Nick Cushing has been appointed as the first head coach of future National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Denver Summit.
The former Manchester City head coach has taken on the role at Denver, who will join the NWSL in 2026.
Cushing was Man City head coach from 2013 to 2017 and again as an interim for the final two months of the 2024-25 season, following the sacking of Gareth Taylor.
He previously coached in the NWSL for New York City FC between June 2022 and November 2024.
His appointment comes following the recent hiring of Curt Johnson as General Manager. Johnson joins after achieving success in behind-the-scenes roles at North Carolina Courage and Sporting Kansas City.
The Daily Mail reported that Cushing took over the role despite interest from Women’s Super League sides.
He also had interest from men’s English Football League sides and backroom staff positions in the Premier League.
Nick Cushing explains decision to take on role at Denver Summit
Nick Cushing said that Denver Summit’s “commitment to building a world-class” football team inspired him to take on the role.
In his first interview with the club’s website, he said: “We have a passionate, committed, fanbase, and we have to put a team on the field that replicates that.
“Our team will play an attacking form of the game that excites our stadium and makes things difficult for our opponents.
“We want to create a winning team as well as a great experience for all at Colorado.”
Cushing and GM Curt Johnson have plenty of time to build a competitive team ahead of the 2026 NWSL season.
The league is only just over mid-way through the 2025 NWSL season, with Kansas City Current leading the standings after 14 games.
Kansas are next in action against the Utah Royals on Friday night, and betting sites have made them 3/10 favourites to pick up all three points.
From Manchester to the Mile High City ⛰️
Welcome the first head coach of Denver Summit FC, Nick Cushing. pic.twitter.com/WVaIsmrDQU
— Denver Summit FC (@denversummitfc) August 6, 2025
Who is the first player to sign for Denver Summit?
ESPN have reported that Colorado native Ally Watt has been traded from Orlando Pride to NWSL expansion team Denver Summit.
Watt was immediately loaned back to Orlando for the rest of the 2025 season.
The forward played in Orlando’s first 13 games this season and has scored one goal and provided one assist.
GM Curt Johnson previously hinted that more players from the state of Colorado could join the new team.
He told ESPN in May: “One thing that makes us really unique is this talent pool of Colorado players, past players, it’s special.
“If you start going down the list, Colorado has been fertile ground for this sport for a long time, and we’re going to dig into that, and we’re going to hire people that have made their names as a result of their upbringing in soccer in Colorado. For sure, that’s going to be a part of our DNA.”
Where will Denver Summit play?
Denver Summit plans to build its own 14,500-seater stadium at Santa Fe Yards in Denver’s Baker neighbourhood by 2028.
The team will play at a temporary stadium at Pontomac Street and Fremont Avenue in Centennial that would be used for their first two seasons.
The temporary venue will have 12,000 seats before being downsized to a 4,000-seat venue for school sports.
