Rush Soccer re-elected Jérôme de Bontin as Chairman of the Board of Directors, officially confirming the position on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. De Bontin has served as acting Chairman for Rush Soccer Board of Directors since 2010.
“As we face today’s new challenges we are convinced that our goals of growing the sport and reaching as many girls and boys as possible while abiding to strict budgetary guidelines will strengthen our organization and contribute to spreading the enjoyment of and passion for soccer to an even wider audience, “ said de Bontin. “I am grateful to President & CEO Tim Schulz and the members of the Board for their confidence and look forward to continuing this journey with the Rush organization”
The career-soccer business leader has guided top organizations in both Europe and North America, with stops including eight-time French Ligue 1 champion AS Monaco and Major League Soccer charter member, the New York Red Bulls.
de Bontin led Monaco from 2002-09, first as Director and later as President and CEO. He was the General Manager of the New York Red Bulls from 2012-14, navigating some of the club’s most exciting seasons with international superstars like Thierry Henry, Tim Cahill and Rafael Márquez. His 2013 Red Bulls team won the club’s first-ever trophy, the MLS Supporters Shield - the trophy awarding the league’s regular-season champion.
"I believe that soccer organizations will thrive when led by former players with a passion for the game,” said de Bontin. “From the moment I met Tim Schulz, I understood that his love for the game was the driving force behind the launch of the first Rush club. Over the past 20 years, the organic growth that Rush Soccer has experienced - domestically and internationally - illustrates the depth and strength of the foundation that is now firmly in place.”
de Bontin holds various coaching and referee licenses in the United States and is a member of the Board of the United Soccer Club Foundation.
“Jérôme’s dedication and tireless work with Rush Soccer speaks for itself,“ said Schulz. “His re-election as Chairman of the Board of Directors, a position he’s held through the extensive growth and development of Rush Soccer, just means that our future remains as bright as ever. We could not be happier with this result and look forward to the organization’s continued progress.
A native of France, de Bontin graduated from Amherst College in 1981 with a degree in Economics before developing expertise in Asset Management, Environmental Finance and Sport Management. Today, de Bontin is a Senior Adviser with the Capricorn Investment Group.
About Rush Soccer:
Rush Soccer is committed to providing an unparalleled soccer experience for all who have an interest in the game of soccer. Rush Soccer promotes the development of character, the electricity of competition and the importance of pure enjoyment. We accept the responsibility of teaching life lessons to our athletes to further their growth inside the game and out. We believe that all players should be afforded an equal opportunity to explore their potential and participate in challenging circumstances that will yield positive outcomes. We are committed to making soccer a pleasant, safe and rewarding experience for everyone involved, regardless of age or ability. Through quality coaching, sound leadership and absolute sincerity, Rush Soccer will work to be the best soccer club in the world.