CASTLE ROCK

CASTLE ROCK
Castle Rock | Castle Pines | Douglas County | Elizabeth | Franktown | Highlands Ranch | Larkspur | Lone Tree | Monument | Parker
SOUTH
Centennial | Cherry Hills | Denver | Englewood | South Aurora | Greenwood Village | Highlands Ranch | Littleton | Lone Tree | Parker
CENTRAL
Denver | Aurora | Commerce City | Glendale | Green Valley | Lakewood | Northfield | Stapleton | Wheat Ridge
NORTH
Thornton | Westminster | Northglenn | Broomfield | Brighton | Arvada | Longmont | Louisville
FORT COLLINS
Fort Collins | Windsor | Greeley | Loveland | Timnath | Severance | Wellington | Laporte | Johnstown | Berthoud | Cheyenne | Laramie
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. CRYSC is Colorado’s premier youth soccer experience and the only club in Colorado to offer opportunities from three-years-old to professional, from beginner to Major League Soccer with year-round youth soccer programs of all levels serving 10,000 children across the Front Range seasonally.
CRYSC provides top-quality leagues, camps, and tournaments that serve beginner- to elite-players locally, regionally, and nationally. As a Top 100 Youth Soccer Club in the U.S. and a consistent winner of Colorado’s Top Youth Soccer Club by Colorado Parent Magazine, CRYSC values holistic child development as ‘The Heart Behind the Crest’ and cultivating remarkable coaches. The club prides itself on supporting players and coaches through a number of other programs such as the nation’s largest college placement program, an integrated relationship with UCHealth Sports Medicine, an online digital education platform that serves players, coaches, and parents, and a fully integrated sports psychology program.
With satellite leagues, camps, and tournaments across Colorado, we are confident we can provide your child a fun and enriching home to play soccer.
🚨💖🚨 CALLING ALL CRYSC TEAMS: #WearItPink out on the fields starting next Friday, October 18th, & throughout the weekend in support of #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth! Send in pics of your team to [email protected] to feature on our social pages!
#OneClubOneCommunity @uchealth
WE ❤️ SOCCER START!!
Rapids 3U-5U players across the Front Range are making friends, having fun, & learning to love the beautiful game this fall! The journey starts with Soccer Start! 👧⚽️🧒
#CRYSCSoccerStart #OneClubOneCommunity
🍂🎥⚽️ Sights, sounds, celebrations, & fun from the 2024 #CRYSCFallFootieFest!! THANK YOU to the coaches, families, & rec players who joined us for an amazing day on the fields & in the classroom!
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCTournaments
🍂📸⚽️ Check out all of the fun in the sun & tournament action from this weekend’s first-ever #CRYSCFallFootieFest (formerly Big Wave Jamboree) featuring rec soccer & coaches education at DSGP!! 👉 cry.sc/FFF-24
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCTournaments #YouthSoccerTournament #ColoradoYouthSoccer
💪⚽️🥅 #CRYSCECNL10 putting in the work on the counter-attack at Weidner Field against Switchbacks FC 2 last weekend! Two superb goals for our @mountainpl_ squad!👏
#OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsSuccess #CRYSCElite
⭐️🏅⭐️ CONGRATS to Sergiu Farca on winning our September 2024 @uchealth Player of the Month Award! Read more about Sergiu 👉 cry.sc/Sep24-POTM
Are you the next @uchealth PotM? Nominate yourself, your player, or any athlete at CRYSC for a chance to be selected for next month’s award! 👉 cry.sc/PotM
#OneClubOneCommunity
👏💪⚽️ CONGRATS to our 5 Rapids #CRYSCElite girls players who were selected to participate in the @ussoccer Talent ID Center at Highland Heritage Regional Park on October 9!
#OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsSuccess
👏💪⚽️ CONGRATS to our 8 Rapids #CRYSCElite boys players who were selected to participate in the @ussoccer Talent ID Center at DSGP on October 2!
#OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsSuccess
In youth soccer, development is not about being perfect—it’s about being persistent. It’s about showing up, failing forward, and learning every step of the way. At CRYSC, we’re committed to developing players who embrace the journey, not just chase the result. And at the heart of that journey? A growth mindset.
In the dynamic world of youth soccer, the journey of development is rarely a straight line. Players experience highs and lows, successes and setbacks. It’s during these moments that the power of a growth mindset becomes truly evident. At CRYSC, we believe in holistic player development, and a growth mindset is a cornerstone of this philosophy, enabling players to thrive both on and off the field.
A growth mindset is the belief that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This contrasts with a fixed mindset, which assumes that our character, intelligence, and creative ability are static givens that we can’t change in any meaningful way. As part of our “Next Play” mentality, we emphasize that mistakes and setbacks are a natural part of development. We encourage players to acknowledge these moments, learn from them, and move forward without hesitation. This perspective aligns with the understanding that player development is not always linear, with ups and downs being a normal part of the process.
Our Key Qualities (KQs) provide a common structure to view and discuss player development. A growth mindset is intrinsically linked to each of these qualities, fostering their development and application:
Our club’s DNA emphasizes a Developmental Focus, prioritizing the comprehensive growth and well-being of players, encompassing technical, tactical, physical, mental resilience, and personal character development. A growth mindset is fundamental to achieving this holistic development. It fosters Competitive Resilience, helping players navigate setbacks and challenges with adaptability and perseverance. By believing in their ability to improve, players are better equipped to thrive in challenging environments and bounce back from mistakes.
Furthermore, our commitment to Innovation and Progression is supported by a growth mindset. Players who believe in their capacity to learn and adapt are more receptive to new coaching methods, tactical approaches, and evolving game demands. This aligns with the club’s emphasis on creating dynamic and flexible environments where players can have fun and develop.
As coaches and as a club, we play a vital role in fostering a growth mindset in our players. We strive to create player-centered environments where players feel safe to make mistakes and view them as learning opportunities. Our coaching methodology emphasizes an inquiry-based approach that guides players to discover solutions and take ownership of their learning. We aim to provide constructive feedback that focuses on effort and learning, rather than innate ability.
Our commitment to coach development, through initiatives like monthly coaching newsletters, regional workshops, and the learning management system (LMS), further supports the cultivation of a growth mindset in our players. By investing in our coaches’ growth and understanding of player development principles, we empower them to create environments that nurture this essential mindset in their teams. We encourage coaches to have their own Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and engage in self-regulated learning
We encourage all our players to embrace challenges, persevere through setbacks, and view each experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. Remember, your abilities are not fixed; they are cultivated through dedication, effort, and a belief in your potential. Coaches, continue to be environmental architects who prioritize creating supportive and challenging environments where a growth mindset can flourish.
Together, by embracing the power of a growth mindset, we can ensure that all our players at CRYSC not only develop into skilled soccer players but also grow as resilient, adaptable, and lifelong learners.
As a next step, we encourage you to reflect on how you can further cultivate a growth mindset in your own approach to the game. For players, consider a recent challenge you faced and how you can view it as a learning opportunity. For coaches, think about how your feedback and training design can further promote a growth mindset in your team. We can also review the “Key Qualities” in more detail and discuss specific activities that foster a growth mindset if you’d like.
You help shape player mindsets every day through:
Modeling a growth mindset yourself—through your IDP, professional learning, and coaching curiosity—shows players what lifelong growth really looks like.
You are not the player you were last week—and that’s a good thing. Embrace the hard days. Celebrate the tiny wins. Trust the process. And remember: improvement isn’t a straight line—it’s a spiral. You come back to similar moments, but each time with a bit more wisdom.
Take It Forward
This month, reflect on these questions:
Let’s continue to build a club culture that champions learning, effort, and resilience. Because when we develop growth-minded players, we’re not just building better athletes—we’re building better people.
The growth mindset journey doesn’t end at the sideline—it continues at home. Parents play a critical role in reinforcing how players see success, failure, and effort. Here are a few ways you can support a growth mindset:
Together, we can create a consistent message—from the pitch to the car ride home—that development matters more than results, and effort is always worth celebrating.
This month, reflect on these questions:
Let’s continue to build a club culture that champions learning, resilience, and belief in potential. Because when we nurture a growth mindset, we’re not just developing better soccer players—we’re developing confident, capable, and courageous young people.
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) serves approximately 10,000 players ages three through 19, beginner to elite, in year-round leagues, camps, and tournaments. As a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CRYSC has been named a top 15 youth soccer club in the U.S. by Soccerwire and the top youth soccer club in Colorado by Colorado Parent Magazine. CRYSC’s mission is to provide an environment where young soccer players from diverse backgrounds are guided and inspired to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.
Lotte is a central midfielder for our Rapids 09G South ECNL-RL team, known for her unwavering consistency and ability to lead by example, both on and off the field.
Her coaches and teammates consistently praise her for her leadership and dedication, and Lotte’s fierce competitive spirit drives her to always strive for improvement.
Since joining ECNL training in September, Lotte has shown exceptional growth. In February, she played in the ECNL-RL Florida Showcase with a combined 08/07/06 team, competing 2-3 years up. Her coaches were unanimous in their praise, highlighting her as the standout player on the field in every match.
In addition to her individual success, Lotte led her ECNL-RL team to 3 wins and 1 draw during RL play. She also serves as the captain of her 09G team, further demonstrating her leadership qualities.
Off the field, Lotte excels academically, ranking #1 in her sophomore class and consistently pursuing excellence in her studies. She is an active member of the National Honor Society, serves as the President of the Flag Football Club at Denver Christian, and is a student council representative. Additionally, Lotte regularly volunteers with MotherWise, a foundation dedicated to supporting women, children, and families during pregnancy and beyond.
This April, Lotte will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge her achievements. We met with Lotte to learn a bit more about her. Check out the full interview below!
I have loved soccer since I was 5. Although there have been ups and downs, it has always been my favorite thing to do. Once, when I injured my hip and was unable to play, I realized that there is almost nothing I would rather be doing that playing soccer. I always look forward to practices, where I can let go of the other things on my mind and just play. It really is a simple sport, and certainly one I have fallen in love with. I have enjoyed growing in my abilities to play and understand the game. However, soccer has also brought me so many other opportunities. I have made countless friends and learned many life skills. Soccer has taught me leadership skills, teamwork, social skills, and independence.
I believe was nominated for this award due to my work ethic, leadership, love for the game, and commitment to excellence.
I love how committed my coaches have been to my personal development,. I couldn’t have gotten to the point I am today with out so much help and support. My coach has been very helpful in advocating for my advancement and has always put my development first.
The first ECRL season, as captain of the team, we went undefeated and let in zero goals against to win the mountain region league play. That same season I was named on the U-15 all-regional league mountain team and I made all-state my freshman year of high school soccer.
I received gold scholar my freshman year of high school, meaning that I was first in the class.
I think my teammates would describe me as fun yet focused. I enjoy laughing and joking with them but we also challenge each other competitively. I thin that overall, they would describe me as a leader and a hard worker but also a kind and fun person to be around.
One time, my friend and I volunteered at a church in South Dakota where they was a very large homeless population. We painted their walls and picked up trash. Afterward, we visited a homeless camp and served food and got to talk to many of them, listening to their stories. One of the most interesting stories I heard was from a woman who was struggling with drug abuse. I talked to her for almost an hour, and at the end of it she thanked my for talking to her and listening. She hugged me, which was something I hadn’t expected. She told me that she hadn’t expected someone to care about her enough to stay with her and her story that long. I honestly don’t know why that was the specific story I remembered, but it stuck with me.
My favorite soccer player is Linsey Horan.
I hope to study education in college while playing college soccer.
One person who inspires me is my dad. He is one of the most hardworking people I have met, and he is very busy, yet he always tries to be there to take me to practices or to show up to my games. I love his outlook on life and the lessons that he has taught me. He works really hard to be a good leader and I admire the way he conducts himself in hard situations. He taught me to be a leader, to be confident, to work hard and also to be kind, to be gracious and to love others. He is my role model, someone who works for their goals and thinks critically about the world around him and his place in it.
I love to ski with my family. I also like to run and go for bike rides. Additionally, i love hanging out with my friends and baking.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
As a club, we need a process to help us create the best environments for player development. The process should be clear and should help the coach create a truly player-centered environment. At Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC), we’re committed to providing an exceptional soccer experience that fosters not only skill development but also a lifelong love for the game. Our approach to training is rooted in the belief that children learn best through engaging, game-like activities that emphasize enjoyment, participation, and personal growth. This philosophy is a cornerstone of our Technical Plan, “One Club, One Community,” which guides our coaches in creating player-centered environments across all regions and ability levels.
Our player development philosophy incorporates other key club beliefs. Striving to always keep the player at the center of everything we do, our player development philosophy will influence the methodologies that we use in terms of both coaching and training.
“Children learn and develop to their full potential through game-like experiences in an enjoyable environment that supports individual growth.”
We believe that sport can teach valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication, discipline, perseverance, accountability, and the ability to overcome adversity.
The core principle driving our Games-Based methodology is the understanding that children learn and develop most effectively through game-like experiences in a fun, supportive environment that fosters individual growth. This stems from the recognition that traditional methods involving lines, drills, and lectures often fail to capture children’s interest or address their fundamental needs. We strive to develop remarkable coaches who emphasize the importance of creating practice environments that resonate with what players genuinely want: enjoyment, connection with teammates, and engaging, enjoyable activities.
Sport is a powerful tool for social development, offering a platform for learning, entertainment, and connection that transcends boundaries and enriches lives.
The adoption of the games-based approach aligns with research on athlete development pathways, aiming to maximize player enjoyment, intrinsic motivation, and skill development. The primary purpose is to immerse players in activities and game-like situations that focus them on the training goal, promoting conscious learning through fun, active involvement, repetition, and appropriate challenges. Consider it “deliberate play and practice” that involve game-like decision making and (collective) problem-solving skills.
The coach is an environmental architect who facilitates learning by creating realistic problems and encouraging players to co-create solutions. They should:
By carefully balancing ‘deliberate play’, structured activities, and regular game opportunities, CRYSC aims to maximize player enjoyment and development. This holistic, player-centered approach ensures that each player’s unique needs are met, fostering a lifelong love for the game and promoting well-rounded development both on and off the field.
Our coaches are trained to design sessions that incorporate game-like scenarios, modified games, and activities that promote problem-solving and decision-making. The goal is to create fun, meaningful experiences that help players work towards their goals and then support the players’ reflection. Instead of traditional drills, players might participate in small-sided games that mimic real match situations, encouraging them to apply their skills in a dynamic and engaging way. Coaches will provide encouragement and support: Coaches should encourage players to take risks, try new things, and view mistakes as part of the learning process. Providing constructive feedback rather than harsh criticism helps create a nurturing environment.
Parents should become familiar with our games-based approach that encourages children to have fun, connect with teammates, and learn through engaging and enjoyable activites. Furthermore, we should strive to understand the evidence-based approach to coaching that has been proven to develop players by integrating research, coaching expertise, and the needs and values of the player. By actively engaging in these supportive behaviors lised below, parents can create a strong partnership with the coach, contributing to a positive and developmentally appropriate soccer experience for their child.
We encourage all club members to embrace our games-based approach and support our coaches in their efforts to create engaging and effective training sessions. Talk to your child’s coach about their training methods, attend club workshops or upcoming U.S. Soccer Coaching Courses, and share your feedback to help us continuously improve.
At CRYSC, we’re committed to providing a soccer experience that is both fun and developmental. By embracing a games-based approach, we empower our players to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) serves approximately 10,000 players ages three through 19, beginner to elite, in year-round leagues, camps, and tournaments. As a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CRYSC has been named a top 15 youth soccer club in the U.S. by Soccerwire and the top youth soccer club in Colorado by Colorado Parent Magazine. CRYSC’s mission is to provide an environment where young soccer players from diverse backgrounds are guided and inspired to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.
Mateo is a defender for our Rapids 15B Rising Rapids Burgundy team. His coaches and teammates consistently praise his work ethic, coachability, and respect for others. They describe him as a humble and thoughtful player who assists his teammates and classmates when they need a hand.
Until this past season, Mateo played up a year and excelled with older teams, winning tournaments at his age level and with the 2014s. Most recently, Mateo helped his team win the Fall Skyline Cup at the Gold level. Mateo plays in indoor soccer leagues and with Rapids Futsal. In school, Mateo is very proud of how much he’s improved his reading skills, being awarded the ‘Cougar Kid of the Month for doing so. He is also an honor roll member. Outside of CRYSC, Mateo plays multiple sports and participates in many different school activities. In addition, Mateo is very close with his siblings, doing a variety of activities with them regularly.
Soccer has been a huge part of my life. It’s taught me so much more than just how to play the game. It has helped me learn how to work with a team, how to keep trying even when things get hard, and how to be a good sport, win or lose. It has also helped develop skills in other sports like basketball and football.
I think I was nominated because I always try to be a good player and a good teammate. I enjoy practicing and always do my best. In the games I try to help my team win, but I also try to be supportive and positive. I pay attention to my coaches and follow their instructions to help me get better. I also have worked really hard in school to make sure I put up good grades and get better every year.
I love playing with my friends. The club offers so much with practice, games, camps or events like attending the professional Rapids soccer games. It’s awesome to be part of a team. I like that all of the coaches (outdoor, indoor, futsal) really care about us. They want us to do our best, and they help us when we’re struggling. It’s a really good club and the only club I have played for, I’m proud to be part of the Rapids.
The soccer accomplishment I’m most proud of is when I got to play on my older brother’s team and we won a tournament together. It was so cool! Not only was it fun to play with him, but celebrating the win together and bringing those medals home was amazing. We were so happy!
Also, getting nominated for this award is something I’m very proud of. When I read the email, I couldn’t stop smiling! It felt like all my hard work was being recognized, and that’s a really special feeling.
I’m really proud of how much I’ve improved my reading skills over the past year. All that hard work and extra practice paid off, because this school year, I was honored to receive the ‘Cougar Kid of the Month’ award. I was very happy to receive that award.
My teammates would likely describe me as a hard worker who’s also supportive and friendly. Someone that has good soccer skills and wants to get better. I always treat people with respect. Plus, I like to think that I am funny by sharing jokes.
One time, during a really important game, one of the players on the other team fell and looked like he was hurt pretty bad. I went over to check on him right away. I asked if he was okay and helped him sit up. Even though we were playing against each other, I knew he needed help. Also, whenever I can, I volunteer and like being part of my community. At school, my teachers always tell my parents that I’m thoughtful and caring. I try to be nice to everyone in my class.
Right now Real Madrid is my favorite team and Kylian Mbappé is my favorite player. I also like rooting for France because of him. I also like Cristiano Ronaldo.
I want to do well in school and work hard for a scholarship to be able to play soccer in college.
My biggest inspirations are my parents. They encourage me to be a better person and to give my best effort in everything I do. They provide me with a lot of support. I also look up to some of the world’s best soccer players, like Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé, and Pulisic. Watching them play motivates me to work harder but also have fun when playing.
Born in El Paso, Texas, Mateo moved to Denver, Colorado, with his family at the age of 4. As the middle child, he is sandwiched between his older brother Julian, 11, and younger sister Madelyn, 8, as he thrives from his bond with his siblings. They do everything together from spirited sports matches, doing homework together, competitive family game nights, playing video games or basement soccer battles. Beyond his playful nature, Mateo possesses a genuine kind heart, consistently demonstrating thoughtfulness and kind manners. He is also witty and loves sharing jokes that bring laughter with everyone that interacts with him.
Full name is Dylan Mateo Martinez but goes by Mateo.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
Noah is an attacker for our Rapids 08 and 09B NPL teams, where his coaches and teammates consistently praise his skill, intelligence, strength, and unwavering dedication. They describe him as a passionate, reliable player who always gives his best.
Noah is a deaf athlete with ambitions of becoming a key player and captain for both the US Deaf National Team and the Rochester Institute of Technology’s soccer team. In 2021, he made history as the youngest player to attend a US Deaf Men’s National Soccer Team training camp. In the 2022/23 season, he helped his team win the state cup and compete at regionals. At CRYSC, Noah continues to break barriers as a deaf player on an all-hearing team. This year, he earned the honor of being named his team’s captain—a milestone he’s incredibly proud of. Outside of CRYSC, Noah was a top-five finalist in the Deaf National Math Competition and is currently the Junior National Association of the Deaf President.
To be honest, I do not know life without soccer so it has influenced all parts of my life. It has allowed me to be in a different culture and group than Deaf culture and Deaf community. Soccer has taught me leadership skills and how to deal with the highs and lows of winning and losing. It has also taught me about overcoming adversity and challenges. Additionally, it has taught me how to use an ASL interpreter at a very young age when I just started soccer at 3 years old.
I feel I have been nominated because I continue to overcome a lot of challenges being a Deaf player on an all hearing team. This past year I became a leader for my team as a captain. Being a captain is something I am very proud of and will continue to do my best to inspire and lead my team. I continue to overcome the challenges of being a Deaf player who communicates differently than other hearing players on and off the field.
I am grateful how the Rapids as a club has supported me as a Deaf soccer player. I enjoy the community aspect of being a Rapids player and I enjoy the connection I have with present and past teammates. Also, I enjoy the coaches and directors that have connected with me and those that have supported me on my journey.
In 2021, I was the youngest player ever to attend a US Deaf Men’s National Soccer Training Camp and score a goal in a friendly. Also, I was on a Rapids team that won the state cup in 2022-23 and competed at Regionals. I am proud of the teams (both soccer and futsal) that I have been on and how I have contributed to them with my attitude, creativity, energy, effort, goals, and assists.
I was a top-five finalist in the Deaf National Math Competition. I am currently the Junior National Association of the Deaf President of Rocky Mountain Deaf School. I also have a current GPA of 4.0
My teammates have described me as a skillful, intelligent, and very strong player who is dedicated, passionate, and trustworthy. They say my skills extend off the field and they can tell soccer is a massive part of my life and I do a great job of balancing that and other parts of my everyday activities.
I play with a big heart and passion every time I step onto the pitch. Recently, I led my team in teaching a soccer camp to an out-of-state Deaf preschool. This was on an away tournament, and I led the team activity through my and the student’s native language of ASL. I taught my team simple soccer signs and the importance of connecting with the little kids by using soccer. It was a lot of fun for everyone, and I was proud of my team.
I am a huge Lionel Messi and Barcelona fan
My large goal in life is to become a captain and key player on the US Deaf Men’s National Soccer Team and Rochester Institute of Technology’s soccer team. I also have goal of playing professional soccer. Academically, I want to pursue computer science and becoming a technical engineer.
Mia White, my mentor and great friend, inspires me in my life. She is a Deaf player that plays for a professional soccer team and has been training me since I was little. She has overcome some of the same and even more challenges than I have and has taught me a lot about soccer and life. I look up to her a lot.
I enjoy video games, drawing, cooking, reading anime books, playing lot of other sports, and working out.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
Just like our players come to training to learn, we encourage our coaches to seek out learning opportunities that can improve the daily environments we create for the players we serve. A question coaches should ask themselves, “Do you have your development plan as a coach? Have you recently assessed your needs and sought support from your Director of Coaching (DOC)? Did you know that all CRYSC coaches should have their own Individual Development Plan (IDP) and seek a one-on-one meeting with their DOC?”. Our staff is here to help each and every coach that desires it! As our fall seasons wind down, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on the past season. Most importantly, we can use this time for self-development to update our self-regulated learning plans.
The three key steps in the self-regulated learning process include:
These three steps in the self-regulated learning plan are easy to understand and can be applied by coaches of all levels. Consider contacting your DOC and initiating the Coach IDP Process by completing the form here. Your next step would be to schedule a meeting to discuss the “Forethought” step and help set goals for the next season. The IDP is a crucial first step if one wants to include a formal course opportunity supported by the club, or it could be that you become more aware of the various coach development workshops hosted across the club.
Additionally, seeking out data from players and parents and using club tools like the Satori Net Promoter Score is a great way to gain both quantitative and qualitative feedback that can help create the next steps in your learning plan. Implementation could include asking your DOC to observe a training session and to meet afterward to reflect. At the end of each season, you once again review your learning plan, make changes and updates, and then look to implement again the next season.
Utilize the time off between seasons to rest, recover, and, most importantly, reflect. We all know coaches with many years of experience but we could say that they are not yet experts. Someone who can invest time and energy into their self-regulated learning process will create a detailed plan, get some experience in implementing it, and then reflect on those experiences to turn it into learning. In this way, we move from simply being experienced to gaining more expertise.
Soccer Camps
Rapids Youth Soccer offers a variety of camps to help players continue their growth and development year-round. Check out the full Camps page to see how your player can continue to play after their last game!
Personal Training
Rapids Youth Soccer has some of the best coaches in the country! Personal training is an excellent opportunity for players looking to get more individual attention and hone their skills. Check it out here.
Tournaments Home
Curious about what other programming takes place in CRYSC's recreational programming? Check out the Rec Home page for more information across different age groups.
College Placement
Check out more information regarding our College Placement Program, including upcoming events where your player can be seen by local and national college coaches of all levels.
Club News
Check out our blogs about sports medicine, sport psychology, Player of the Month, international trips, and so much more!
Rapids Tickets
All CRYSC members receive a discount to cheer on our MLS team out a DICK's Stadium!
Meet our Staff
Rapids Youth Soccer hires some of the nation's best youth soccer minds to prepare our kids for a long-term career in soccer.
Go To PlayMetrics
PlayMetrics is Rapids' registration system where parents can manage their player's registrations, schedules, and team messages.