The Rush Athletics USA is a 501(3)c not-for-profit youth athletic organization for girls and boys ages 2 to 18 which participates in AAU and USATF sanctioned meets. No prior experience with running competitively is required to participate on the Illinois Rush team. Our Club is a year-round athletic club that has three seasons, track and field in the Winter (December-February) and Summer(April-August) and Cross-Country in the Fall (August-November). The Rush Athletics USA track and field program is designed to develop youth athletes in sprint, distance running, and field events by providing an experience that is fun, competitive, social, and informative about the sport. Rush Athletics USA is a Amatuer Athletic Union (AAU) and USA Track and Field (USATF) affiliated youth running club. USATF is the organization which ultimately trains and sponsors the US National and Olympic Track and Field Teams. The goals of RUSH youth track and field program are many. The main goal is to provide an opportunity for young athletes (ages 5-18) to be exposed to an organized running program and given an opportunity to train and compete with other athletes of similar ages and abilities in a supportive, fun environment. Our club operates under the supervision of AAU and USATF creditial coaches and under the training and competition guidelines of AAU and USATF. We, however, receive no external funding or support of any kind. We are entirely self-supporting and volunteer operated. Club Philosophy: First and foremost, we place the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of all other considerations. We are here to help the individual athlete enjoy running rather than simply promote the club. We want a fun and enjoyable experience for all our kids, no matter what level they achieve. We encourage athletes to set goals for themselves so they can experience success when they achieve those goals. We challenge them to be their best. yet let them participate at the level they choose. We don't push them beyond where they are ready to perform. When they want to work hard, we are ready to work with them. Whether your athlete is highly competitive with his or her sights on a national title or just out to stay in shape, we have a place for anyone who truly wants to run.