At Rapids Youth Soccer Club, we strive to meet young players’ needs at their appropriate stages of social, mental, physical, and technical development. Kids deserve a fun atmosphere, positive socialization, and the opportunity to learn & try new things. We also recognize that some children – even at a young age – have self-identified soccer as their passion beyond a pastime. These players are clearly self-motivated, love the game, and always seem to want more soccer!

Players who fit this profile often outgrow their normal soccer environment quickly and benefit from further challenges. The purpose of the Rising Rapids and Select Program is to provide a growth opportunity for intrinsically motivated players with the aptitude to regularly be around other like-minded peers.

Participation in the Rising Rapids & Select Programs is by invitation only.  Rapids staff will select players based upon staff observations throughout the year during training, games, kick-arounds, Rapids Development Centers, and parent coach evaluations with final approval from the Age-Group Directors of Coaching.

8U Rising Rapids9U-10U Select
Player AttributesChild is genuinely excited for soccer practice and games. They show a personal desire to improve their individual skills.Child has a passion for soccer and practices at home without being prompted. Thrives in a structured/disciplined environment.
SeasonSeparate Fall & Spring seasons that are 8-9 weeks long.8-10 month commitment (Fall & Spring)
CoachingProfessional, licensed staff coachProfessional, licensed staff coach
League PlayRecreational in-house league on Saturdays in the Denver Metro Area and some teams participate in CSA's Front Range League with travel games.Weekend games across the Front Range with 2-4 local tournaments
Playing Format5v5 & 7v77v7
Goalkeeper TrainingIntroductory opportunitiesIncluded 1x/week
Team Size8-10 players10-12 players

RISE (Rapids Integrated System of Excellence) is a one-of-a-kind youth soccer development platform that houses our club’s curriculum. RISE provides an online space where coaches can explore content, develop an understanding for the clubs coaching ‘language’ and create their own sessions. As the club continues to update and add new drills and practices, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for coaches, offer a more rewarding CRYSC experience for members, and ultimately enhance the level and consistency of soccer being played across the Club.

The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW) philosophy is a learning model used by the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club to train age-appropriate curriculum aimed at the long-term development of a soccer player. The WPW philosophy was first outlined by Malcolm Knowles in 1973 and is used in many learning situations, both practical and theory based. When added to a well-planned and well-thought out pedagogy, the WPW philosophy will put players in realistic situations, that should always includes decision-making elements.

When coaching soccer, this can be used in a variety of ways to break down a technique, skill, or tactic. Most commonly the players are taken from a practice with high game context to a low one, before returning back to the original practice. When possible it is best to practice the game, or elements of the game, in their entirety. An example of this could occur in a topic such as ‘Defending in the Direct Game Channel’. What do you do if the individuals or units in your squad don’t understand how to defend 1v1 or 2v2? You break it down.

‘Whole’ doesn’t necessarily mean a game. Actually in this theory, a ‘whole’ practice could be a series of complex skills that can be broken down into more discrete skills. The ‘whole’ element should be as realistic to the game as possible, then the coach looks to pull actions or components of the game and break them down into chunks so the players can understand and digest the information. The coach will then pull those elements back together into the game situation.

References: Swanson, R.A. & Law, B. (1993). Whole-part-whole learning model. Performance Improvement Quarterly. 6(1), pp 43-53.

@coachdanwright. Coachdanwright.blogspot.co.uk

  • Registration Opens – May 1
  • Invites Sent to Players – June & July
  • Training Starts – Mid-August

Fall Schedule:

8U Rising Rapids teams will have their game schedules uploaded in their calendars two weeks prior to the first game. 9U-10U Select teams participate in the Front Range League with CSA – those schedules are shared as soon as the state releases them each season.

  • Registration Opens – November 1
  • Invites Sent to Players – December & January
  • Training Starts – Mid-February

Spring Schedule:

8U Rising Rapids teams will have their game schedules uploaded in their calendars two weeks prior to the first game. 9U-10U Select teams participate in the Front Range League with CSA – those schedules are shared as soon as the state releases them each season.

Josh  Beaty8U-10U Director of Coaching - South[email protected]719.357.9319
Shelly  MansurCompetitive Administrator - Castle Rock[email protected]719.362.0321

Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Recreational and Competitive league programs. Check out our Scholarships page to learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid. There, you can view specific recreational scholarship information and deadlines under the ‘Recreational Application Process’ tab.

It is critical to apply by the deadlines listed on the scholarship page for players to be fully considered for a financial aid package. 

Please note that the Rising Rapids and 9U/10U Select program is by invitation only and filling out an ITP does not guarantee a spot in the program.

Kickarounds will be May 23-25th at Bison Park:

  • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm, 2016 Birthyear
  • 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, 2015 Birthyear
  • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm, 2014 Birthyear

Any and all players that plan on participating in Castle Rock’s 8U Rising Rapids or 9U-10U Select must fill out an Intent to Play registration form. This confirms their interest in playing with CRYSC Castle Rock for Fall 2023 / Spring 2024. Additionally, this ensures that they will receive information regarding 8U Rising Rapids or 9U/10U select player placement process.

The Intent to Play registration is FREE and open to any players that fall within the age range to complete, even if they don’t play in the Rising Rapids or Select program.

Overview

At Rapids Youth Soccer Club, we strive to meet young players’ needs at their appropriate stages of social, mental, physical, and technical development. Kids deserve a fun atmosphere, positive socialization, and the opportunity to learn & try new things. We also recognize that some children – even at a young age – have self-identified soccer as their passion beyond a pastime. These players are clearly self-motivated, love the game, and always seem to want more soccer!

Players who fit this profile often outgrow their normal soccer environment quickly and benefit from further challenges. The purpose of the Rising Rapids and Select Program is to provide a growth opportunity for intrinsically motivated players with the aptitude to regularly be around other like-minded peers.

Participation in the Rising Rapids & Select Programs is by invitation only.  Rapids staff will select players based upon staff observations throughout the year during training, games, kick-arounds, Rapids Development Centers, and parent coach evaluations with final approval from the Age-Group Directors of Coaching.

8U Rising Rapids9U-10U Select
Player AttributesChild is genuinely excited for soccer practice and games. They show a personal desire to improve their individual skills.Child has a passion for soccer and practices at home without being prompted. Thrives in a structured/disciplined environment.
SeasonSeparate Fall & Spring seasons that are 8-9 weeks long.8-10 month commitment (Fall & Spring)
CoachingProfessional, licensed staff coachProfessional, licensed staff coach
League PlayRecreational in-house league on Saturdays in the Denver Metro Area and some teams participate in CSA's Front Range League with travel games.Weekend games across the Front Range with 2-4 local tournaments
Playing Format5v5 & 7v77v7
Goalkeeper TrainingIntroductory opportunitiesIncluded 1x/week
Team Size8-10 players10-12 players
Curriculum

RISE (Rapids Integrated System of Excellence) is a one-of-a-kind youth soccer development platform that houses our club’s curriculum. RISE provides an online space where coaches can explore content, develop an understanding for the clubs coaching ‘language’ and create their own sessions. As the club continues to update and add new drills and practices, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for coaches, offer a more rewarding CRYSC experience for members, and ultimately enhance the level and consistency of soccer being played across the Club.

Philosophy

The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW) philosophy is a learning model used by the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club to train age-appropriate curriculum aimed at the long-term development of a soccer player. The WPW philosophy was first outlined by Malcolm Knowles in 1973 and is used in many learning situations, both practical and theory based. When added to a well-planned and well-thought out pedagogy, the WPW philosophy will put players in realistic situations, that should always includes decision-making elements.

When coaching soccer, this can be used in a variety of ways to break down a technique, skill, or tactic. Most commonly the players are taken from a practice with high game context to a low one, before returning back to the original practice. When possible it is best to practice the game, or elements of the game, in their entirety. An example of this could occur in a topic such as ‘Defending in the Direct Game Channel’. What do you do if the individuals or units in your squad don’t understand how to defend 1v1 or 2v2? You break it down.

‘Whole’ doesn’t necessarily mean a game. Actually in this theory, a ‘whole’ practice could be a series of complex skills that can be broken down into more discrete skills. The ‘whole’ element should be as realistic to the game as possible, then the coach looks to pull actions or components of the game and break them down into chunks so the players can understand and digest the information. The coach will then pull those elements back together into the game situation.

References: Swanson, R.A. & Law, B. (1993). Whole-part-whole learning model. Performance Improvement Quarterly. 6(1), pp 43-53.

@coachdanwright. Coachdanwright.blogspot.co.uk

Fall Dates
  • Registration Opens – May 1
  • Invites Sent to Players – June & July
  • Training Starts – Mid-August

Fall Schedule:

8U Rising Rapids teams will have their game schedules uploaded in their calendars two weeks prior to the first game. 9U-10U Select teams participate in the Front Range League with CSA – those schedules are shared as soon as the state releases them each season.

Spring Dates
  • Registration Opens – November 1
  • Invites Sent to Players – December & January
  • Training Starts – Mid-February

Spring Schedule:

8U Rising Rapids teams will have their game schedules uploaded in their calendars two weeks prior to the first game. 9U-10U Select teams participate in the Front Range League with CSA – those schedules are shared as soon as the state releases them each season.

Contact
Josh  Beaty8U-10U Director of Coaching - South[email protected]719.357.9319
Shelly  MansurCompetitive Administrator - Castle Rock[email protected]719.362.0321
Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Recreational and Competitive league programs. Check out our Scholarships page to learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid. There, you can view specific recreational scholarship information and deadlines under the ‘Recreational Application Process’ tab.

It is critical to apply by the deadlines listed on the scholarship page for players to be fully considered for a financial aid package. 

Kick-Arounds

Please note that the Rising Rapids and 9U/10U Select program is by invitation only and filling out an ITP does not guarantee a spot in the program.

Kickarounds will be May 23-25th at Bison Park:

  • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm, 2016 Birthyear
  • 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, 2015 Birthyear
  • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm, 2014 Birthyear

Any and all players that plan on participating in Castle Rock’s 8U Rising Rapids or 9U-10U Select must fill out an Intent to Play registration form. This confirms their interest in playing with CRYSC Castle Rock for Fall 2023 / Spring 2024. Additionally, this ensures that they will receive information regarding 8U Rising Rapids or 9U/10U select player placement process.

The Intent to Play registration is FREE and open to any players that fall within the age range to complete, even if they don’t play in the Rising Rapids or Select program.

Castle Rock 8U Rising Rapids – Invite Only

Age Groups: 8U
Levels: Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall, Winter
$425Per Season
  • 8-9 Week Season
  • 7-8 Games
  • Proven Curriculum
  • Rapids Staff Coach
  • Uniform Separate
  • Locations across Denver/Aurora

Castle Rock 9U-10U Select – Invite Only

Age Groups: 9U, 10U
Levels: Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall, Winter
$1355Per Year
  • Practice 3x per Week
  • Assigned Practice Locations
  • Rapids Staff Coach
  • Uniform Separate
  • Teams Formed by Invitations

2023/2024 Intent to Play Registration

Uniforms

Rapids Youth Soccer partners with Soccer.com for all uniform needs. All CRYSC recreational players are required to purchase the uniform kit (white top, burgundy top, black shorts, and black socks) before the first game. We recommend ordering at least three weeks prior to their first game to ensure they have it in time for game day. Players are required to wear the official CRYSC jersey combo for games. This uniform kit is usable throughout all recreational programs.

It is important to note that uniforms are NOT included in registration costs. Additionally, uniforms are unavailable to purchase on-site at any CRYSC office – they must be purchased online via Soccer.com.

**Select Players are required to purchase a training top with their kit**

Rapids Youth Soccer=

Parent Volunteer Roles

Team managers are a very important piece to the success of any youth soccer team. In order to take some of the responsibilities off of the coach’s plate, teams are requested to have a team manager volunteer to organize the team for the season.

Team Manager Responsibilities

  • Working with the coach to communicate with the team about sessions and games.
  • Setting up a snack rotation for the season.
  • Setting up pictures with the club’s photographer on picture day.
  • Setting up an end-of-season party for the team.

Club Support for Team Managers

  • One-on-one support if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Educational opportunities at meetings and in person about next steps for the team.
  • An administrative staff to provide any support you need.

Team Treasurers are a very important piece to the success of any youth soccer team. All teams are required to have a Team Treasurer to coordinate team funds for tournaments and travel.

Team Treasurer Responsibilities

  • Working with the coach to communicate team tournaments and associated fees.
  • Setting a team budget.
  • Coordinating team travel or other team events that require funds.

Club Support for Team Treasurer

  • One-on-one support if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Educational opportunities at meetings and in person about next steps for the team.
  • An administrative staff to provide any support you need.
Team Manager

Team managers are a very important piece to the success of any youth soccer team. In order to take some of the responsibilities off of the coach’s plate, teams are requested to have a team manager volunteer to organize the team for the season.

Team Manager Responsibilities

  • Working with the coach to communicate with the team about sessions and games.
  • Setting up a snack rotation for the season.
  • Setting up pictures with the club’s photographer on picture day.
  • Setting up an end-of-season party for the team.

Club Support for Team Managers

  • One-on-one support if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Educational opportunities at meetings and in person about next steps for the team.
  • An administrative staff to provide any support you need.
Team Treasurer

Team Treasurers are a very important piece to the success of any youth soccer team. All teams are required to have a Team Treasurer to coordinate team funds for tournaments and travel.

Team Treasurer Responsibilities

  • Working with the coach to communicate team tournaments and associated fees.
  • Setting a team budget.
  • Coordinating team travel or other team events that require funds.

Club Support for Team Treasurer

  • One-on-one support if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Educational opportunities at meetings and in person about next steps for the team.
  • An administrative staff to provide any support you need.

Understanding Your Time in the 9U-10U Leagues

The 9U-10U leagues provides opportunities for beginner to advanced players. As players prepare for their future soccer playing experience, It’s important for parents and players to understand what is available to their child during their time in the 9U-10U programs including any supplemental programs and what to expect as players move into the U11 league.

Volunteers

Parent-volunteer notes are collected throughout the season.

Staff

Staff-coach forms are submitted at the end of all staff-led programs.

Field Coordinators

Forms are submitted weekly to the program DOC.

Kick-Arounds

Kick-rounds are held during the spring.

Tournaments

Recreational teams often participate in tournaments where staff can observe them.

Tryouts

Tryouts are held in late May, early June every year.

Preparing for Tryouts

The entire player placement process from 10U to 11U takes place during a player’s 10U year. Tryouts are the final step in a year-long evaluation process.

It truly takes a village to create a great soccer program and to provide proper placement for the appropriate development of every player. Below you will find how a player is evaluated throughout their 10U year with Rapids Youth Soccer.

  • Parent-Volunteers | Parent-volunteer forms are collected mid-season and at the end of each season.
  • Staff-Coaches | Staff-coach forms are submitted at the end of all staff-led programs.
  • Kick-Arounds | Kick-rounds are held during the Spring Season.
  • In-House Events | Seasonal in-house events are used to evaluate, such as the community cup, festivals, and Soccerfest.
  • Tryouts | Tryouts are held in late May, early June every year and are the final piece to the Player Placement process.

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer in Action

⭐️🏅⭐️ CONGRATS to Izzie Harrison on winning our January 2024 @uchealth Player of the Month Award! Read more about Izzie 👉 cry.sc/Jan24-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 #CRYSCPotM
📰‼️📰 The CRYSC January Newsletter is OUT NOW, featuring 2024 spring rec, summer soccer camps, new additions to the CRYSC technical staff, 2024 spring tournaments series, CSA Coach of the Year winners & more! Check it out 👉 cry.sc/January-24

#OneClubOneCommunity
📚⚽️📚 Last week, CRYSC technical & admin staff from across our regions came together for our annual State of the Club meeting at @regisuniversity!! We’re pumped for the spring season & look forward to offering our membership the best youth soccer experience in Colorado throughout 2024!  #OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsEducate
‼️⚽️‼️ We’re excited to introduce Joe McNab as our new Castle Rock Regional Technical Director!! Joe joins CRYSC with years of experience as a player, technical director, & coach developer! 

#OneClubOneCommunity
‼️👉 cry.sc/zac-crawford 👈‼️  We’re excited to introduce Zac Crawford as our new Chief Technical Director!! Joining CRYSC from @ussoccer, Zac brings a wealth of experience at the grassroots & national levels to our club & the state of Colorado! Read more about his journey to CRYSC through the link ⬆️

#OneClubOneCommunity
🪄⚽️🪄 DISNEY MAGIC! CONGRATS to our Rapids North 09G ECNL-RL team for winning the Disney Girls Soccer Showcase 2-0 against Real Colorado Olympico ECNL-RL in Florida!  #OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsSuccess #CRYSCElite

Helpful Links: What’s Next For Your Player

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11U COMPETITIVE

After our 9U-10U leagues, players are eligible to tryout for our 11U Competitive Programs. Get more information on CRYSC Competitive teams here.

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SOCCER CAMPS

Rapids Youth Soccer offers a variety of camps to help players continue their development year-round. Check out the full Camps page to see how your player can continue to play after their last game!

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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.

Participation in the Select Program is by invitation only.  Rapids staff will select players based upon staff observations throughout the year during training, games, kick-arounds, Premier Training, parent coach evaluations and Soccerfest with final approval from the Age-Group Directors of Coaching.

Soccer has two seasons, one in the fall and one in the spring. The beginning of the soccer year is in the fall with the remainder of the year taking place in the spring. Most recreational registrations are season-by-season, with some recreational and competitive leagues a full-year registration. During the summer and winter off-season we offer a variety of camps for players to continue to improve upon their skills.

Yes, uniforms are required for players to play. Members can click here to be brought to the CRYSC uniforms page. This page details the ordering process for each program with specific program links to order uniforms.

Select players are required to purchase a training top as well.

  • Required: Players are required to wear shin guards and soccer cleats. Only Soccer Start players can opt for athletic shoes instead of cleats.
  • Recommended: Players should bring their own water and wear appropriate athletic clothing to practices. Players should have their own soccer balls which should also be brought to each practice (see below).
    • Soccer Start through 8U need a size 3 ball
    • 9U – 12U need a size 4 ball
    • 13U – 18U need a size 5 ball

Definitely! We will do our best to place your child according to your request. However, we cannot guarantee special placement. The best way to ensure your child plays on the team or with the teammate you want is to register early.

  • We work hard to ensure that all children that wish to play soccer are given an opportunity to play regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
  • Each year, the club provides need-based grants to players that would not be able to play without financial assistance. Annual grants range in amount depending on available resources, and range from 10% of registration fees to 50% of registration fees. Grant amounts are awarded based on demonstrated financial need.
  • Any player interested in obtaining financial assistance must complete a financial aid application. Click here for more information.
  • Application fees are 10% of the recreational fees for rec players and the first deposit for competitive players
  • Families that wish to ensure that all children are able to participate in Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club programming may make tax-deductible contributions to our grant program by contacting Eric Fehr ([email protected]).