Just a few short years ago, a group of boys stepped onto the fields at Somersport Park with nothing more than excitement, energy, and a love for the game. They weren’t part of a travel program. They didn’t have club uniforms. Most had never played in a competitive match. What they did have was potential—and a community ready to help them chase it.

Today, many of those same boys are at the heart of two of the most competitive 9v9 teams in the state: Kentucky Rush U11 and U12 Boys. These teams don’t just represent progress—they represent what’s possible when a group of kids commit to development together.

In just three years, this group has climbed from the 5th Division of KSSL to the Premier Division of the Kentucky Premier League (KPL)—home to the top teams from powerhouse clubs like LouCity, Lexington Sporting Club, and Mockingbird Valley Premier. For perspective, these clubs field 3–4 teams per age group, drawing thousands of players each year to tryouts who compete fiercely for a roster spot.

Here’s what Daniel and Amber Wilson, parents of Deegan Wilson, had to say:

“It’s hard to put into words the growth of this team over the past few years. They started at the bottom and worked their way to the top. Amber and I are bursting with pride over these boys. My favorite thing is hearing the bigger-city teams ask, ‘Where are you all from?’”

The Kentucky Rush U11 Boys just secured their division title, going undefeated in KPL league play. Meanwhile, the U12 Boys will take the field tomorrow night at Southwestern High School against the #1 team in Kentucky—the newly crowned 2025 State Champions, LSC 2013 Performance Green.

The journey hasn’t been easy. These players have faced their share of challenges—travel, injuries, tough losses, and steep learning curves. But week after week, season after season, they’ve responded with resilience. 

The road ahead holds even greater challenges—but also bigger opportunities. These young athletes are not only holding their own in the state’s top tier; they’re paving the way for the next wave of players coming up from Somerset, London, and Corbin.

To every young player watching from the sidelines: Your journey can start just like theirs did—at Somersport, with a ball at your feet and a dream in your heart.

This season’s roster includes:

Andreus Roberts, Andrew Estes, Caius Steely, Carson Herren, Deacon Simpson, Deegan Wilson, Edwin Morales, Gentry Washum, Judah Fenison, Keller Morales, Liam Vanhook, Max Knight, Samson Yao, Santiago Brum, Wilson Gehring, Alex Fuentes, Cason Yao, Chase Lehker, Cohen Fenison, Ivan Perez, Jayden Smith, Jordi Morales, Tripp Phelps