CRYSC 9U/10U programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the Soccer Start and 6U-8U programs and builds on the Colorado Rapids curriculum. Program offerings cover the spectrum of player pathways, from beginner to pre-competitive leagues that offer the highest level of competition in the State.

Training and games are held at convenient, centralized, community locations in the Castle Rock area. Game format is played in line with US Soccer Directives for small sided games, which is 7v7 with goalkeepers. Team sizes of 12 players ensures plenty of game time to apply the skills and techniques that are presented in the twice weekly curriculum based training.

Coming Soon

The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW) philosophy is a learning model used by the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club to achieve our long-term player development initiative. 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 puts players in realistic situations, which should always include decision-making elements.

When coaching soccer, WPW can be used in a variety of ways to break down techniques, skills, or tactics. Most commonly the players are taken from practice with high game context to a low one, before returning 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. 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

In addition to our technical soccer curriculum and teaching philosophy, we aim to represent The Rapids Way in all our programming. The Rapids Way is much more than just what we do and how we do it. It encompasses who we are as a Club, from how we handle our administrative details to how coaches instruct players in training to how our players and families conduct themselves on and off the field. The Club’s mission and vision shape a philosophy, methodology, and culture that provide a framework for us to work in these key areas.

The Rapids Way is defined by the experience each player has from the time they enter the Club to the time they graduate.  From a technical perspective, we focus on establishing an individual foundation before teaching group actions and tactics. This includes the WPW philosophy and long-term development planning. The technical, tactical, physical, and psycho-social pieces of our soccer curriculum come together in the form of a distinct style of play, consistent from our most inexperienced levels to our elite levels in the Club.

The culture we create provides a system of support for all of our young players. We take pride in the professionalism exhibited by our coaching staff, from the way they teach to their demeanor and appearance at sessions and games. Our parents are well informed and respectful on the sidelines, during both games and practices, which in turn creates a fun, safe and enjoyable atmosphere for our players to develop. This is captured in our free-flowing and positive thinking style of play.

We have a saying in the Club, “Prepare your child for the path, not the path for your child.” This is the Rapids Way.

Fall Priority Deadline for Returning Players: July 20, 2020 

Fall Registration Closes: August 20, 2020 or when teams are full

Fall Training Begins: End of August

October 2020

9U – 10U Recreational

The 9U and 10U Recreational in-house league builds on the philosophy of the 6U-8U program by providing an environment where players find both success and challenges. Teams play small-sided games with goalkeepers (7v7) with emphasis on the development of the individual player in a fun and rewarding environment. Teams are placed in divisions with other teams of like ability based on coach surveys and previous season performance.

Teams generally consist of 10-12 players. These teams are coached by parent-volunteers who follow a curriculum provided by Program Directors to run training sessions. Teams practice twice per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Saturdays in our in-house league. Teams play 7-8 games each season.

Each team gets 7-8 games each season during the 9-10 week season. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. This will eliminate the need for makeup games on weeknights and Sundays, maximizing the soccer experience and family time.

The Fall season runs from September through the first week of November, and the Spring season from March through May.

9U – 10U Select

Participants in the Select Program represent an elite standard within each age group and are expected to demonstrate a higher commitment to training for the purpose of development.  Each age-group will be comprised of a pool of 30-36 players who will be divided into three tiered teams led by licensed staff coaches.  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, Rapids Development Centers, and parent coach evaluations with final approval from the Director of the Select Program.

Each pool of 30-36 players will train at the same time and place, three times per week in the Castle Rock area.  Staff coaches will lead all training sessions and games with Age-Group Directors of Coaching filling in to coach in the event of any absences.  Additionally, each team will have a Parent Liaison who will act as a link between the Club staff, coach and parents.

Select teams participate in the Classic Division of the state-run Front Range League.  Teams play in a 7v7 format with goalkeepers. 

Select teams play games from August to early November in the fall season and from March to May in the spring.  Teams will also participate in at least one tournament a season.  Additionally, Select players are invited to participate in optional winter training in January and February.