
About Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer
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.
The Individualization of Coaching the Player Within the Collective
The Individualization of Coaching the Player Within the Collective “Teams don’t learn. Individuals within the team learn. Development is a personal process, even when conducted in a team environment.” –…
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The Individualization of Coaching the Player Within the Collective
The Individualization of Coaching the Player Within the Collective “Teams don’t learn. Individuals within the team learn. Development is a personal process, even when conducted in a team environment.” –…
The Individualization of Coaching the Player Within the Collective

“Teams don’t learn. Individuals within the team learn. Development is a personal process, even when conducted in a team environment.” – Johan Cruyff
This September, Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Technical Director Donald Gillies was joined by Colorado Rapids Interim Head Coach Chris Little to lead a coaches education session and reaffirm the youth club’s commitment to its mission statement of Developing Remarkable Coaches. The topic Chris chose was “The Individualization of Coaching the Player within the Collective”.
“Coaching and planning for the needs of the individual within any specific theme often gets overlooked for the team principle or sub-principle. In discussing the content for the session, Chris described his approach to how he does this, and the value in sharing this with the club coaches was obvious. Sometimes, in searching for educational opportunities, it is the complex systems and themes that gain the most attention, when in reality, simple thoughts and processes executed based on the needs of key individual players can be most effective. Chris’ topic wasn’t simple, but breaking it down to share his methodology in the classroom, he was able to create really impactful pictures on the field,” noted Donald in an overview of the event.
In his presentation, Chris used the Johan Cruyff quote above to set the scene for the youth club coaches who had joined us at Regis University. The quote and the topic “The Individualization of Coaching the Player within the Collective” helped frame the education session, which was then delivered within the context of the practical topic ‘The Creation and Use of Space’.
In essence, Chris used the session to illustrate how we, as coaches, could and should consider the role of the player (singular) in the moment.
- What are the demands on the individual?
- What are the different situations that a player can receive the ball when looking to create and use space?
- What is it that the game is giving us?
- What is the success criteria?
- How is connected to the sub-principle, principle, team values, and identity?
Chris told attendees that “even the best coaches should know that the ability of the player to comprehend and consistently execute more than three elements during the session is very difficult. Choosing one, two, or three specific pieces of focus for the player, based on pre-determined planning, should be the objective, but ultimately, you must coach what the game gives you. If it demands that the coach pays attention to helping the player receive the ball with their back to goal, then that should be where the focus should be. That includes making sure that defenders are doing their job and behaving in the exact way they would in the game. If my session is on ‘creation and use of space’, then the defenders must be good at denying space! It must be game realistic.”
Chris would go on to talk about his methodology being applied to the right circumstances. For example, is the coach working with individual skills isolated for the player, or is a ‘line’ of the team (e.g. midfield), or is it the whole team unit?

Individual – Line – Unit
Whatever the case may be, the content must be based on the vision, style of play, principles, and curriculum the club determines is going to represent the team.
“In my time in North Carolina, 80% of our curriculum was based on the creation and use of space. I believe it is fundamental to how the game works and provides the players and team with the best opportunity to be successful.”
Chris’ insight is a reminder of the famous quote from Xavi:
“I spend the entire 90 minutes looking for space. I’m always between the opposition’s two holding midfielders, I’m thinking, ‘The defense is here, so I get the ball and go there, to where the space is.”
He described that the direction of the club should determine how the coach then works with the players, irrespective of whether it’s individually, within the collective, or both. Once that plan for developing the player is established, the focus can then be on what the environment is like.
Chris is currently working, and has been for a while now, with some of the most talented youth and senior professionals in the U.S.; however, he also shared that he has been in the Youth Club coach position as Director of Coaching at NC Fusion and is emphatic that the creation of the “high-performance environment” has a major impact on the success of the player at any level of play.
He works through a cycle of knowing that every session he delivers should include all or be a blend of these factors;
Inspire – Aspire
Fun (Competition based – Variety – Games based),
Engage – Challenge – Support – Provoke Questions
A place to make mistakes > Learn > Analyze
For a coach to consider all these elements in a single moment is indicative of someone who is another level of practitioner, someone who is at the point in his/her coaching career where these factors are second nature to see, feel, and hear during their session. All of us attending his session could see that Chris has gained that expertise throughout his career. His knowledge and application of that knowledge helped demonstrate his absolute control of an unpredictable environment.
However, the hard work of ensuring that the environment contains those components shouldn’t be reserved for those with experience but can be accounted for in the planning stage.
- Are the practices selected appropriate for ability and age?
- Are they engaging enough?
- If they aren’t, what changes could I prepare to constrain and challenge more?
- Am I comfortable with the players being uncomfortable?
Chris talked through his practical content and showed a video of the Rapids 1st team doing their activities before the session was taken to the field. He noted that while the execution may be at MLS level, the 2010 ECNL boys team who were about to be the on-field pieces for the session ‘should be able to execute 90% of what I’m going to give them, but they will be challenged’.
At one specific part of the session where he was talking them through a specific progression of the technical drill, the movement on and off the ball became complex. As he was working between two groups, when he walked away from his demo players, the activity quickly stalled with confusion. The visible murmuring of the coaches observing was evident and should a collective speech bubble have popped up from the sidelines it would have read “no way are they getting this!”.
As time progressed, the self-regulation of the players took over with leaders emerging, followers listening, and supporters encouraging, to a point where the practice very much resembled what Price, Wilson, Rubio, and others were doing at DSGP. Credit to the players for their perseverance, but certainly the point of the coach being ready to let them fail, to a degree, while still being in control of the environment was a standout moment.
The final element Chris described as a key ingredient in the process, and where the coach really must “go to work”, is in the application.
- The coach has the club’s vision, style of play, and curriculum.
- He/She knows the tenets of the environment they want to create.
- Now, they must apply the planning, content, and corrections to the players in the way it was designed.
The player’s response to the session should be a “real-time” process of…

Analyze – Learn – Practice – Perform
Chris’ role is to be involved in the promotion of that cycle for the player.
- What does the movement look like?
- Could it be more successful like this?
- Where could that 1st touch take you?
- It should look more dynamic than that.
- That’s important movement; don’t forget about it.
Chris’ theoretical content into the practical flowed with incredible ease, and the detail that the coaches observed was excellent, matched in its simplicity. The best part of an education session, aside from what the coaches are observing, should be the internal monologue or conversation with your fellow coach.
- How can that work for me?
- Is he considering position-specific profiles?
- What does he think success looks like?
- That’s too difficult for my players, but I could simplify it by doing this…
The feeling, as Chris wrapped up and we asked questions about his session, was that we could watch and listen to him for far longer than the facility would allow! The concept of coaching the “individual in the collective” is not something that we, as coaches, often fully focus on. A final takeaway was how we could be more deliberate in the planning process for what the demands are on the player and what success would look like supporting the “individual”, “line”, or “unit”.
As a club, we continue to work to provide clarity of the vision, philosophy, and methodology from our Player Development Plan (PDP) that supports your own success as Rapids Youth Club coach. Thank you to those who joined us this September, and we invite all coaches to review the recording of the session here!

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.
Rapids New Mini Pitch Complex
New State of the Art Mini Pitches at Gates South Posted by: Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club Introducing the largest mini-pitch complex in the nation at Gates South! We are…
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Rapids New Mini Pitch Complex
New State of the Art Mini Pitches at Gates South Posted by: Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club Introducing the largest mini-pitch complex in the nation at Gates South! We are…
Rapids New Mini Pitch Complex




Introducing the largest mini-pitch complex in the nation at Gates South!
We are thrilled to unveil four new mini-pitches available to our membership. It has been two years in the making, and we are eager to get our teams out there for training. This state-of-the-art addition is set to revolutionize our soccer practices, offering an ideal training ground for players of all skill levels. The excitement is palpable as coaches, players, and supporters envision the countless hours of productive practice sessions that will unfold on this high-quality field.
“Stepping onto the nation’s largest mini-pitch complex is an experience that transcends the ordinary. It’s not just a collection of pitches; it’s a testament to our commitment to fostering a new era of play, camaraderie, and shared passion. This complex is more than a destination; it’s the embodiment of our vision to inspire the next generation of athletes, uniting them in the joy of the beautiful game.” – Aaron Nagel, CRYSC Executive Director
“The unveiling of the mini-pitches at Gates Soccer Complex is a fantastic development! Their potential for events and training sessions will benefit our soccer community greatly, especially the South Region of CRYSC. Looking forward to a vibrant soccer community hub right in our midst and bringing everyone together for the beautiful game.” – Miguel Rodrigues, CRYSC South Technical Director
Not only will the mini-pitches provide us with additional practice opportunities, but it also opens up a world of possibilities for potential camps and events. The versatility of the mini-pitches allows us to host various soccer camps, bringing together players not only from the South Region but also from other regions to hone their skills in a conducive environment. The prospect of organizing engaging soccer camps that cater to enthusiasts of different skill levels is truly electrifying.
We can’t wait to see you out on the new mini-pitch fields this fall!




CRYSC International Opportunities 2024
CRYSC international tours are a great way for players to experience soccer through the lens of a different culture! From playing local competition, experiencing different environments, and seeing new sights, there’s so much to be gained from expanding one’s horizon and taking your game abroad!
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CRYSC International Opportunities 2024
CRYSC international tours are a great way for players to experience soccer through the lens of a different culture! From playing local competition, experiencing different environments, and seeing new sights, there’s so much to be gained from expanding one’s horizon and taking your game abroad!
CRYSC International Opportunities 2024


CRYSC international tours are a great way for players to experience soccer through the lens of a different culture! From playing local competitions, experiencing different environments, and seeing new sights, there’s so much to be gained from expanding one’s horizon and taking your game abroad. We encourage anyone looking for an unforgettable opportunity focused on travel and soccer to sign up for the perfect trip with CRYSC International!
The sign-up period is quickly coming to a close for our CRYSC competitive players to secure their spot on our 2024 International Trips. In the coming year, players, their teammates, and family members all have the opportunity to experience iconic European cities, age-old historic sites, and immerse themselves in a vibrant soccer culture by enrolling in the CRYSC International Program offered to their respective age groups. These trips will be soccer-centered, featuring friendlies, pro clinics, and professional match attendance, but also provide opportunities for personal development and growth as players are exposed to new perspectives and ways of life. Check out the overview of our upcoming trips and sign up below!
London & Manchester: The 2012 players and families who travel to England can expect opportunities to explore Manchester, Liverpool, and Royal London, attend a professional match in England with thousands of singing fans, take a tour of St. Georges Park (English FA’s national training center – pending availability), tour Manchester United’s Stadium, play three international friendly matches against local teams, participate in two club-run training sessions, and take part in one professional training clinic with a guest coach from a professional English club academy! Participants will also take a London City tour, visit the Tower of London, spend some free time in London, and enjoy an excursion to Liverpool.
Scotland: 2011 players and their families who visit Scotland will participate in a more individual and small group-centered experience, rather than the traditional format of playing friendlies with a full roster. This allows our players to work on their own individual skills under the guidance of top Scottish youth, academy, and professional coaches over the course of 5+ training sessions throughout the week. Travelers will also take in a professional Scottish league match, tour Glasgow Celtic Stadium, and take in the beautiful historic Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Barcelona & Madrid: Our 2010 players and families who travel to Spain will have the chance to explore beautiful Barcelona & Madrid, watch a professional game with thousands of dedicated fans, tour the stadium of Real Madrid, train as a group in local facilities, and participate in a clinic led by professional Spanish coaches. Some of the awesome inclusions of this trip include a guided Barcelona & Madrid city tour, a tour around the La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Las Ramblas, an excursion to the historic town of Zaragoza, and enjoy some free time on your own to explore these historic cities.
Costa Rica (SEPTEMBER 13 REGISTRATION DEADLINE!): The 2009 & 2008s can escape the Colorado winter in January 2024 and head to warm & sunny Costa Rica for a week of pre-season training, individual skill development, and off-the-field adventures! This trip will provide individual and small group training opportunities with Costa Rican academies/clubs, CRYSC staff-run sessions, tickets to a pro match, and an opportunity to participate in a service project to interact with local soccer players. In addition to the soccer content, we will explore Costa Rica’s rich natural landscape by taking in volcanos, river rafting, and a jungle cruise.
Germany & Netherlands: This trip will take our 2007-2005 boys and girls and families to two European countries, Germany and the Netherlands! Participants will have the chance to explore Dusseldorf & Amsterdam and the surrounding areas, Tour AFC Ajax Stadium, play three international friendly matches, participate in two Club-run training sessions, and have one professional training clinic with a guest coach from a professional Dutch academy! Travelers will also take an Amsterdam Bike tour, visit the Camp Vught National Memorial, take an excursion to Cologne, Germany, and have some free time to explore these incredible cities on their own.
Competitive players in the table below are being offered trips in 2024 – and if your age group isn’t included this year, please keep an eye out for information on how to join a trip in 2025!
Click on the provided link for your respective trip to access the sample itinerary, cost, and information on how to register. Curious about what happens on a CRYSC International Trip? Click here to read about our 2023 Trips to England, Spain, and Germany.
Competitive Age Group | Destination* | Travel Dates | Registration Deadline |
2012 (12U) BOYS | London & Manchester | March 8-16, 2024 | November 8, 2023 |
2012 (12U) GIRLS | London & Manchester | March 15-23, 2024 | November 15, 2023 |
2011 (13U) BOYS & GIRLS | Edinburgh, Scotland | July 26 – August 3, 2024 | March 27, 2024 |
2010 (14U) BOYS | Barcelona & Madrid | March 8-16, 2024 | November 8, 2023 |
2010 (14U) GIRLS | Barcelona & Madrid | March 15-23, 2024 | November 15, 2023 |
2009-2008 (15U-16U) BOYS & GIRLS | Costa Rica | January 12-19, 2024 | September 13, 2023 |
2007-05 (17U-19U) BOYS & GIRLS | Dusselldorf & Amsterdam | June 6-14, 2024 | February 6, 2024 |
If you have any questions about the trips or would like more information, please reach out to CRYSC Director of Club and International Partnerships, Jeff Oleck, at [email protected] or 303.834.7328