Hawaii Rush

Rush Union WI

March 24, 2022

From Ghana to Croatia

New HNK Vukovar transfer from Ghana won’t stop smiling.

Clement Awounyo can’t stop smiling. Not even after trading the warm Ghanian winter for the frigid temperatures in Croatia. After all, everything is sunny in Awounyo’s world right now.

The 23-year-old striker playing for the Ghana Rush club Kotoku Royals FC transferred earlier this month to Rush partner club HNK Vukovar in Croatia and is hoping to help his new club earn a promotion to the second division.

“It’s been a long journey,” Awounyo said. “Being from Ghana, it’s not easy to get noticed. We have talent, but not much opportunity to travel and show other coaches what we can do. But now I have my chance.”

A group of Rush scouts saw Awounyo play on a recent visit to the Ghana Rush club and recommended him to the HNK Vukovar club. And the match seemed to be a beneficial one for both Awounyo and the team.

“When some of the Rush coaches came here to see me play, I was excited,” Awounyo said. “And now I’m here because of them. I have the people from Rush to thank for giving me this opportunity.”

Just the opportunity to get on the pitch at a professional club in Europe is a big step for Awounyo to reach his ultimate goal—playing professionally for a big club in Europe.

And for Awounyo, it’s a big step in his ultimate goal of playing for a top-tier team in Europe.

“My dream is to become a big professional player,” Awounyo said. “I want to become the best African football player.”

Awounyo, who also plays on Ghana’s U-23 national team, sees the chance to improve his skills and his visibility.

“I started playing soccer when I was about five years old,” Awounyo said. “My father bought me a ball and threw it on the ground and told me to play. I didn’t go to school much in my village, so it was always ball. Ever since then, I’ve always dreamed of becoming a professional player. And now that dream is starting to come true.”

When Awounyo arrived in Vukovar in early March, he traded average temperatures that hovered around 90 degrees Fahrenheit for a place where the average high was 47 degrees. But the cooler temperatures have no chance to dampen his spirit.

“In Croatia, the weather is too cold for me, but I’m getting used to it,” Awounyo said. “I’m still learning too, but I’m feeling everything is good and everything is better. And I’m still happy.”

Awounyo hopes to crack the starting lineup soon and help his new club earn a promotion.

“I’m looking forward for the chance to help my team,” Awounyo said.

When he gets on the pitch, there’s little doubt that he’ll do just that.

The post From Ghana to Croatia appeared first on Rush Soccer.

June 5, 2023
RUWI Welcomes New Coaches
By Joe Manley May 14, 2023
Kenosha, WI and Racine, WI - April 11, 2023 - Rush WISE and AFC Union announce a partnership creating a player pathway for all players from Southeastern Wisconsin under the umbrella of Rush Union WI. Rush Union WI will offer boys and girls teams for ages U12-U19. The two clubs, both prominent in Southeastern WI and their respective communities, will collaborate to leverage their combined resources for the benefit of players, coaches, and families. “We are so excited to offer this opportunity for the kids and families in our communities. We have a rich soccer history in this area and look forward to writing the next chapter of excellence through our collaboration.” said Vlatko Minic, Technical Director and Director of Coaching, Rush Wise. For years, the two clubs have provided excellent soccer options to youth throughout southeastern Wisconsin. These two clubs share a similar ideology and playing style. Player development has always been a primary emphasis for Rush WISE and AFC Union, with the goal of providing the finest player experience possible, across both the training and game environments. “We are thrilled to partner with Rush WISE to create a unified premier soccer program for Southeastern Wisconsin. This partnership will provide the opportunity for the youth in Racine, Kenosha, and the surrounding areas to play and compete at all levels, while staying close to home." - Nick Wentorf RASA/AFC Union, Board President Players of all levels will benefit from some of the best coaching talent in the State, and gain access to the Rush network and national competition platforms. (See our player pathway for more information). “We piloted this joint effort last season and saw tremendous success with all three teams in their local and regional competitions. Through this joint effort, we will not only strengthen the opportunities for the top players, but for all developing players in our organization.” said Roy Wiggemansen, Director of Soccer, AFC Union Rush Union WI expects these new elite team opportunities to attract players of the highest caliber from across a wide footprint in Wisconsin. The tryouts for these new teams will occur during the usual June timeframe for soccer clubs in Wisconsin.
By duda August 18, 2022
The post A License To Learn appeared first on Rush Soccer.
Show More
Share by: