The start of a new soccer season is always full of energy, excitement, and a little bit of nervous anticipation. For GulfSouth RUSH Soccer Club, the 2025–2026 season was no exception — though it came with an extra challenge from Mother Nature.

After three straight days of heavy rain, the Walton Sports Complex and Freeport Regional Sports Complex were closed, delaying the first training sessions of the year. The downpour may have kept cleats off the grass temporarily, but it couldn’t dampen the spirit of our players, coaches, and families.

When the fields finally reopened, the season officially kicked off with training across multiple age groups — and the energy was electric.

A Warm Welcome to the 2017 Girls

This year marks the debut of GulfSouth RUSH’s newest squad: the 2017 Girls, led by Coach Brian. For many of these young athletes, this season is their first step into the world of organized soccer. With big smiles, bright uniforms, and a contagious enthusiasm, the 2017 Girls are ready to learn, grow, and fall in love with the game.

Coach Brian is focused on building a strong foundation — not just in soccer skills, but in teamwork, confidence, and having fun. For these players, every pass, dribble, and goal is a milestone worth celebrating.

Development in Motion for the 2016 Boys

The 2016 Boys also returned to the pitch this week, looking sharp as they continue their development in what will be their final season of 7v7 play. With each session, they’re preparing for the jump to the more demanding 9v9 format next year.

This transitional season is a crucial one — a time to refine technical skills, understand positional play, and grow as a cohesive unit. These players have already shown that they’re ready to rise to the challenge, and their progress will be exciting to watch.

Diamant 2014

Strong Starts for the 2012 and 2014 Boys

At Freeport Regional Sports Complex, Coach Ross led the 2012 Boys in their first official training of the season. This talented group wasted no time getting back into rhythm, displaying crisp passing and strong communication from the outset. Their dedication in early sessions sets the tone for what’s shaping up to be a competitive and driven year.

Joining them on the pitch were the 2014 Boys, guided by Coach Diamant. Known for their hustle and determination, this squad brought high energy to every drill, showing that they’re ready to put in the work needed to take their game to the next level.

From the Beach to the Pitch – The 2014 Girls

For Coach Abby and her 2014 Girls squad, finally stepping onto the pitch after the rain delays was a long-awaited moment. Having spent part of the summer honing their skills in beach soccer sessions, the girls quickly transitioned that grit and agility to the grass.

Despite the weather setbacks, their focus, camaraderie, and joy for the game were evident. The 2014 Girls are already building on the chemistry that makes them such a cohesive team.

More Than a Club — A Community

While the rain may have delayed the start, it also served as a reminder of what makes GulfSouth RUSH so special. It’s not just about soccer — it’s about resilience, unity, and shared passion. The patience shown by our players and families during the weather delays reflects the strong community spirit that defines our club.

As the season unfolds, GulfSouth RUSH remains committed to its core priority: player development. From our youngest rookies to our seasoned competitors, every training session, game, and challenge is an opportunity to grow — not just as athletes, but as individuals.

To our players: trust the process, work hard, and remember to enjoy every moment. To our families: thank you for your unwavering support. And to our coaches: your dedication inspires the next generation to dream big.

Here’s to a season filled with growth, teamwork, and memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s make 2025–2026 one for the history books — better together.

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