
The 6U-19U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for all age groups. The Recreational program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games on Saturdays at the younger ages and expanding on the technical and physical skills as they grow in the program. The specialized curriculum helps players grow in their technical skills and learn the rules of soccer at a developmentally appropriate level for their age. Players will receive a solid foundation of coaching needed to continue into further recreational programming or competitive programming when ready.
All recreational teams are coached by parent volunteer coaches with the support of CRYSC staff on and off the fields. Interested parents can indicate their desire to coach their player during registration.
For a more comprehensive overview, continue scrolling to view the level and age group breakdown below.
Small-Sided Game Model | Goalkeeper | Team Size | Ball Size | Practices a Week | Games in a Season | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6U (2017 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 6-7 players | 3 | 1 | 7-8 |
7U (2016 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 6-7 players | 3 | 1 | 7-8 |
8U (2015 birth years) | 5v5 | Yes | 7-10 players | 3 | 1 | 7-8 |
8U Rising Rapids (2015 birth years) | 5v5 & 7v7 | Yes | 8-10 players | 3 | 2-3 | 7-8 |
9U (2014 birth years) | 7v7 | Yes | 10 - 12 players | 4 | 2 | 7-8 |
10U (2013 birth years) | 7v7 | Yes | 10 - 12 players | 4 | 2 | 7-8 |
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
Recreational registration is by a single season, and players must re-register each season. The dates below provide a general overview of the seasonal dates but members will receive more detailed dates for the specific age group and the program in their confirmation email.
Fall Season
- Registration Opens – May 1
- Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – August 1
- Registration Late Fee – August 1
- Registration Last Minute Fee – August 15
- Training Starts – Last Week of August
- First Game Kicks Off – Saturday After Labor Day
Spring Season
- Registration Opens – November 1
- Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – March 1
- Registration Late Fee – March 1
- Registration Last Minute Fee – March 15
- Training Starts – Second to Last Week of March
- First Game Kicks Off – First Saturday of April
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.
- Overview
-
The 6U-19U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for all age groups. The Recreational program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games on Saturdays at the younger ages and expanding on the technical and physical skills as they grow in the program. The specialized curriculum helps players grow in their technical skills and learn the rules of soccer at a developmentally appropriate level for their age. Players will receive a solid foundation of coaching needed to continue into further recreational programming or competitive programming when ready.
All recreational teams are coached by parent volunteer coaches with the support of CRYSC staff on and off the fields. Interested parents can indicate their desire to coach their player during registration.
For a more comprehensive overview, continue scrolling to view the level and age group breakdown below.
Small-Sided Game Model Goalkeeper Team Size Ball Size Practices a Week Games in a Season 6U (2017 birth years) 3v3 No 6-7 players 3 1 7-8 7U (2016 birth years) 3v3 No 6-7 players 3 1 7-8 8U (2015 birth years) 5v5 Yes 7-10 players 3 1 7-8 8U Rising Rapids (2015 birth years) 5v5 & 7v7 Yes 8-10 players 3 2-3 7-8 9U (2014 birth years) 7v7 Yes 10 - 12 players 4 2 7-8
10U (2013 birth years) 7v7 Yes 10 - 12 players 4 2 7-8 - Curriculum
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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 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
-
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
- Contact
-
- Dates
-
Recreational registration is by a single season, and players must re-register each season. The dates below provide a general overview of the seasonal dates but members will receive more detailed dates for the specific age group and the program in their confirmation email.
Fall Season
- Registration Opens – May 1
- Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – August 1
- Registration Late Fee – August 1
- Registration Last Minute Fee – August 15
- Training Starts – Last Week of August
- First Game Kicks Off – Saturday After Labor Day
Spring Season
- Registration Opens – November 1
- Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – March 1
- Registration Late Fee – March 1
- Registration Last Minute Fee – March 15
- Training Starts – Second to Last Week of March
- First Game Kicks Off – First Saturday of April
- 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.
$10 Early Bird discount ends in…
Rapids Castle Rock Fields
Bison Park
Bison park is an expansive park offering a range of recreational amenities, from multi-use fields to climbing walls in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Bison Park, 1390 Clear Sky Way, Castle Rock, CO 80109, USA
Douglas County Fairgrounds
Douglas County Fairgrounds (DCF) is in the heart of downtown Castle Rock. A location for Rapids Castle Rock competitive teams to train, DCF hosts three full-sized synthetic turf fields and one smaller 4v4 grass field.
Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Road, Castle Rock, Colorado, USA
Founders Park
Founders Park, located on the east side of Castle Rock provides access to over six full-sized soccer fields. The park is used for both practices and games for teams of all ages and ability levels. Fields are often segmented into smaller field sizes to accommodate our younger players.
Founders Park, 4671 Enderud Blvd, Castle Rock, CO, USA
Paintbrush Park
Paintbrush Park is located in the Meadows in Castle Rock. Paintbrush park consists of three smaller 4v4 grass fields and one larger 7v7 grass field. These fields are used for practices only and makeup games.
Paintbrush Park, 3492 Meadows Boulevard, Castle Rock, Colorado, USA
Philip S Miller Park
Philip S Miller Park is a cornerstone park for Castle Rock, consisting of one 11v11 lighted synthetic turf field. This field is used for both games and practices for our elite competitive teams. The field measurements are 70ft x 110ft. Fields are often segmented into smaller field sizes to accommodate our younger players.
Miller Activity Complex, 1375 West Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock, CO, USA
Rhyolite Park
Rhyolite Park is located in the southeast corner of Castle Rock in the Crystal Valley neighborhood. The park hosts one full-sized synthetic turf field and is broken into four smaller 7v7 fields as necessary. The park is used for practices and games.
Rhyolite Park, 1701 Crystal Valley Parkway, Castle Rock, CO, USA
Wrangler Park
2418 Autumn Sage Street, Castle Rock, CO, USA

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. Additionally, uniforms are not available to purchase on-site at any CRYSC office – they must be purchased online via Soccer.com.
**Soccer Start players do not need to purchase a uniform kit; their t-shirt will be provided at the first session**
Rapids Youth Soccer =
Coach Expectations
- Communicate clearly with the team throughout the season.
- Lead every practice session or find a substitute if they cannot be present.
- Coach every game or find a substitute if they cannot be at the game.
- Find a practice location and time that works for them and their team.
- Warm up team and meet opposing coach before every game
- Provide a game facilitator for half of each game
- Turn in player tracking document at the end of every season
- Update LeagueApps with the practice schedule and other team events
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 Responsibilites
- 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.
- Work with Coach Volunteer to make sure LeagueApps is updated.
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.
- Volunteer Coach
-
Coach Expectations
- Communicate clearly with the team throughout the season.
- Lead every practice session or find a substitute if they cannot be present.
- Coach every game or find a substitute if they cannot be at the game.
- Find a practice location and time that works for them and their team.
- Warm up team and meet opposing coach before every game
- Provide a game facilitator for half of each game
- Turn in player tracking document at the end of every season
- Update LeagueApps with the practice schedule and other team events
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 Responsibilites
- 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.
- Work with Coach Volunteer to make sure LeagueApps is updated.
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.
Camps
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Spring – 3v3 Tournament (6U – 14U)
Spring 2023 Rapids Development Center (6U-8U)
Summer – 3v3 Tournaments (6U – 14U)
Summer 2023 – 3v3 League (6U-14U)
Summer 2023 – Goalkeeper Camp (8U – 19U)
Summer 2023 9U/10U Preseason Select Camp – Invite Only
Summer 2023 All Boys Camp
Summer 2023 All Girls Camp
Summer 2023 Finishing Camp (9U – 19U)
Summer 2023 Preseason Recreational Camp (6U-8U)
Summer 2023 Rapids Development Centers (11U-12U)
Summer 2023 Rapids Development Centers (6U-8U)
Fall 2022 Rapids Development Center (6U-8U)
- Spring
-
Spring – 3v3 Tournament (6U – 14U)
Spring 2023 Rapids Development Center (6U-8U)
- Summer
-
Summer – 3v3 Tournaments (6U – 14U)
Summer 2023 – 3v3 League (6U-14U)
Summer 2023 – Goalkeeper Camp (8U – 19U)
Summer 2023 9U/10U Preseason Select Camp – Invite Only
Summer 2023 All Boys Camp
Summer 2023 All Girls Camp
Summer 2023 Finishing Camp (9U – 19U)
Summer 2023 Preseason Recreational Camp (6U-8U)
Summer 2023 Rapids Development Centers (11U-12U)
Summer 2023 Rapids Development Centers (6U-8U)
- Fall
-
Fall 2022 Rapids Development Center (6U-8U)
- Winter
-
Player Pathways
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Destinations
Front Range In House
9v9
11v11
4v4/5v5/7v7
Soccer Start
Recreation
WPSL RAPIDS
COLLEGE
Champions League
Centennial League
Select Soccer
Competitive
RAPIDS TRAINING CENTERS
Player ID Position Specific
Player I.D
Futsal
United Futsal
ELITE DEVELOPMENT SQUADS
ECNL
Youth Club Elite
COLORADO RAPIDS
Colorado Switchbacks
Academy
Futures
Colorado Rapids
TOURNAMENTS SECTION
💪⚽️📰 NEW BLOG ➡️ cry.sc/motivation-23
Check out CRYSC Director of Mental Performance, Katie Pagel’s latest blog outlining the construct of motivation, how it affects us, & how to build motivation on & off the pitch!
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCSportsPsych

⚽️🇺🇸⚽️ CONGRATS to CRYSC alum & @coloradorapids forward @darrenyapi_ on being selected for the U20 Men’s @usynt camp! The USA takes on France tomorrow (3/22) at 11AM ET! GO RAPIDS & GO USA!!
#OneClubOneCommunity

🙋♂️🏅🙋♀️ Congrats to Shawn Woodall on winning our February @uchealth Player of the Month award!! Nominations are open for April & beyond in 2023!! Are YOU the next award winner? 👉 cry.sc/PotM 👈 #OneClubOneCommunity

🥅⚽️🙌 CHECK OUT some awesome highlights from the 30+ goals scored by our @ecnlboys teams vs. Pride & Real this past weekend!! GO RAPIDS! 🎵: Spinnin’ - Connor Price #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCBoysECNL

⚽️🙌⚽️ The 2023 @corapidswomen schedule is finally here! Come support your reigning Central Region Champs & Ntl. Finalists at @regisuniversity this summer!
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCWPSL @wpsl

🌤️🎬⚽️ This shot from our Rapids 09B Select 2 team at the #CRYSCIcebreaker is straight out of a movie! Send in your favorite photos to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our page! 📷: Coach Levi Boggess #OneClubOneCommunity

✈️🇩🇪📰 NEW BLOG ➡️ cry.sc/Germany-23
In January, 33 of our Rapids boys had an amazing opportunity to travel to Germany, immersing themselves in German culture & soccer! Stay tuned for more #CRYSCInternational trips this year! #OneClubOneCommunity

🇺🇸⚽️🇺🇸 CONGRATS to @rapids_academy product & CRYSC graduate, @miguelalv811 on being called up to the @usynt 15U Domestic Camp! Fantastic job, Miguel! #OneClubOneCommunity

Recreational FAQs
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.
- 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]).