The Boulder County Force leadership is always looking into ways to improve the quality of coaching and player development opportunities for all BCF players. The Colorado Rapids and Boulder County Force have joined in alliance to take the Boulder County Force coaching staff, training curriculum and player development to another level. The Adidas Alliance has been formed with a goal of creating a better soccer experience for all BCF players. The Boulder County Force is enthusiastic about this significant evolution of the club. The Adidas Alliance and the addition of our recently added Technical Advisors -- University of Colorado Women’s Soccer Head Coach, Bill Hempen (Girls) and former US Soccer National Team Captain and three-time World Cup veteran, Marcelo Balboa (Boys) -- demonstrates the Boulder County Force’s commitment to providing the youth of Boulder County & North Metro with an unmatched soccer experience. This is an exciting time to be a member of the Boulder County Force!
The following is an overview of the Adidas Alliance and its impact on the Boulder County Force.
COACHING EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
The Rapids Adidas Alliance gives our coaching staff an opportunity for mentoring and curriculum development from an MLS team and its staff. Colorado Rapids coaching staff will meet regularly with BCF Directors to monitor player development and review training curriculum. BCF coaches will receive exclusive access to interactive and educational events such as: Rapids chalk-talks, access to Rapids first team training, annual Rapids Adidas Alliance coaches symposiums and annual coaching curriculum development sessions. Colorado Rapids and BCF will participate in coaching exchanges opportunities. BCF coaches will receive access to Rapids coaching curriculum.
ELITE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT - USSF DEVELOPMENTAL ACADEMY PIPELINE
Major League Soccer clubs are quickly becoming the pinnacle of elite boys soccer in America. Via the Adidas Alliance, BCF players will have a direct path to the Colorado Rapids’ USSF Developmental Academy U18 and U16 teams – the most elite level of boys soccer in North America. The Colorado Rapids coaching staff in conjunction with BCF Directors will identify potential BCF players to integrate into the Colorado Rapids U18 and U16 USSF Developmental Academy teams. The Colorado Rapids U18 and U16 Developmental Academy teams will represent the top of the Boulder County Force boys player development pyramid. Players who have aspirations of playing at the very top levels of US and international soccer will be mentored and developed in cooperation with the Colorado Rapids coaching staff until they are ready for the transition into the USSF Developmental Academy. BCF players, via the Rapids USSF Developmental Academy teams will have a clear path to the MLS Homegrown Talent Program -- that allows professional prospects to the opportunity to sign with the Colorado Rapids after college rather than going into the MLS Draft. The Colorado Rapids along with Adidas will host at Dick’s Sporting Good Park invitation only friendlies, tournaments, player identification camps, showcase games and other opportunities that are exclusive to the Adidas Alliance.
EXCLUSIVE SEASON TICKET PRICING FOR BCF FAMILIES & COACHES
As Adidas Alliance members, BCF families will receive deep discounts on Rapids season tickets. BCF’s exclusive season ticket pricing will be announced soon.
ADIDAS SUPPORT OF THE BOULDER COUNTY FORCE & ALLIANCE
Fall 2009 requires a switch of uniform style due to all current uniforms being discontinued by the manufacturer. Adidas has stepped up to be the title sponsor the Boulder County Force and Adidas Alliance. Adidas will provide an unprecedented level of sponsorship support to the Club. The Boulder County Force will have opportunities to participate in Adidas sponsored tournaments, college recruiting programs, coaching education programs and international travel programs. Boulder County Force will be considered a priority club for any Adidas soccer initiatives/campaigns. Adidas will do their best at making players, coaches, or clinicians that are under contract with Adidas available to Boulder County Force for special events.
TOURNAMENTS
As an Adidas Alliance club, BCF will receive preferred applicant status to the Disney Showcase (#1 Showcase Tournament in US); NCAA Final Four Showcase (#2 Showcase Tournament in US); Dallas Cup (Top international youth tournament and showcase in US). Adidas is now the premier sponsor of the Boulder County Force’s Rocky Mountain Cup and College Showcase tournament – Colorado’s largest summer tournament.
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING & TRAVEL
Boulder County Force has a 18+ year tradition of international travel. That tradition will continue via the Adidas-International Training Program (ITP). Adidas-ITP is an elite club international travel and developmental/educational program. BCF can send teams and coaches to play against, train and receive coaching education from the top Adidas International clubs in the world. International clubs in the program include: Real Madrid (Spain), Chelsea FC (UK), Liverpool FC (UK), Bayern Munich (Germany), Hamburg (Germany), Bayer Leverkusen (Germany), River Plate (Argentina), and Fluminense (Brazil).
SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT
Adidas has committed to supporting the Boulder County Force Scholarship Program.
