About Rapids FC | West Michigan Youth Soccer
Interested in learning more about Rapids FC?
Our Grand Rapids youth soccer program started 13 years ago as the predecessor to Alliance FC. Rapids FC first started in 1999 with younger AYSO teams playing select youth soccer in GVSA. This led to 16 Rapids FC teams playing under the Alliance IRS banner and top level teams playing as Alliance FC. Importantly, Rapids FC has always believed an inclusive environment where soccer players could develop in a competitive, yet family environment. Rapids FC has operated as a non-profit and has invested all resources into player development and enjoyment.
After several years with Alliance, Rapids FC separated to focus on select soccer in ages U8-U14, more recently adding a Premier program, with 7 Premier teams for the 2018/19 season. Our teams have been successful, and most importantly, we have created a positive environment for soccer players to enjoy the beautiful game of soccer. While we are pleased with the success of our teams, we are also very proud of Rapids teams that were middle of the pack and showed positive progress and development. In addition to our first place teams, it is gratifying to see new select teams made up of recreational players show remarkable improvement over the winter and into the spring.
One of most significant accomplishments is that many of our former club players play high school soccer and some have advanced to play college soccer. Notably, they achieved this goal without being obsessed with playing premier or spending thousands of dollars in training costs. We believe strongly that Rapids FC will develop players and provide encouragement to continue playing. Unfortunately, in today’s world, young athletes get burned out with intensely demanding club sports and give up the sport before reaching the high school varsity team.
It should be clear – while Rapids FC has a measured approach to high level select soccer, our teams are competitive and players are expected to commit to practices, training and development.
For more information about Rapids FC and the history of our youth soccer program in Grand Rapids, please contact us here.