CRYSC 11U-19U Competitive Programs are Colorado’s premier option for growing, learning, and developing in youth soccer. The Competitive Program builds on the foundation players have learned throughout their time with Rapids Youth Soccer, including philosophy, the Rapids curriculum, and The Rapids Way. Program offerings cover the spectrum of player pathways, from new players to competitive, all the way to the top leagues in the United States.
Training and game locations will vary depending on level of play of each team. Game format is played in line with U.S. Soccer directives for small-sided games, which is 9v9 for 11U/12U and 11v11 for 13U-19U. Team sizes may vary depending on age and level of play.
For a more comprehensive overview, continue scrolling to view the level and age group breakdown below.
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.
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 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 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.
Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Rec and Competitive programs. To learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid click here to be brought to our scholarship page. There, you can view specific competitive scholarship information under the ‘Competitive & Elite 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.
CRYSC Castle Rock tryouts for field players and goalkeepers will be held from May 30 – June 1, 2023.
Scroll down the page for the tryout schedule
Who Should Register an Intent to Play:
-
Any players who intend to play with CRYSC during the Fall 2023/Spring 2024 season.
Who Needs to Attend Tryouts:
-
2013 Birthdates (Players Moving into 11U): All players (boys and girls), both internal Rapids Youth players and external players from outside the Club born in 2013, must register their Intent to Play and attend the Tryout event.
-
2012-2005 Birthdates (12U-19U): All players (boys and girls) must attend. New Players from outside the Rapids Youth Soccer System must attend. All players wishing to join the Rapids Youth Soccer community must register their Intent to Play and attend the Tryout event.
Goalkeepers:
-
All players wishing to participate in the goalkeeper position must attend the designated tryout times.
High School Boys:
Starting in 2023, Castle Rock will conduct a two-part tryout process:
- We will conduct the first tryout in May to form developmentally appropriate teams.
- We will conduct a second session in October, after the High School soccer season, to finalize team placements and evaluate any new players.
- Overview
-
CRYSC 11U-19U Competitive Programs are Colorado’s premier option for growing, learning, and developing in youth soccer. The Competitive Program builds on the foundation players have learned throughout their time with Rapids Youth Soccer, including philosophy, the Rapids curriculum, and The Rapids Way. Program offerings cover the spectrum of player pathways, from new players to competitive, all the way to the top leagues in the United States.
Training and game locations will vary depending on level of play of each team. Game format is played in line with U.S. Soccer directives for small-sided games, which is 9v9 for 11U/12U and 11v11 for 13U-19U. Team sizes may vary depending on age and level of play.
For a more comprehensive overview, continue scrolling to view the level and age group breakdown below.
- Curriculum
-
GO TO RISE
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.
- Philosophy
-
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 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 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.
- Contact
-
- Scholarships
-
Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Rec and Competitive programs. To learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid click here to be brought to our scholarship page. There, you can view specific competitive scholarship information under the ‘Competitive & Elite 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.
- Tryout Information
-
CRYSC Castle Rock tryouts for field players and goalkeepers will be held from May 30 – June 1, 2023.
Scroll down the page for the tryout schedule
Who Should Register an Intent to Play:
-
Any players who intend to play with CRYSC during the Fall 2023/Spring 2024 season.
Who Needs to Attend Tryouts:
-
2013 Birthdates (Players Moving into 11U): All players (boys and girls), both internal Rapids Youth players and external players from outside the Club born in 2013, must register their Intent to Play and attend the Tryout event.
-
2012-2005 Birthdates (12U-19U): All players (boys and girls) must attend. New Players from outside the Rapids Youth Soccer System must attend. All players wishing to join the Rapids Youth Soccer community must register their Intent to Play and attend the Tryout event.
Goalkeepers:
-
All players wishing to participate in the goalkeeper position must attend the designated tryout times.
High School Boys:
Starting in 2023, Castle Rock will conduct a two-part tryout process:
- We will conduct the first tryout in May to form developmentally appropriate teams.
- We will conduct a second session in October, after the High School soccer season, to finalize team placements and evaluate any new players.
-
2023/2024 Intent To Play Registration
Castle Rock Rapids competitive teams play in the Colorado State competitive leagues. The Select/Burgundy/White teams will be placed in a state league of teams that have similar skill levels. Teams train 3 days per week with games on the weekend. Programming for competitive teams runs for a full 10 months.
Teams play 2-4 tournaments per year. All competitive teams are required to participate in the Rapids Classic (Fall) and Icebreaker (Spring) tournaments, and Friendlies. *All tournament fees are to be paid by the team.*
11U Teams
$2,320
11U Teams
- August – May
- Train 3x Each Week during Fall & Spring
- Train 2x Each Week during Winter
- Compete in State League
- 2-4 Local or Out-of-State Annual Tournaments*
Castle Rock Rapids competitive teams play in the Colorado State competitive leagues. The Select/Burgundy/White teams will be placed in a state league of teams that have similar skill levels. Teams train 3 days per week with games on the weekend. Programming for competitive teams runs for a full 10 months.
Teams play 2-4 tournaments per year. All competitive teams are required to participate in the Rapids Classic (Fall) and Icebreaker (Spring) tournaments, and Friendlies. *All tournament fees are to be paid by the team.*
12U Teams
$2,460
12U Teams
- August – May
- Train 3x Each Week during Fall & Spring
- Train 2x Each Week during Winter
- Compete in State League
- 2-4 Local or Out-of-State Annual Tournaments*
Castle Rock Rapids competitive teams play in the Colorado State competitive leagues. The Select/Burgundy/White teams will be placed in a state league of teams that have similar skill levels. Teams train 3 days per week with games on the weekend. Programming for competitive teams runs for a full 10 months.
Teams play 2-4 tournaments per year. All competitive teams are required to participate in the Rapids Classic (Fall) and Icebreaker (Spring) tournaments, and Friendlies. *All tournament fees are to be paid by the team.*
13U Teams
$2,680
13U Teams
- August – May
- Train 3x Each Week during Fall & Spring
- Train 2x Each Week during Winter
- Compete in State League
- 2-4 Local or Out-of-State Annual Tournaments*
Castle Rock Rapids competitive teams play in the Colorado State competitive leagues. The Select/Burgundy/White teams will be placed in a state league of teams that have similar skill levels. Teams train 3 days per week with games on the weekend. Programming for competitive teams runs for a full 10 months.
Teams play 2-4 tournaments per year. All competitive teams are required to participate in the Rapids Classic (Fall) and Icebreaker (Spring) tournaments, and Friendlies. *All tournament fees are to be paid by the team.*
14U Teams
$2,680
14U Teams
- August – May
- Train 3x Each Week during Fall & Spring
- Train 2x Each Week during Winter
- Compete in State League
- 2-4 Local or Out-of-State Annual Tournaments*
Castle Rock Rapids competitive teams play in the Colorado State competitive leagues. The Select/Burgundy/White teams will be placed in a state league of teams that have similar skill levels. Teams train 3 days per week with games on the weekend. 15U-18U girls competitive programming runs July – November. 15U-18U boys competitive programming runs February – June.
All competitive teams will participate in the Rapids Classic (Girls) and Icebreaker (Boys) tournaments and Friendlies. *All tournament fees are to be paid by the team.*
15U-18U Teams
$1,355
15U-18U Teams
- Aug – Dec (Girls) | Jan – May (Boys)
- Train 3x Each Week during Season
- Train 2x Each Week during Winter
- Compete in State League
- 2-4 Local or Out-of-State Annual Tournaments*
15U Supplemental is a transition-based, one season (fall or spring) team for 8th and 9th graders who do not play high school.
After we form the teams for the Primary season, we will reach out to the families to gather interest in playing the Secondary season. We offer the second season to those players that are in Middle School (8th graders) or those 9th graders that choose to play with Rapids instead of their High School. The season is in fall for the boys and spring for the girls.
*All tournament fees are to be paid by the team.*
15U Supplemental Teams
$805
15U Supplemental Teams
- August – November (Boys)
- February – May (Girls)
- Train 3x Each Week in Castle Rock
- Compete in State League
- Possible In-State Tournament
- 11U
-
Castle Rock Rapids competitive teams play in the Colorado State competitive leagues. The Select/Burgundy/White teams will be placed in a state league of teams that have similar skill levels. Teams train 3 days per week with games on the weekend. Programming for competitive teams runs for a full 10 months.
Teams play 2-4 tournaments per year. All competitive teams are required to participate in the Rapids Classic (Fall) and Icebreaker (Spring) tournaments, and Friendlies. *All tournament fees are to be paid by the team.*
11U Teams
$2,320 11U Teams- August – May
- Train 3x Each Week during Fall & Spring
- Train 2x Each Week during Winter
- Compete in State League
- 2-4 Local or Out-of-State Annual Tournaments*
- 12U
-
Castle Rock Rapids competitive teams play in the Colorado State competitive leagues. The Select/Burgundy/White teams will be placed in a state league of teams that have similar skill levels. Teams train 3 days per week with games on the weekend. Programming for competitive teams runs for a full 10 months.
Teams play 2-4 tournaments per year. All competitive teams are required to participate in the Rapids Classic (Fall) and Icebreaker (Spring) tournaments, and Friendlies. *All tournament fees are to be paid by the team.*
12U Teams
$2,460 12U Teams- August – May
- Train 3x Each Week during Fall & Spring
- Train 2x Each Week during Winter
- Compete in State League
- 2-4 Local or Out-of-State Annual Tournaments*
- 13U
-
Castle Rock Rapids competitive teams play in the Colorado State competitive leagues. The Select/Burgundy/White teams will be placed in a state league of teams that have similar skill levels. Teams train 3 days per week with games on the weekend. Programming for competitive teams runs for a full 10 months.
Teams play 2-4 tournaments per year. All competitive teams are required to participate in the Rapids Classic (Fall) and Icebreaker (Spring) tournaments, and Friendlies. *All tournament fees are to be paid by the team.*
13U Teams
$2,680 13U Teams- August – May
- Train 3x Each Week during Fall & Spring
- Train 2x Each Week during Winter
- Compete in State League
- 2-4 Local or Out-of-State Annual Tournaments*
- 14U
-
Castle Rock Rapids competitive teams play in the Colorado State competitive leagues. The Select/Burgundy/White teams will be placed in a state league of teams that have similar skill levels. Teams train 3 days per week with games on the weekend. Programming for competitive teams runs for a full 10 months.
Teams play 2-4 tournaments per year. All competitive teams are required to participate in the Rapids Classic (Fall) and Icebreaker (Spring) tournaments, and Friendlies. *All tournament fees are to be paid by the team.*
14U Teams
$2,680 14U Teams- August – May
- Train 3x Each Week during Fall & Spring
- Train 2x Each Week during Winter
- Compete in State League
- 2-4 Local or Out-of-State Annual Tournaments*
- 15U-18U
-
Castle Rock Rapids competitive teams play in the Colorado State competitive leagues. The Select/Burgundy/White teams will be placed in a state league of teams that have similar skill levels. Teams train 3 days per week with games on the weekend. 15U-18U girls competitive programming runs July – November. 15U-18U boys competitive programming runs February – June.
All competitive teams will participate in the Rapids Classic (Girls) and Icebreaker (Boys) tournaments and Friendlies. *All tournament fees are to be paid by the team.*
15U-18U Teams
$1,355 15U-18U Teams- Aug – Dec (Girls) | Jan – May (Boys)
- Train 3x Each Week during Season
- Train 2x Each Week during Winter
- Compete in State League
- 2-4 Local or Out-of-State Annual Tournaments*
- Secondary (8th & 9th Graders Only)
-
15U Supplemental is a transition-based, one season (fall or spring) team for 8th and 9th graders who do not play high school.
After we form the teams for the Primary season, we will reach out to the families to gather interest in playing the Secondary season. We offer the second season to those players that are in Middle School (8th graders) or those 9th graders that choose to play with Rapids instead of their High School. The season is in fall for the boys and spring for the girls.
*All tournament fees are to be paid by the team.*
15U Supplemental Teams
$805 15U Supplemental Teams- August – November (Boys)
- February – May (Girls)
- Train 3x Each Week in Castle Rock
- Compete in State League
- Possible In-State Tournament
2023/2024 Tryout Schedule
*Registering your player’s Intent to Play is not a commitment to the club for next season but ensures you will receive all tryout information and updates. All players planning on participating in CRYSC competitive programming must complete the Intent to Play registration.*
May 30th
Douglas County Fairgrounds #5
- 5:00 pm: U11 Girls (2013)
- 6:45 pm: U12 Girls (2012)
Douglas County Fairgrounds #6
- 5:00 pm: U11 Boys (2013)
- 6:45 pm: U12 Boys (2012)
Douglas County Fairgrounds #7
- 5:00 pm: U15 Girls (2009)
- 6:45 pm: U15 Boys (2009)*
*High School Boys – 1st Session
May 31st
Douglas County Fairgrounds #5
- 5:00 pm: U13 Girls (2011)
- 6:45 pm: U14 Girls (2010)
Douglas County Fairgrounds #6
- 5:00 pm: U13 Boys (2011)
- 6:45 pm: U14 Boys (2010)
Douglas County Fairgrounds #7
- 5:00 pm: U15 Boys (2009), Fall 8th Grade Team
June 1st
Douglas County Fairgrounds #5
- 5:00 pm: U17 Girls (2007)
- 6:45 pm: U17 Boys (2007)*
Douglas County Fairgrounds #6
- 5:00 pm: U16 Girls (2008)
- 6:45 pm: U16 Boys (2008)*
Douglas County Fairgrounds #7
- 5:00 pm: U18-U19 Girls
- 6:45 pm: U18-U19 Boys*
*High School Boys – 1st Session
October 26th
Douglas County Fairgrounds #5
- 5:45 pm: U15 Boys (2009)
- 7:00 pm: U17 Boys (2007)
Douglas County Fairgrounds #6
- 5:45 pm: U16 Boys (2008)
- 7:00 pm: U18 & U19 Boys
High School Boys – 2nd Session
Uniforms
Rapids Youth Soccer partners with Soccer.com for all uniform needs. Competitive players will receive an email from Soccer.com with a link to order the uniform at the beginning of each season. Our competitive uniforms operate on a two-year cycle.
It is important to note that uniforms are NOT included in registration costs.
The Rapids Youth Soccer kit includes two match jerseys, two match shorts, two pairs of socks, training shirt, training shorts, training socks, training jacket, training pants and a backpack.
For instructions on how to order uniforms, please visit the CRYSC uniform page.
Uniform FAQs
You will receive an email from Soccer.com with a link to order the uniform.
You can also access the page by following the steps below:
- Go to Soccer.com and click on “Find Your Team Store” at the top right.
- Once there, search for Colorado Rapids Youth and click on the store.
- On the top of the store the player/parent can either search for their team name on the drop down list, or search for their player name on the right in the “search by player” section.
- Once you find the player’s name, you can place your order
*Uniforms are NOT included in registration costs.
The order deadline for competitive kits is July 15, 2023. Kits must be ordered and paid for by the deadline to ensure delivery for the start of the season. High School Boys order deadline is November 30th, 2023.
You may purchase replacement items online through Soccer.com. You can use the email link or follow the steps below.
- Go to Soccer.com and click on “Find Your Team Store” at the top right.
- Once there, search for Colorado Rapids Youth and click on the store.
- On the top of the store the player/parent can either search for their team name on the drop down list, or search for their player name on the right in the “search by player” section.
- Once you find the player’s name, you can place your order.
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.
The Team Treasurer is an important role that ensures that the team’s funds are managed appropriately and accurately. The Team Treasurer is a volunteer parent who is not the coach or assistant coach of the team. This person is responsible handling the money for the team account and keeping track of individual player balances. This would include collecting and disbursing funds for team expenses such as tournaments, field rental, coaching expenses, etc. Communication with the families about their deposits, receipts and expenses is also required as a Team Treasurer.
Team Treasurer Expectations
- Organize and track player balances and team receipts.
- Collaborate with Coach and Manager to create a season budget.
- Communicate and collect funds from families for team expenses.
Team Treasurer Support
- Rapids Youth staff provide consultation for financial situations.
- Rapids Youth Soccer provides a meeting with all Team Treasurers to talk through logistics of the year.
- Rapids Youth Soccer has a Treasurer Handbook that covers the roles and requirements of the role.
- 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
-
The Team Treasurer is an important role that ensures that the team’s funds are managed appropriately and accurately. The Team Treasurer is a volunteer parent who is not the coach or assistant coach of the team. This person is responsible handling the money for the team account and keeping track of individual player balances. This would include collecting and disbursing funds for team expenses such as tournaments, field rental, coaching expenses, etc. Communication with the families about their deposits, receipts and expenses is also required as a Team Treasurer.
Team Treasurer Expectations
- Organize and track player balances and team receipts.
- Collaborate with Coach and Manager to create a season budget.
- Communicate and collect funds from families for team expenses.
Team Treasurer Support
- Rapids Youth staff provide consultation for financial situations.
- Rapids Youth Soccer provides a meeting with all Team Treasurers to talk through logistics of the year.
- Rapids Youth Soccer has a Treasurer Handbook that covers the roles and requirements of the role.
Understanding Your Child’s Year-Long Evaluation
The Competitive program provides an opportunity for players who want to learn and develop in an environment that challenges and educates them in the game of soccer. Rapids Youth Soccer is committed to supporting and developing those players that are committed to developing themselves.
Rapids Youth Soccer is committed to a year-long evaluation process of our homegrown players. This year-long evaluation and feedback process provides our players with a complete overview of their progress during their time with Rapids Youth Soccer.
Below is an overview of exactly what is done during the year to provide our players with the most comprehensive evaluation and feedback 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.
Rapids Youth Soccer is on a two-year cycle for uniform with adidas. Players should change uniforms approximately every two years, which usually falls in line growth of players.
Your registration covers coaching fees, CSA league fees, and administrative fees for the season. You are responsible for tournaments and tournament travel.
During the regular CSA season, teams generally compete against other clubs across the Front Range. Some teams may travel as far north Fort Collins, as far south as Pueblo or as far west as Grand Junction. Not all ages and levels will compete against clubs in these areas and these trips generally happen once per season.
Tournament travel varies based on the age and competitive level of the team. Select and Burgundy teams travel out of state for at least one and up to four tournaments and/or college showcases. White and Blue teams only participate in tournaments that take place in Colorado.
Select, Burgundy, and White teams train three times per week. Blue level teams train twice per week.
Select, Burgundy, and White teams train twice per week outside in January and February. Blue level players have the option of attending these training sessions.
All competitive team coaches are USSF Licensed and participate in intensive in-house coach education throughout the season.
