What is LA Krewe Rush?

LA Krewe Rush is a merger of two of Central and South Louisiana's largest competitive programs, Dynamo Lafayette and Cajun Rush.  The newly formed entity: LA Krewe Rush will serve competitive soccer, fed by multiple recreational programs in both the Acadiana and greater Central Louisiana regions.  LA Krewe Rush will serve as the development pipeline for youth competitive all the way through professional ranks.

How do we support the merger and why the name LA Krewe Rush?

The ‘Rush name’ brings Cajun’s initiative and affiliation with Rush Soccer’s national support and back of house administrative assistance. ‘Louisiana Krewe’ is Lafayette’s USL 2 team, currently the only USL soccer team in Central and Southwest Louisiana. The Louisiana Krewe FC team will expand as well, and we welcome the support of all families from Cajun Rush and Dynamo Lafayette to watch them play in the summer 2023 USL 2 season. As a result of this merger, your son or daughter will have the opportunity to be affiliated with the highest level of soccer in Louisiana, which will help create a pipeline for our members to play both collegiately and professionally.

Why are we merging?

As indicated by the growing popularity of soccer domestically (over 25 million people watched the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final in the U.S.), as well as with the growth of the residential populations in the Acadiana area, our market size is large enough to support a premier competitive program. Due to soccer’s increased popularity, the merger will create more opportunities for youth to engage at every level.

Both clubs agree that forming one competitive entity is what is best for players in the area and that doing so will create better development opportunities and more competitive teams at all levels of play. By combining resources players will experience all the advantages of the Dynamo, Rush, and LA TDP affiliations. 

Will this merger affect competitive play in Spring 2023?

No. For Spring 2023, teams and coaches of Dynamo and Rush will remain the same. The combined technical development coaches will be observing teams during the Spring 2023 season. Tryouts will be held thereafter and combined LA Krewe Rush teams will go into effect for the Fall 2023 season.

LA Krewe Rush will build its team of combined resources during the Spring and Summer to roll out the new competitive program in Fall of 2023.

How will teams be formed?

Just as in the past, LA Krewe Rush will hold tryouts in late spring during the window set by the Louisiana Soccer Association. Those teams will kick off the inaugural year of LA Krewe Rush soccer in July of 2023. 

If my son/daughter is playing currently with Dynamo / Rush and is not on the top team, will they be cut from competitive play as a result of the merger?

Everyone will have to go through the tryout process. One of the advantages of the merged club is that we will be able to form multiple teams in most age groups.  We project a comparable or greater number of available teams and roster spots as a result of the merger.

Will tryouts be the first time that players play with and against each other?

No, our staff will be conducting joint sessions involving all current Dynamo and Rush players this spring in order for Directors and Coaches to get to know all the players in an age group, as well as getting the players comfortable around each other.  While many players already know one another, this will be an opportunity to engage with each other on the field before tryouts.

What complexes will be used for practice and games?

LA Krewe Rush will practice and play games across multiple facilities.  This will include Moore Park, St Julien Park, and the Youngsville Sports Complex.

Will I be able to choose where my child plays?

In the younger ages (9U-12U) we will allow parents to prioritize their preferred training location by selecting the park most convenient to them or to train with the most competitive team appropriate to their player.  We will communicate throughout the tryout process as to what this may look like in each age group.

Starting at 13U, we will form the most competitive teams based on ability.  We will evaluate each team in the older ages and will determine where training will be held based on the coach and team make up.  Teams could practice twice a week at one facility or could alternate locations with one practice per week at each location.

How will coaches be chosen?

Both clubs are bringing quality coaches into LA Krewe Rush. As with any year at either club, the coaches of each team will be decided by our Directors based on their strengths and abilities.  Coaches are placed on teams where it has been determined they will best  fit the group's overall development. 

What’s next?

LA Krewe Rush leadership will be holding town hall meetings to discuss the merger and provide more information to parents and players.  This information will be out soon.

We will also begin to announce age group training where the players from both clubs will come together with Directors and Coaches in order to integrate with each other as well as holding joint coaches meetings to ensure everyone is working towards the same goals before tryouts.