COLO Springs, CO – The Colorado Springs Switchbacks announced today they had signed two players to USL academy contracts, pending league and federation approval. The contracts would allow the players an opportunity to train and compete at the senior professional level without affecting their eligibility to play college soccer.
The two players, Marco Rios (17) and Rylan Smith (18), are members of Real Colorado, a youth program in Colorado made up of over 450 soccer teams across Colorado that play recreationally as well as competitively. Natives of Colorado, they’ve been working towards these positions since before the start of the new year.
“We’re excited to have Marco and Rylan signed from local youth club Real Colorado for the 2023 season,” said Head Coach and GM Stephen Hogan. “The Switchbacks are focused on helping youth players continue on their developmental pathway to the professional ranks.”
The players will join the team for regular practices as well as be eligible for selection in the eighteen for any matches the team plays during the season, including the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup. We are excited about what this means for the development of the club and its academy programs, and look froward to seeing these two young athletes flourish in their new positions.
