Rush Leadership in Action: Neil McNab’s New Role and Vision for Soccer Growth
Rush Soccer has always been about developing leaders on and off the field, and one of the latest examples of this is Neil McNab. As Executive Director of Rush Union Georgia, McNab has spent years shaping the soccer landscape in Georgia. Now, he’s taking that leadership to a new level as the President of the US Youth Soccer Association in Georgia.
This milestone isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a reflection of the high-caliber leaders that emerge from Rush Soccer.
How Rush Soccer Shaped McNab’s Leadership
Since joining Rush in 2019, McNab has embraced the club’s core values of leadership, collaboration, and development. Under his guidance, Rush Union Georgia has been committed to providing players and coaches with elite training, professional development, and a strong community focus.
McNab credits Rush’s national network for preparing him for this next step in his career.
“Rush isn’t just a club—it’s a family of clubs across the country and the world. The ability to collaborate with other Rush leaders, share ideas, and learn from each other has been invaluable,” he said.
One of Rush Union Georgia’s guiding principles is “Play It Forward”, which is all about giving back to the game. That same mindset will now shape McNab’s work as he seeks to grow the game across Georgia.
Bringing the Rush Mentality to Georgia Soccer
As McNab steps into his new role, he’s carrying Rush’s development-first philosophy with him. His leadership will focus on:
- Expanding soccer access – Just as Rush works to provide opportunities for all players, McNab aims to increase participation across Georgia, particularly among younger children who may not have access to the sport.
- Coaching and referee education – A key part of the Rush model is making sure that players have high-quality coaching. McNab wants to extend that focus at the state level, helping clubs improve coaching, player development, and referee training.
- Collaboration over competition – Much like Rush Soccer fosters connections across clubs, McNab hopes to unite Georgia’s soccer community. With US Soccer moving its headquarters to Georgia and Atlanta hosting games for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, now is the perfect time to work together.
The game is the same everywhere, but everyone views it differently. The more we can collaborate and support each other, the stronger Georgia soccer will become
A Leader Who’s Been in the Trenches
McNab’s journey in soccer isn’t just about administration—it’s deeply personal. Before becoming a coach and club director, he played in Manchester City’s youth system, moved to the U.S. to play professionally, and eventually built his career as a coach and soccer leader.
At Rush Union Georgia, McNab has worn every hat possible—from coaching to field setup to parent communication. This hands-on experience has given him a deep understanding of the challenges that clubs, coaches, and players face.
“Leadership looks glamorous from the outside, but in reality, it’s about doing the work. Rush taught me that leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about serving the community and finding solutions.“
What This Means for Rush Soccer
McNab’s appointment isn’t just great news for Georgia—it’s a testament to Rush Soccer’s commitment to developing leaders. Across the country, Rush clubs continue to produce top-tier coaches, directors, and administrators who go on to make an impact at every level of the game.
His leadership will help elevate the profile of Rush Soccer within the state association, providing opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and expanded development programs.
How Rush Members Can Support the Growth of Soccer
McNab emphasized that growing the game isn’t just up to leadership—it’s a team effort. He encourages everyone in the Rush community to lead by example:
- Coaches: Focus on developing players holistically, keeping the Rush Way at the center of your training.
- Parents: Be a positive force on the sidelines, supporting both teams and respecting referees.
- Players: Give back to the game—whether through mentoring younger players, helping with training, or just playing with passion.
“Rush has always been about more than just soccer—it’s about building a community. If we continue to live by our values, we’ll make a lasting impact, not just in Georgia, but across the country.”
With McNab leading the charge, Rush Soccer’s influence in Georgia is stronger than ever, and the future of the game looks brighter because of it.
About Rush Soccer
Formed in 1997, Rush Soccer is the largest youth soccer organization in the world with more than 55,000 players in 50 countries. Comprised of 125 clubs around the globe, Rush Soccer has cultivated a reputation of excellence on and off the field all while maintaining a local feel in the communities we serve. This expansive global footprint provides unparalleled opportunities for our entire player base to pursue pathways all the way to the highest level of professional soccer. Our breadth and depth of programs support our network of local clubs, coaches, staff, and partners.
For more information about Rush Soccer, visit www.rushsoccer.com.
Media Contacts:
Rush Soccer Media Relations
Phone: (833) 546-7874
Email: [email protected]
