[Des Moines, IA] — VSA Rush is pleased to announce an expanded collaboration for players in the 13U-19U select programs and additional playing opportunities for players entering 4th and 5th grades (11U-12U age groups) for the 2026-27 season in collaboration with Vision Soccer Academy (VSA) and Iowa Rush Soccer Club.
Building on a successful partnership to create top teams for boys and girls at the 13U-19U age groups, the two clubs are coming together to further VSA Rush’s mission to build people through the game of soccer and are creating additional soccer opportunities for young people within our communities.
PURPOSE OF COLLABORATION
VSA Rush has listened to families from within the club’s membership and this additional collaboration brings a more cohesive development environment to benefit players sooner in our soccer pathway. There are several benefits that will reflect positively in our communities and schools.
VSA Rush is committed to helping student-athletes realize the lifelong benefits of participation in soccer. Well-documented research shows that sport participation enhances physical health through improved fitness and disease prevention, supports mental well-being by reducing stress and building confidence, and fosters social development through teamwork, leadership, and meaningful relationships—all while nurturing a love for competition.
At VSA Rush, intentional coaching and mentorship ensure these benefits extend beyond the field, equipping athletes with lasting life skills such as discipline, time management, resilience, and accountability. Together, these attributes contribute to stronger academic performance and prepare young athletes for success in sport, school, and life.
"While Iowa Rush continues to serve the community of Ankeny, our partnership with VSA has really allowed us to follow our mission of giving all players a place to play by providing national level platforms within our pathway at VSA Rush. This progressive next step provides and maintains growth and competition," said Kirk Artist, Executive Director of Iowa Rush Soccer Club.
"By expanding our VSA Rush collaboration, we are ensuring all our select athletes have the best possible environment to develop their skills and can continue to develop their passion for the game," added Carlos Acebey, Executive Director of Vision Soccer Academy. "This unified approach allows us to deliver on our core mission of building exceptional people both on and off the field."
Through this collaboration, VSA and Iowa Rush will be able to provide players access to higher standards of competition at younger age groups, allow advanced players to train and compete together earlier and create a smoother transition into the already established VSA Rush programming for players in middle school and high school.
Looking Ahead
This collaboration represents a strategic step forward for both Vision Soccer Academy and Iowa Rush Soccer Club by continuing to strengthen a shared player pathway, while aligning with national competition standards and upholding a commitment to long-term player development.
Additional details regarding this announcement can be found on the VSA Rush website, specifically on the
FAQ page. Additional details such as program structure, tryouts, staffing, uniforms, and pricing will be released in the coming months.
About
Vision Soccer Academy and Iowa Rush Soccer Club have a shared history of developing players in a professional, competitive and growth-focused environment. This expanded collaboration under the VSA Rush brand, reflects a unified vision for excellence in youth soccer and developing people through the game of soccer.
For more information, please visit:
www.vsarush.com
www.iowarush.com
www.visionsocceracademy.com
Contacts
Kirk Artist, Executive Director - Iowa Rush Soccer Club
kirkartist@iowarush.com
Carlos Acebey, Executive Director - Vision Soccer Academy
executivedirector@visionsocceracademy.com
