Podcast 249 – Rush Union Soccer at Brook Run – Neil McNab

Neil McNab and Rush Union: Building a Soccer Legacy in Dunwoody

Dunwoody, Georgia, is more than just a suburb of Atlanta—it’s a community where families come together, share experiences, and build lifelong friendships. One of the most vibrant aspects of this community is its dedication to youth sports, particularly soccer. In a recent episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, host Matt Weber sat down with Neil McNab, the Executive Director of Rush Union, to discuss the growth of soccer in Dunwoody, the importance of community involvement, and how Rush Union is making a lasting impact.

A Soccer Journey Begins: Neil McNab’s Path to Dunwoody

Neil McNab’s journey to Dunwoody began in the neighboring area of Doraville, where he was involved with the Chiefs, a well-known soccer club. As the demand for soccer grew, Neil and his team recognized the need for more facilities and better opportunities for local youth. This led them to Dunwoody, where they partnered with the city to create what is now Rush Union.

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Dunwoody’s Brook Run Park became home to Rush Union. The timing was challenging, but the community’s response was overwhelmingly positive. The fields at Brook Run quickly became a hub of activity, hosting recreational, academy, and select soccer teams, along with various seasonal programs. Neil expressed his gratitude for the support Rush Union has received from the city and the Parks and Recreation department, emphasizing how this partnership has been crucial to the club’s success.

Building Community Through Soccer

Soccer is more than just a game at Rush Union—it’s a way to build community. Neil and his team have worked hard to create programs that cater to players of all ages and skill levels, from young children just starting out to adults looking to stay active. The club’s adult leagues, for example, have become a popular way for parents to stay involved in the sport and connect with others in the community. Matt Weber, who has coached in the program and participates in the adult league, shared how these experiences have enriched his own life and the lives of his family.

One of the most significant aspects of Rush Union’s impact is how it has transformed the lives of Dunwoody families. Neil recounted stories of how soccer has brought families together, helping them form bonds that extend beyond the field. This sense of community is something Neil and his team are incredibly proud of, and it’s a key reason why Rush Union has become such an integral part of Dunwoody.

The Role of Parks and Recreation in Dunwoody

The success of Rush Union is closely tied to its partnership with Dunwoody’s Parks and Recreation department. Neil spoke highly of the department’s efforts to provide high-quality facilities and support for the club. The relationship between Rush Union and the city is a model of how public-private partnerships can benefit a community.

One of the unique aspects of this partnership is the way the city and Rush Union have worked together to maximize the use of the fields. Brook Run Park’s fields are used not only by Rush Union’s teams but also by local schools and other community groups. This collaborative approach ensures that the facilities are available to as many people as possible, fostering a sense of shared ownership and pride in the community.

Expanding Opportunities: From Rec to Academy

Rush Union is committed to offering a range of programs that meet the diverse needs of its players. One of the club’s latest initiatives is the Advanced Rec program, which serves as a bridge between recreational soccer and the more competitive Academy teams. This program allows players who show promise but are not quite ready for the full commitment of Academy soccer to continue developing their skills in a supportive environment.

Neil emphasized how important it is for Rush Union to meet players where they are. Whether a child is just starting out in soccer or is looking to take their game to the next level, Rush Union provides the resources and coaching to help them succeed. This approach has helped the club grow steadily, with more than 2,000 youth players and 500 adult players participating across its Dunwoody and Milton locations.

The Strategic Vision: Serve, Develop, Inspire

A key part of Rush Union’s growth has been its strategic planning process, which Neil described as a nine-month journey of self-reflection and goal-setting. Working with an outside group called The Collective, Rush Union has refined its mission statement to three simple yet powerful words: Serve, Develop, Inspire.

This mission guides everything Rush Union does, from coaching players to engaging with the community. Serving the community means providing opportunities for all players, regardless of their skill level or financial situation. Developing players goes beyond teaching them soccer skills—it’s about helping them grow as individuals. And inspiring the next generation means creating a positive environment where young people can thrive, both on and off the field.

Neil shared a personal story that illustrates this mission in action. One of his former players is now coaching his own daughter’s soccer team, continuing the cycle of mentorship and community engagement that Rush Union strives to cultivate. This kind of long-term impact is what drives Neil and his team to keep improving and expanding their programs.

Futsal: Bringing Soccer Indoors

One of the exciting new initiatives at Rush Union is the introduction of futsal, a version of soccer played indoors with a smaller, heavier ball. Futsal emphasizes quick thinking and precise ball control, making it an excellent complement to outdoor soccer. Rush Union’s Friday night futsal program has been a hit, offering players a new way to develop their skills in a fun, fast-paced environment.

Neil explained how futsal fits into Rush Union’s broader strategy of offering flexible, year-round programming. Families can choose how many sessions they want to attend, making it easier to fit soccer into their busy schedules. This flexibility has been especially appreciated by parents, who value the opportunity to keep their kids active and engaged, even during the off-season.

The Power of Community Support

Rush Union’s success wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Dunwoody community. Local businesses, volunteers, and families have all played a role in helping the club grow. One notable example is Dr. Brett Friedman of Village Orthodontics, who has been a long-time sponsor of Rush Union. His commitment to the community is evident in the Village Orthodontics logo proudly displayed on the backs of players’ jerseys.

Neil emphasized that these partnerships are about more than just financial support—they’re about building lasting relationships that benefit the entire community. Whether it’s through sponsorships, volunteering, or simply cheering from the sidelines, the people of Dunwoody have embraced Rush Union and made it a central part of their lives.

Looking Ahead: Soccer’s Future in Dunwoody

The future of soccer in Dunwoody looks bright, especially with the World Cup coming to Atlanta in the near future. Neil and Matt discussed how this global event could have a significant impact on local soccer, bringing even more attention and resources to the sport. Rush Union is well-positioned to take advantage of this momentum, continuing to grow and innovate in ways that serve the community.

One of the most exciting aspects of Rush Union’s future is its potential to inspire the next generation of players and coaches. Neil and his team are passionate about creating opportunities for young people to get involved in soccer, whether as players, coaches, or supporters. This commitment to long-term development ensures that Rush Union will continue to be a positive force in Dunwoody for years to come.

A Family Atmosphere

As the conversation drew to a close, Matt reflected on how Rush Union has become like a second family to him and many other Dunwoody residents. The friendships formed on the soccer field extend into everyday life, creating a strong sense of community that makes Dunwoody such a special place to live. Neil agreed, noting that one of the club’s goals is to create an environment where children grow up together, and families grow old together.

The fields at Brook Run Park are more than just a place to play soccer—they’re a gathering place for the community. Whether it’s watching a game, catching up with friends, or coaching a team, the connections made at Rush Union are what make Dunwoody feel like home.

Conclusion: A Lasting Impact

Rush Union has made a significant impact on Dunwoody, not just by providing high-quality soccer programs but by strengthening the bonds within the community. Under Neil McNab’s leadership, the club has grown into a vital part of Dunwoody’s identity, offering opportunities for players of all ages to develop their skills, build friendships, and be part of something bigger than themselves.

As Dunwoody continues to grow and evolve, Rush Union will remain a cornerstone of the community, helping to shape the next generation of players, coaches, and leaders. For anyone looking to get involved, whether as a player, coach, volunteer, or sponsor, Rush Union offers a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can contribute to the success of the club and the community.

So, whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or just looking for a way to connect with others in Dunwoody, consider getting involved with Rush Union. It’s more than just soccer—it’s a way to build a better future for our children and our community.