COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Wednesday, April 2, 2013) – The Colorado Rapids announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to terms with the Black Hills Soccer Club to form the Black Hills Rapids, adding the organization to the Rapids adidas Alliance. The Rapid City, S.D. based club has a membership of more than 2000 boys and girls of all ages and abilities.

“This is an exciting partnership for both the Colorado Rapids and the Black Hills Soccer Club, and will help grow the interest, participation, skill and enjoyment of soccer in South Dakota,” said Brian Crookham, the Rapids’ Senior Director of Youth Development. “The staff of the Black Hills Rapids is committed and knowledgeable, with a great organization and structure already in place. We will look to bring additional coaching resources and other benefits to the club, and we’re eager to move forward.”

We’re honored to join with the Black Hills Rapids, and can’t wait to get started working with them,” said Rapids President Tim Hinchey. “Our shared philosophy and geographic proximity will provide countless opportunities for us to grow the game together.”

“This is a very exciting development for soccer in our region that will allow us to take our players to the next level with the professional expertise of the Colorado Rapids,” said Wes Storm, President of the Black Hills Rapids. “With the expanded opportunities for development and fun, it will be a real win for our youth.”

The Black Hills Rapids will join the Rio Rapids in Albuquerque, N.M., the Carolina Rapids in the Charlotte area, and the Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club as clubs within the Rapids adidas Alliance. The Black Hills Rapids will work with the Rapids Academy staff to provide common coaching and parent education, and will receive administrative support from Rapids Academy staff that will be on site several times throughout the year.

The partnership was made official by Crookham and the Black Hills Soccer Club Board of Directors on Wednesday at the Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City, with community officials, including Rapid City mayor Sam Kooiker, joining local soccer officials, coaches, players, volunteers and fans at the announcement.

“Soccer is an exciting and growing sport in many communities throughout our state,” said South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard, who was unable to attend the announcement. “The partnership between the newly-formed Black Hills Soccer Club and the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer is the first of its kind in South Dakota and should greatly expand opportunities for youth of all ages in the Rapid City area.”

The clubs will also work together on future business initiatives and provide players with unique experiences on both the team and individual level. For more information, click here or visit www.blackhillsrapids.com.

About the Colorado Rapids

Established on October 17, 1995, the Colorado Rapids have achieved success both on and off the field, including the team’s first MLS Cup championship in 2010. A leader in the community, the Rapids participate in many initiatives and causes, raising tens of thousands of dollars annually for Kroenke Sports Charities. The extensive Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club also provides opportunities for children to develop as players and people in a challenging, supportive, and safe environment. Based at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, the Rapids are a part of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, owned and governed by E. Stanley Kroenke. More information on the team is available at www.ColoradoRapids.com.