maximize their development. Rio Rapids has won 114 NM State Championships since
2001 and have produced a number of players who have gone on to play in the MLS, NWSL and be
selected for National teams and pools.
About SC del Sol: SC del Sol, which is based in the Greater Phoenix area, is home to 50 teams and has
a full-time staff of 18 professional coaches. Its girls’ program is one of the inaugural members of the
U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy program. From the Mini-Kickers program for the 3 and 4
year olds, to the academy and competitive programs, all players follow a developmentally appropriate
curriculum that is structured to meet the needs of all players.
