The game gives back… by Neil McNab, Rush Union Soccer

Soccer is a sport that continually gives back, not only to its players but also to the adults who stay involved in various capacities. At Rush Union, this dynamic is especially evident, with former players who have grown into adulthood now returning to coach the next generation. These individuals exemplify how soccer offers lasting rewards, enriching both personal lives and the broader community.

Georgia Rush and Chiefs Futbol Club merged in 2020 to form Rush Union Soccer. The word Union was chosen to represent a Union of clubs coming together with a common goal and philosophy towards player and coaching development. What we did not anticipate was the impact that the club would have on the adults who support our programming.

For adults involved in soccer—whether as coaches, referees, or volunteers—the sport offers a wide range of benefits. Coaching, for instance, allows them to develop leadership and communication skills, while simultaneously mentoring young players in teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. The former players who now coach at Rush Union are prime examples of this. Having benefited from the program in their youth, they are uniquely positioned to pass on their knowledge, passion, and love for the game to younger athletes.

Beyond skill development, soccer provides adults with an opportunity to stay physically active, maintaining their fitness and health through regular involvement in training sessions and games. The sport fosters social connections as well, as coaches and other participants form strong bonds with one another, creating a supportive community that extends beyond the field. For former players, coaching at Rush Union has not only kept them engaged in soccer but also allowed them to maintain these important relationships.

In addition to physical and social benefits, soccer offers adults a form of stress relief and promotes mental well-being. The act of coaching, playing, or even organizing events allows them to unwind, focus on positive goals, and enjoy the camaraderie of being part of a team.

At Rush Union, these adults, especially former or current players, are critical to the program’s success. They return as coaches and mentors, helping guide today’s youth while also staying connected to the sport they love. Their contributions reflect the full circle of giving back, as they share the lessons learned from their own experiences, inspire young athletes, and keep the spirit of soccer alive in the community. Through these efforts, soccer continually gives back to the adults who help shape its future, offering fulfillment, purpose, and lasting connections.

We have former and current players coaching in a variety of programs that have led us to formalize our coaching mentorship program that now supports young adults being involved in coaching the game while they are still playing at Rush Union. We currently have coaches, who are existing or former players, in our Academy, Mini kickers, After School, Camps, Rec and our Adaptive Thunder Programs

We all live busy lives and many of us live in the future by means of planning ahead of work, vacations or just managing logistics of work life balance. The game gives back to the adults involved by allowing them to live in the moment on the field with the children with whom they are working with. By positively impacting others in coaching or mentoring, the game continually finds rewarding ways to truly give all the participants a feel-good factor.

I would like to take this opportunity this Thanksgiving and holiday period to thank everyone involved in Rush Union Soccer and to recognize all the former players who are giving so much back to the game, but gaining so much for their own involvement in the sport they love… This is truly the definition of Playing it Forward at Rush Union Soccer.

Learn more: https://www.rushunionsoccer.org/

Follow them: https://www.instagram.com/rushunion