In the rugged landscape of American women's football, a familiar English accent is directing operations. Nick Cushing, the former Manchester City coach who made his name in the WSL, now faces his most ambitious project yet: building the Denver Summits from absolute zero.
The Mountain Challenge
"When you start with nothing, every decision matters," Cushing reveals from his Colorado base. The 40-year-old coach traded the familiar turf of Manchester for the Rocky Mountains, tasked with constructing not just a team, but an entire football culture.
The scale of the challenge is monumental. From selecting the first player to establishing training protocols and defining the club's identity, Cushing and his staff are writing on a completely blank slate.
Manchester Roots Meet American Innovation
Cushing's philosophy carries distinct echoes of his Manchester City upbringing. "At City, we built something special through a clear identity and process," he explains. "Here, we're implementing those same principles but adapting to American sporting culture."
The Denver project represents a fascinating fusion of English football tradition and American expansion team dynamics. Cushing must navigate the NWSL's unique roster rules, salary cap, and draft system—concepts foreign to most European coaches.
Building More Than a Team
What sets this venture apart is the comprehensive nature of the build. "We're not just coaching players," Cushing emphasizes. "We're establishing everything from medical protocols to community engagement strategies."
The Summits' approach includes:
- Developing a distinct playing style from day one
- Creating a inclusive club culture that embraces Denver's diversity
- Building connections with local youth programmes
- Establishing high-performance standards in a new market
The Human Element of Expansion
Perhaps the most revealing aspect of Cushing's journey is the personal transformation. "Moving my family to Denver was a massive decision," he admits. "But the opportunity to build something lasting, to put down roots in a community hungry for women's football—that's special."
As the NWSL continues to expand, Cushing's experience in Colorado could become the blueprint for future expansion teams. His methodical approach, blending European tactical sophistication with American organisational structure, might just redefine how new franchises are built.
The mountains of Colorado are high, but for Nick Cushing and the Denver Summits, the ambition reaches even higher.
