Colorado Rush News Release - www.rushsoccer.com
Thursday, July 19, 2012
LITTLETON, Col. – Colorado Rush forward Lindsey Horan has signed a professional contract with Paris Saint-Germain. The unprecedented signing took place in Paris Thursday at the world renowned football power, Paris St-Germain. Recently turned 18, Horan, a 2011 W-League all-league forward, signed a six-figure agreement and will forego a four-year scholarship at the University of North Carolina. Horan is the youngest female American player to sign with a professional club in Europe.
Jérôme de Bontin, Chairman of Rush Soccer, helped Horan and her family during the transaction.
“First and foremost, congratulations to Lindsey," he said. "Her talent made it all possible but equally important was her commitment to joining one of the most prestigious and fastest growing soccer organizations in the world.”
de Bontin has been solely responsible for the introduction and the partnerships with AS Monaco, AJ Auxerre, the French Football Federation and now the signing with the young Rush prodigy.
“It is also to the credit of Tim Schulz, Founder and President of Rush Soccer, for allowing Rush Players, like Lindsey, to fulfill their potential within our clubs and then opening the right doors to the top professional leagues," de Bontin continued. "It is an important milestone both for the Horan family and the Rush Community.”
PSG finished fourth in the French League One and with their new coach, Farid Benstiti, are making a push to win the UEFA Champions League and, of course, first place in the league.
“I am happy with her decision," said Horan's mother, Linda. "The club [PSG] is going to pay a portion of her schooling and that is important to me. In addition, Lindsey, her father and I agreed to put additional money from her contract into future education. I am comfortable.”
Paris Saint-Germain was acquired a few years ago by a Qatari Investment Group (QSI) with the stated objectives of developing the football club as one of the top soccer organizations in Europe, both for professional men’s and women’s soccer.
“Amazing. I am elated for her," said Erik Bushey, Colorado Rush technical director. "This has been a dream of hers since I can remember. Her hard work has paid off and is worthy of this great honor. By her taking a path that is less traveled, she has opened a door for others to follow. She is a good role model for our younger Rush players with the same aspirations.”
Horan will report to preseason in Paris on July 31 and begin competition in September in the French League.