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 10-12 players ensures plenty of game time to apply the skills and techniques that are presented in the twice weekly curriculum based training.

  Recreational Select Program
Player Attributes Child enjoys soccer, especially for the
fun and social atmosphere but needs
motivating to practice at home.		 Child has a passion for soccer and
practices at home without being
prompted. Thrives in a
structured/disciplined environment.
Season Two 7-8 week seasons 8-10 month long season
Coaching Parent volunteer coach Professional, licensed staff
coach
League Play In-house with Rapids South at Founders & Gates Weekend games across the Front Range with 2-4 local tournaments included
Playing Format 7v7 7v7
Team Size 10-12 players 10-12 players
Practices 2x/week

One Age Group Training and one team practice with a parent volunteer coach

 3x/week with professional, licensed staff

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, players, and members can interact, creating a living and growing classroom. By connecting the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) community online, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for players and coaches, offer a more rewarding CRYSC experience for members, and ultimately enhance the level and consistency of soccer being played across the Club.

GO TO RISE

What is The Rapids Way?

The Rapids Way embodies everything we are and stand for as a soccer club. The Rapids Way is much more than just what we do and how we do it. 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 individual player has from the time they enter the Club to the time they graduate. Using the Whole-Part-Whole teaching model we are able to build a Long-Term Development Plan that drives each player’s experiences in the four key pillars of the game: technical, tactical, physical and psycho-social.

The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW) 

WPW is 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 will put players in realistic situations, that should always include decision-making elements.

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

Spring Priority Deadline for Returning Players: January 15, 2022

Spring Registration Closes: February 10, 2022 or when teams are full

Spring Training Begins: Early March

Spring 2022 Age Group Trainings | Recreational
9U Girls | TBD
9U Boys | TBD
10U Girls | TBD
10U Boys | TBD

Winter Camps

Winter 1: November – December, 2021

Winter 2: January – February, 2022

Register for Winter Camps

Spring 2022

March – May

*Dates subject to change

  • Game 1: March 26
  • Game 2: April 2
  • Game 3: April 9
  • Game 4: April 16
  • Game 5: April 23
  • Game 6: April 30
  • Game 7: May 7
  • Game 8: May 14
  • Make up games if needed: May 21

Summer 2021 Camps

June – July

Register for Summer Camps

Fall 2021

August – November

**Dates subject to change

  • Game 1: Sept 11
  • Game 2: Sept 18
  • Game 3: Sept 25
  • Game 4: Oct 9
  • Game 5: Oct 16
  • Game 6: Oct 23
  • Game 7: Oct 30
  • Game 8: Nov 6
  • Make up dates: Nov 13, 14

Katie Beaudoin
8U-18U Recreational Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 231

Nate Billings
9U-12U Boys & Girls Select/Competitive Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 222

9U/10U Overview

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 10-12 players ensures plenty of game time to apply the skills and techniques that are presented in the twice weekly curriculum based training.

  Recreational Select Program
Player Attributes Child enjoys soccer, especially for the
fun and social atmosphere but needs
motivating to practice at home.		 Child has a passion for soccer and
practices at home without being
prompted. Thrives in a
structured/disciplined environment.
Season Two 7-8 week seasons 8-10 month long season
Coaching Parent volunteer coach Professional, licensed staff
coach
League Play In-house with Rapids South at Founders & Gates Weekend games across the Front Range with 2-4 local tournaments included
Playing Format 7v7 7v7
Team Size 10-12 players 10-12 players
Practices 2x/week

One Age Group Training and one team practice with a parent volunteer coach

 3x/week with professional, licensed staff
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, players, and members can interact, creating a living and growing classroom. By connecting the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) community online, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for players and coaches, offer a more rewarding CRYSC experience for members, and ultimately enhance the level and consistency of soccer being played across the Club.

GO TO RISE
The Rapids Way

What is The Rapids Way?

The Rapids Way embodies everything we are and stand for as a soccer club. The Rapids Way is much more than just what we do and how we do it. 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 individual player has from the time they enter the Club to the time they graduate. Using the Whole-Part-Whole teaching model we are able to build a Long-Term Development Plan that drives each player’s experiences in the four key pillars of the game: technical, tactical, physical and psycho-social.

The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW) 

WPW is 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 will put players in realistic situations, that should always include decision-making elements.

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

Dates

Spring Priority Deadline for Returning Players: January 15, 2022

Spring Registration Closes: February 10, 2022 or when teams are full

Spring Training Begins: Early March

Spring 2022 Age Group Trainings | Recreational
9U Girls | TBD
9U Boys | TBD
10U Girls | TBD
10U Boys | TBD

Winter Camps

Winter 1: November – December, 2021

Winter 2: January – February, 2022

Register for Winter Camps

Spring 2022

March – May

*Dates subject to change

  • Game 1: March 26
  • Game 2: April 2
  • Game 3: April 9
  • Game 4: April 16
  • Game 5: April 23
  • Game 6: April 30
  • Game 7: May 7
  • Game 8: May 14
  • Make up games if needed: May 21

Summer 2021 Camps

June – July

Register for Summer Camps

Fall 2021

August – November

**Dates subject to change

  • Game 1: Sept 11
  • Game 2: Sept 18
  • Game 3: Sept 25
  • Game 4: Oct 9
  • Game 5: Oct 16
  • Game 6: Oct 23
  • Game 7: Oct 30
  • Game 8: Nov 6
  • Make up dates: Nov 13, 14
Contacts

Katie Beaudoin
8U-18U Recreational Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 231

Nate Billings
9U-12U Boys & Girls Select/Competitive Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 222

U9-U10 Recreational

For Beginner Players
$210 Per Season

  • Practice 2x per week

  • Convenient Local Practices/Games

  • Volunteer Parent Coach

  • Recreational Uniform Kit

  • Team Formed by Registration

U9-U10 Select

For Advanced Players
$1,135 Per Year

  • Practice 3x per week

  • Assigned Practice Locations

  • Rapids Staff Coach

  • Recreational Uniform Kit

  • Team Formed by Invitations

Spring Early Bird Discount ends in…

2021/12/31 00:00:59

 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 ensure they have it in time. Players are required to wear the official CRYSC jersey combo for games. This uniform kit is usable throughout all recreational programs.

Recreational members can click here to be brought to the CRYSC uniforms page. This page details the ordering process for each program with specific links and a FAQ section to help answer the most common uniform questions. If your player already has a recreational uniform they do not need to order a new one until they have outgrown it.

It is important to note that uniforms are NOT included in registration costs.

9U – 10U Recreational

The 9U and 10U Recreational in-house leagues build 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), emphasizing the development of the individual player in a fun and rewarding environment. Teams are placed in divisions with other teams of likeability based on coach surveys and previous season performance.

Training:

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, including one Age Group Training each week and one team practice each week. Teams play games on Saturdays in our in-house league with South Rapids at Founders and Gates.

Games:

Each team plays 7-8 games during the 8-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.

Dates:

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. Participation in the Select program is invite-only. 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. 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.

Training:

Each pool of 30-36 players will train at the same time and place, three (3) 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.

Games:

Select teams participate in the Classic Division of the state-run Front Range League. Teams play in a 7v7 format with goalkeepers. 4 of the games are at home, in Castle Rock. 4 of the games are away, within a 50 mile radius of Castle Rock. 

Dates:

Select teams play games from August to early November in the Fall season and from March to May in the Spring. The following tournaments are included in registration fees:

Fall tournaments: Rapids Classic, CRYSC Friendlies and Castle Rock Friendlies

Spring tournaments: Rock Cup, CRYSC Friendlies and Castle Rock Friendlies

9U/10U Recreational

9U – 10U Recreational

The 9U and 10U Recreational in-house leagues build 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), emphasizing the development of the individual player in a fun and rewarding environment. Teams are placed in divisions with other teams of likeability based on coach surveys and previous season performance.

Training:

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, including one Age Group Training each week and one team practice each week. Teams play games on Saturdays in our in-house league with South Rapids at Founders and Gates.

Games:

Each team plays 7-8 games during the 8-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.

Dates:

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

9U/10U Select

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. Participation in the Select program is invite-only. 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. 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.

Training:

Each pool of 30-36 players will train at the same time and place, three (3) 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.

Games:

Select teams participate in the Classic Division of the state-run Front Range League. Teams play in a 7v7 format with goalkeepers. 4 of the games are at home, in Castle Rock. 4 of the games are away, within a 50 mile radius of Castle Rock. 

Dates:

Select teams play games from August to early November in the Fall season and from March to May in the Spring. The following tournaments are included in registration fees:

Fall tournaments: Rapids Classic, CRYSC Friendlies and Castle Rock Friendlies

Spring tournaments: Rock Cup, CRYSC Friendlies and Castle Rock Friendlies

Rapids Youth Soccer=

REGISTER NOW

Registration Deadline is Coming

REGISTER NOW

Every team is required to provide a volunteer coach to coach the team throughout the season. The volunteer coach is almost always a parent of a player on the team.

The coach will be provided with a curriculum from our staff for every session, and will be provided with other training opportunities throughout the season. Our staff will help support every coach throughout the season, so even if coaches have never played soccer before, we can help you have a successful season. We recommend that each team has a coach and an assistant coach at this age to help players stay engaged throughout every session.

Coach Expectations

  • Lead every practice session of find a substitute if they cannot be present.
  • Coach every game of find a substitute if they cannot be at the game.
  • Find a practice location and time that works for them and their team.
  • Communicate clearly with the team throughout the season.

Coach Education Opportunities

  • Rapids Youth provides coaching sessions for all coaches throughout the season.
  • A website with additional coaches resources available to all coaches.
  • One-on-one support to talk through drills and game setup.
  • Pre-season meetings and coaching educational meetings.

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.

Every team is required to provide a game facilitator for half of every game. The game facilitator will act as the referee for the game, and should referee in a way to help the players learn and understand the rules.

Game Facilitator Expectations

  • Tell which team should kick the ball in after it goes out of bounds.
  • Call any fouls that happen during the game and explain to players why it is a foul.
  • Provide education on the game to player during games.
  • Keep players safe and the game under control.
Coach

Every team is required to provide a volunteer coach to coach the team throughout the season. The volunteer coach is almost always a parent of a player on the team.

The coach will be provided with a curriculum from our staff for every session, and will be provided with other training opportunities throughout the season. Our staff will help support every coach throughout the season, so even if coaches have never played soccer before, we can help you have a successful season. We recommend that each team has a coach and an assistant coach at this age to help players stay engaged throughout every session.

Coach Expectations

  • Lead every practice session of find a substitute if they cannot be present.
  • Coach every game of find a substitute if they cannot be at the game.
  • Find a practice location and time that works for them and their team.
  • Communicate clearly with the team throughout the season.

Coach Education Opportunities

  • Rapids Youth provides coaching sessions for all coaches throughout the season.
  • A website with additional coaches resources available to all coaches.
  • One-on-one support to talk through drills and game setup.
  • Pre-season meetings and coaching educational meetings.
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.
Game Facilitator

Every team is required to provide a game facilitator for half of every game. The game facilitator will act as the referee for the game, and should referee in a way to help the players learn and understand the rules.

Game Facilitator Expectations

  • Tell which team should kick the ball in after it goes out of bounds.
  • Call any fouls that happen during the game and explain to players why it is a foul.
  • Provide education on the game to player during games.
  • Keep players safe and the game under control.

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 11U+ league.

Volunteers

Parent-volunteer forms are collected mid-season and at the end of each 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 four times each season on Sundays.

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.

Preparing for Tryouts

The entire player placement process from 10U to 11U takes place during a players 10U year. Tryouts is the final step in a the 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 all the ways 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 four times each season on Sundays.
  • In-House Events | Seasonal in-house events are used to evaluate.
  • Tryouts | Tryouts are held in late May, early June every year and are the final piece to the Player Placement process.

Player Centered Success Model

The Player Centered Success model puts the best interests of the player first. This is done by understanding each and every players definition of success and helping them achieve it. Every player at every level of their soccer career has different levels of success.

Rapids Youth

Provides operations and oversight for kids to have a great soccer experience.

Rapids Pro

Provides curriculum and educational resources for players.

Parents

Work in conjunction with Rapids Youth to support kids’ desires.

Coaches

Educate, inspire, and help all children excel at the level they desire.

Referees

Keep the game safe and fun for kids at all levels.

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Goalkeeper Training

Rapids goalkeeper staff work with players to enhance all levels of play during this eight-week program available to Select players free of charge and all other players for a small charge.

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Summer Camps

Summer camps are a great way to keep players busy and active during the summer months. Find out more what Rapids Youth Soccer offers for beginner to advanced players.

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Winter Training

Winter can be a great time to keep your soccer skills sharp. Check out all the programs Rapids Youth Soccer offers to our players to help them stay active over the long winter months.

Where can I purchase a uniform?

All players will need to purchase a uniform prior to the first game if they do not have one already. Our vendor is Soccer.com, click here to be brought the recreational order page.

Can I request a specific coach or team for my player?

Yes, you can do this when registering under “coach request” or “teammate request.” We cannot guarantee that we can meet all requests, but we will do our best to accommodate them.

How long does the soccer season run?

The Fall season is from August-November and the Spring season runs from March-May. We offer camps in the Summer (June – July) and Winter (November – February) as well.

How are Select teams formed?

Participation in the Select Program is by invitation only.  Rapids staff will select players based upon staff observations throughout the year during training, games, and other club events with final approval from the Age-Group Directors of Coaching.

How are recreational teams formed?

Teams are formed by birth year, gender, and previous team placement. We allow teams to stay together for as long as they like. Returning players take priority to return to the previous team when registered and paid in full by January 15th for the Spring season and July 15th for the Fall season. Players may request to play with specific teammates or friends as long as they are in the same birth year. Players wishing to join an existing team will be placed in order of registration date. For players having no specific requests, we try to place them on a team that practices as close to their home as possible. We do not place players by skill in the recreational program. Everyone is welcome!

Why small-sided games?

Simply put, the more touches on the ball a player gets, the better the player skill set becomes.  In a 3v3 environment, with 6 players on the field, players get more opportunities to touch the ball than if they played 11v11, with 22 players on the field. Additionally, soccer is a game of triangles. Small-sided games at the younger ages improves their skill level but also allows the player to see the field. The player can conceptualize time and space with the support of a triangle formation. We slowly progress to 5v5, 7v7, and 9v9 for the same reasons.

Why aren't practice times listed?

For the Recreational Program, practice days, times, and locations are determined by the Parent Volunteer Coach. Practices are held at local Castle Rock parks. 

When and where are games played?

Games will be played on Saturdays and Sundays (as needed) and games will be played at local Castle Rock parks. Game times will vary each weekend with games starting as early as 9:00am or as late as 4:00pm.

For teams playing in 9U or older, half of the games will be at home (local Castle Rock parks) and half will be away. Away games will be at parks within 50 mile radius of Castle Rock.

My child is brand new to soccer, will they fit on an existing team?

Absolutely! Soccer is a universal sport in which a player must manipulate the ball with their feet. This aspect alone levels the playing field for a new player with an existing player. 

If one player dominates the game, we ask that player to expand on their skill set. It may be that we ask for non-dominant foot shots only. This allows the more experienced player to continue to develop while allowing the less experienced players to develop at their own pace. 

Additionally, we believe that every player is important and their developmental trajectory is theirs and theirs alone. One of the benefits of playing team sports is the diversity in player abilities and skills. Some players on the team may be talented with dribbling, some are talented at bringing a positive attitude to the team. Every child on a team is valuable, regardless of “soccer skill.”