The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC today announced a new affiliation agreement with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer (MLS).

“This is an exciting time for soccer in the region and we believe that this affiliation will not only be beneficial from an on-field performance and player development perspective for both clubs, but will also create a platform that fosters the growth of the sport in the state of Colorado,” said Colorado Rapids Executive Vice President and General Manager Pádraig Smith.

Switchbacks FC Head Coach Steve Trittschuh, and the current technical staff, will retain their roles in the club. Additionally, Brian Crookham, Colorado Rapids Senior Director of Player Development, will serve as Team General Manager of Switchbacks FC as part of the affiliation.

"Professional soccer competition at both the USL Championship level and the Major League Soccer level is ever improving. We need new and efficient strategies to compete, communicate, and inspire. This affiliation lays a strong foundation to accomplish these goals and is ultimately a huge win for Colorado soccer," said Switchbacks FC President, Nick Ragain.

Per the affiliation, the Switchbacks’ roster will be made up of a combination of full-time players signed to Switchbacks FC contracts, four-to-five long-term Rapids loan players, plus additional players on short-term loans determined on a weekly basis. The Rapids reserve the option to recall players at any point during the loan.

Though both clubs will have an integrated playing philosophy, the organizations will remain under the control of separate ownership groups. This marks the first MLS affiliation for the Switchbacks FC.

The Rapids began play in MLS in 1996 as one of the ten charter clubs in the leagues inaugural season. Based at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, a world-class facility with an 18,000 seat soccer-specific stadium and a 24-field sports complex, the Rapids are a part of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, owned and governed by E. Stanley Kroenke.