West Sharks F.C. merge
with Syracuse Rush
SYRACUSE, New York, Thursday, March 11: New York Rush today announced the merger between Syracuse Rush and West Sharks FC. West Sharks players and families will compete within the Syracuse Rush program.
 
"I am thrilled to finalize this agreement. At Syracuse Rush, we're always searching for hungry, enthusiastic, and positive coaches but more importantly, good people. We feel David and his staff tick all the necessary boxes as their care and support for their players and families is blatant for everyone to see," stated Luke O'Callaghan, Director of Coaching of Syracuse Rush. "This agreement not only allows players to continue their progression through the Rush program but gives us a great platform to coach, mentor, and develop every aspiring young player right here, at home, in Central New York."
 
West Sharks FC, founded by Dave and Jen Pawelczyk, began with just 13 players. With a focus on opportunities to play, fun, and player development, the organization experienced significant growth and will bring more than 175 boys and girls into the Rush Soccer organization.
 
"West Sharks FC is very excited for the merger with Syracuse Rush and eager to align ourselves with an organization that focuses on player development and enjoyment of the game," said David Pawelczyk, WSFC President. "The Rush mission aligns perfectly with the Sharks founding philosophy, soccer for everyone. We are excited for the opportunities that Rush can provide to help our players reach the next level."
West Sharks FC Board of Directors with Northeast Rush CEO, Craig Thomas and Syracuse Rush Director of Coaching, Luke O'Callaghan.
West Sharks FC players will begin with Syracuse Rush for the 2021/22 season and be eligible for all regional and national Rush programs, including New York Select, The Hub, and Rush Select.
 
"We are thrilled to announce the merger between Syracuse Rush Soccer and West Sharks FC. Over several years West Sharks FC has shown a tremendous ability to produce players of a high standard, while always looking out for their players and families' best interest," added Craig Thomas, CEO of Northeast Rush. "The merger is fantastic for the Syracuse area and its soccer community, having the world's largest youth soccer organization and what we offer our players and families is second to none. Our player pathway, College Advisory Program, full-time staff, will only benefit all our current and future members."
 
For more information on Syracuse Rush please visit www.rushny.com.
 
About Northeast Rush
Northeast Rush is comprised of Rush clubs based in Massachusetts (www.rushnewengland.com), Connecticut and Connecticut Shoreline (www.ctrushsoccer.org), and New York (www.rushny.com). With over 150 teams and over 2000 players, Northeast Rush is one of the largest Rush groups within the organization. Headquartered in Newtonville, MA, with offices within each region, Northeast Rush offers premier level club soccer, camps and clinics, recreational soccer, and international opportunities.