Serving players from: Denver • Aurora • Commerce City • Glendale • Green Valley • Lakewood • Northfield • Stapleton
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Rapids Youth Soccer is Colorado’s premier youth soccer experience and the only club in Colorado to offer opportunities from three-years-old to professional, from beginner to Major League Soccer.
CRYSC offers youth soccer programs to over thousands of children every season in and around Front Range. With satellite leagues across Colorado, we are confident we can provide your child a fun place to play.
Denver | Aurora | Commerce City | Glendale | Green Valley | Lakewood | Northfield | Stapleton
🚨 High school boys tryouts for Spring 2026 Competitive soccer are this October & November in our Castle Rock (10/26), South (11/09), Central (10/19), & North (10/24) regions! Learn more & register 👉 cry.sc/HSB-TO
#OneClubOneCommunity
🤩 08B Central ECNL-RL ➡️ @theecnl RL National Finals Bound! Richmond, we’ll see you soon.
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCECNLRL #RapidsSuccess
💙 CRYSC Central Rec celebrating Father’s Day at the @coloradorapids game this weekend!! THANK YOU to all of the amazing dads in our soccer community & around the world!
#OneClubOneCommunity
🥳 🎟️🥊 A HUGE 2-0 win for our Central 08B ECNL-RL in the @theecnl RL Playoff Championship game!! Their ticket is punched for Nationals - the journey continues July 11-14 in Richmond, VA!
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCBoysECNLRL
🔥 ECNL-RL FINALS BOUND! GOOD LUCK to our Central 08B ECNL-RL team facing off against Nebraska Sting for the ECNL-RL championship tomorrow at 12:30PM CST!
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCElite @ecnlboys
🎓⚽🎓 Graduate Spotlight: Noah Arter
Central 07B ECNL-RL’s Noah Arter is off to Arizona Christian University to continue his soccer journey & pursue a degree in Business Administration! From starting at age 5 in Moon Township, PA, to winning a high school state championship & traveling for tournaments, Noah has made the most of every opportunity.
He values the friendships and lessons gained through the game and lives by the motto, “Always give your best.” We can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next!
#Classof2025 #SeniorSeason #CollegeCommitment
⚽️ Introducing your 24/25 Rapids Youth Soccer Coaches of the Year, presented by @dickssportinggoods ⚽️
Patterson McKinlay - South 11B Burgundy
Brad Bryant - South 14G Bryant
Olivia Kearse-Thomas - Central 13G Select
James Quimby - Central 13B Select I
Joey Parks - North 16G White
Dannelle Lewandowski - North 06/07G ECNL-RL & North 12G ECNL-RL
Brett Bergendahl - Castle Rock 14B White
Alex Pacheco - Castle Rock 15G Rec+, Castle Rock 15G Rec, Castle Rock 20G Rec, & Soccer Start
Andrea Adfield - Fort Collins 17/18B Rec
Torre Alsup - Fort Collins 12/14B Rec
#OneClubOneCommunity #DevelopingRemarkableCoaches
⚽️🔥 Rapids Youth Soccer is proud to offer two @ecnlboys pathways: ECNL Elite & ECNL Central!
Our programs deliver top-tier competition, national showcases, full college recruitment support, & clear pre-professional opportunities! Since 2019, we’ve celebrated 138 college commits, & last year saw multiple players from our ECNL Boys programs take the next step into full-time roles with the Rapids Academy, with more on the rise this year!
#OneClubOneCommunity
Reflecting on 2025, I am struck by the energy of this organization. We navigated a dynamic local and national soccer landscape and emerged with something we are deeply proud of: stability, alignment, and a surge of momentum as we head into 2026. That does not happen by accident. It happens because of people.
Across our club, we are fortunate to have an exceptionally strong community—staff, coaches, players, parents, referees, volunteers, and partners—who show up every day committed to improving soccer in Colorado. Because of that collective effort, 2025 delivered meaningful wins on and off the field: competitive success, player development milestones, and continued growth in how we serve our community.
Having had the privilege of leading this club for a decade, I can say with confidence that I have never been more inspired or optimistic about where we are headed.
The forecast for 2026 is unprecedented. The World Cup comes to the United States, placing a global spotlight on the game we love. Denver Summit FC will arrive in our community, elevating women’s soccer across Colorado. Internally, we are preparing several major initiatives—from facilities and technology investments to ensuring our on- and off-field presence aligns with our local and national ambitions—to thoughtfully managing the significant age group changes coming in fall 2026. (More details on the age group changes will be shared in January.) All are grounded in one goal: building a powerful force for the future of our players and Colorado soccer.
Growth brings challenges, but today we are prepared. We are aligned. And we are driven by what lies ahead because of the people who make this club what it is.
Thank you for your trust, your commitment, and your belief in this community. We are excited to lead the charge into this new era of Colorado soccer together.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a strong start to 2026!
Click the posts below to view them on the CRYSC Instagram page!
Click the posts below to view them on the CRYSC Facebook page!
Click the posts below to view them on the CRYSC X/Twitter page!
CRYSC alumni make the playoffs with the Colorado Storm Men in their inaugural USL League 2 season!
Congrats to Ethan Michael, Marcus Von, Cole Wearner, Victor Rolph, Sean Belzer, Austin Hall, Zion Wagoner, Tobi Osifodunrin, and Jordan Lohr on their success with Colorado Storm Men, helping the team qualify for the playoffs in their first season!
"The USL 2 season was a strong first step toward building a lasting culture, clear pathway, and developmental environment for the future. Our players' overall commitment to attending training sessions, competing in games, and consistently improving throughout the summer was incredibly positive. We successfully rostered three youth players and provided training opportunities for over 15 youth players throughout the season. Our staff showed exceptional dedication, supporting player development while encouraging focus, attention to detail, and the pursuit of excellence. The future looks bright for USL 2 and USL A, and we're excited about what we can achieve together in 2026." - Danny Bills, Colorado Storm Men Head Coach
CRYSC alumni represent Colorado Storm Women in their second USL W League season!
Congrats to Lucy Garnsey, Emerson DeLuca, Samantha Maroni, Abriana Ruiz, Adeleine Walick, Marianna Annest, Samantha Dreiling, Marin Kotschau, Alexis Meyer, Alyssa Glover, Natalie Beckman, Cam Hurt, Emma Naftanel, and Elle Ceres on an excellent season in the USL W League with the Colorado Storm Women this summer!
"The goal of the Colorado Storm USL W season was to provide an elite training and match environment where players could grow, flourish, and prepare to step confidently into their fall college seasons. While we may not have achieved the ultimate success we aimed for, the team’s performance was a testament to their commitment and quality—we won 80% of our games and finished in the top 8 nationally in points per game, goals scored, and goal difference. Beyond the stats, we grew together as a group, built meaningful relationships, and created a standard of excellence that will carry forward. It was truly an honor to be part of this special group." - Tom Poole, Colorado Storm Women Head Coach
CRYSC players and alumni help launch the Colorado Storm Academy in the USL A League!
Colorado Storm USL A wrapped up their inaugural season with four wins and a strong 2nd-place finish in the division—an impressive accomplishment for a first-year program. Nearly every player on Storm USL A’s evolving player roster was a current or former CRYSC player, with only one exception. Congrats to the 35+ CRYSC athletes and alumni who played for Colorado Storm's new Academy team this season!
"Overall, this was a positive first season. We were able to create a team of youth players from CRYSC, connect them to our USL 2 team, and provide a quality training and game environment. We had a dedicated staff that put the players first, and we are very excited for Year 2. This year laid a strong foundation for the future, and the club looks forward to building on this success as the program continues to grow." - Storm Academy Coaching Staff
A special moment for CRYSC x Storm Academy: This July, our Elite Summer Residential Campers attended the Storm Academy vs Switchbacks II match at Regis University and cheered the team on to a huge 3-0 win. The 200+ players helped create an incredible atmosphere from the sidelines and even got in on the celebrations for Storm's first goal and then out on the field at full-time. Click here to check out photos from the night!
2025 has brought a wave of exciting progress across our National Platform Leagues and Elite-level pathways. This year, we successfully launched a fully aligned NP pathway across all six of our regions, creating a more unified and consistent developmental experience for our players. Additionally, our top-tier path is now fully integrated throughout the club, thereby strengthening the connection between local development and national-level competition.
On the boys’ side, we expanded our competitive offerings through multiple new ECNL programs, including:
For our girls’ pathway, we also saw significant growth this year, including:
Overall, these expanded pathways and league promotions position our club for an exciting year ahead, providing our athletes with more opportunities than ever to train, compete, and excel at the highest levels of competition.
Congratulations to our players who have received individual accolades, as well as to our teams, which have achieved historic success in the league, playoffs, and beyond! Below you'll find a recap of some of our favorite moments across Elite and National Platform programming in 2025.
ECNL: The ECNL Boys and Girls programs have made tremendous progress throughout the year, with players showing impressive growth and competitive spirit.
ECNL RL: The ECNL RL Boys and Girls programs have had an exemplary year, with success at Regionals and even a Finals Tournament appearance!
DPL: Our DPL program achieved significant milestones this past year. Based on strong performances, our teams earned promotion into the top league of the DPL platform and went on to send three teams to Nationals to compete at the highest level.
NPL and EAL: Our NPL and EAL programs have made significant strides over the past year, and we are excited to see them both continue to excel in 2026.
"This year, the Boys and Girls Pre-Elite programs benefited from a well-balanced calendar of local, regional, and national events designed to challenge players while prioritizing long-term growth. Together, the experiences we shared in 2025 created a season that was not just about competition, but about learning how to travel, compete, adapt, and grow—laying a strong foundation for future steps in the Elite pathway." - Jeff Oleck, CRYSC Elite Regional Manager
Throughout the fall and summer, Pre-Elite teams competed in local events such as the Arsenal Cup, Rapids Classic, Pride of the Rockies, Rush Cup, and Rapids Friendlies, providing strong early-season benchmarks and valuable competitive reps close to home . On the national stage, players gained exposure and experience at events including Utah SuperCopa, OK Energy Tournament, Mayor's Cup, and Pre-ECNL Texas events in Austin, testing themselves against top opposition and older age groups in demanding environments.
In addition to tournament play, the Pre-Elite experience included friendlies against top ECNL clubs, club-hosted events like the 5280 Friendlies and Showcase, and special programming moments such as Media Day and integrated futsal opportunities, all of which helped build confidence, connection, and comfort in different competitive settings. The calendar also featured intra-regional FLEX festivals, giving players repeated small-sided game experiences against familiar and new opponents, as well as the Steve Guppy “1v1 Formula” event (check out the video below!), which challenged players in fast-paced attacking and defending moments while encouraging creativity and individual problem-solving.
In 2025, the CRYSC futsal program entered a new and exciting phase, where we're reaching younger players. We've seen an influx of players born between 2019 and 2017 who have great potential and are developing an early love for the sport. A very talented generation of boys and girls is on the rise, and their passion for futsal has been great to see.
We are now ready to begin the winter tournament season, where we'll get to see how the kids apply the methodology and game plan learned throughout the year. 2026 is here, and this year our focus (outside of offering the best futsal opportunities for players in the state!) is growing our coaching staff, elevating our training through coach education, and continually improving the CRYSC futsal experience.
Congrats to our teams, players, and coaches on a year filled with success:
Learn more about CRYSC Futsal: We invite every CRYSC member to look into our program and see if futsal is the correct format to take your player’s game to the next level. We have built this program on developing skills and having fun. To learn more and keep up with everything Rapids Futsal, visit our website or follow us on X/Twitter and Instagram.
In January 2025, CRYSC launched the largest youth futsal tournament in Colorado's history! Thousands of players on over 100 teams journeyed to the Colorado Convention Center to play on international-sized courts against some of the highest-level competition in the nation. Our inaugural tournament featured 184 high-intensity matches, where 17 teams were crowned Colorado Futsal Champions.
"We're very proud to host a tournament with so much community engagement and see that futsal culture is growing. More players and families than ever are recognizing how futsal can be a valuable tool for soccer development, which is great for everyone. The launch of the CFC tournament has increased competitiveness and the level of play in Colorado, boosting Denver and our state's profile as a national reference for futsal. We are excited about the second edition of CFC 2026, and look forward to welcoming teams from out of state to a special competition in our backyard. Thank you to everyone who joined us last winter, and we'll see you soon at the 2026 tournament kicking off on January 17th!" - Rommy Ferreira, CRYSC Elite Director of Futsal
Success can be found at every level of Rapids Youth Soccer, and we are immensely proud of what our players have accomplished here in Colorado or while representing our club at events across the nation.
You can share these special moments with us anytime by emailing [email protected] with pictures and context - like the team name, event name, results, a story, etc... We can't wait to feature more Rapids excellence on our Instagram, Facebook, and X/Twitter in 2025!
Another college season is complete, and Rapids Youth Soccer alumni once again made their mark across programs nationwide. From freshmen earning meaningful first-year minutes to seniors logging over 1,100 minutes, the 2025 season highlighted depth, growth, and standout performances at every class level.
Across all classes, Rapids alumni combined for 379 games played, nearly 12,000 total minutes, multiple 1,000+ minute seasons, dozens of postseason appearances, All-Conference recognition, and some of the highest-level contributions across all levels of college soccer.
It has been an honor watching our alumni grow across the nation, while we continue to build the CRYSC College Placement Program at home. Below is a detailed recap celebrating the players and moments that defined this year, followed by a section highlighting our #CRYSCClassof2025 commitments.
“On behalf of Rapids Youth Soccer, we celebrate the Class of 2025 and early Class of 2026 signees for their remarkable achievements on and off the field. These athletes represent a diverse group across both our boys' and girls' programs, and their success is a testament to the commitment of our coaches, staff, players, and their families. We wish the #CRYSCClassof2025 success in their next chapters, and we look forward to highlighting our fall 2025 college commits as the first members of the #CRYSCClassof2026 starting this January!” - Anthony Presnell
CRYSC Class of 2025 College Commitments Not Pictured:
The CRYSC College Placement Program (CPP) is your Rapids resource for navigating the college selection process. If you have questions about CRYSC college soccer, please contact Anthony Presnell or visit the College Soccer page on the CRYSC website. For college recruitment tips, guides, and more, check out blog articles published by Anthony on our College Soccer News page.
When I think about 2025, I think about people. I think about players discovering new confidence, coaches stepping into their next level, parents feeling more connected to the process, and staff members continuing to grow into leaders. I think about the many moments — big and small — where our club took meaningful steps forward together.
And I think about alignment.
At the start of the year, I shared that the true test of our technical plan would not be how well it lived on paper, but how deeply it lived in our behavior. If 2024 was the year we developed our beliefs, 2025 became the year those beliefs took root across the club. In training sessions, on game days, in parent conversations, in Rising Rapids huddles, in ElevatED (our online learning platform), and across six regions, I saw our Game Model, Key Qualities, and coaching philosophy woven into everyday practice. This resulted in creating better, player-centered environments.
We started to move as One Club, One Community, not just in name, but in identity.
Over 600 total coaches stepped into formal learning this year, raising the standard for every age group, every training session, and every athlete they serve. And thousands of players felt the impact.
This is who we are as a club: A place that grows great coaches. A place that invests in people. A place where learning never stops.
We're proud to say that we have served more coaches in 2025 than ever before.
Interested in joining a CRYSC Education Course in 2026? Check out our Formal Education Guide for the full 2026 schedule and links to register!
One of the most important parts of my work this year lived behind the scenes — supporting our RTDs, DOCs, and coaches in creating consistent, meaningful learning environments for players. I often describe this as the amplifier effect: when I support one RTD well, I indirectly support every DOC they lead; when I support DOCs well, I indirectly support every coach on their roster; and when coaches feel aligned and equipped, thousands of players benefit. That cascading effect shaped much of my focus in 2025.
Throughout the year, I hosted monthly RTD leadership meetings, helped DOCs develop clearer communication cadences, and joined countless field visits and reflection sessions across all six regions. At our All-Staff Summit in early January, we even brought in a special guest speaker to dive into “load” and how it influences planning within our Blocks of Work — a conversation that helped anchor our technical rhythm for the rest of the year. These touchpoints strengthened relationships, clarified expectations, and unified our approach to the player experience at every stage of the pathway.
In November 2024, in partnership with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), we hosted an in-person SafeSport Workshop facilitated by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. This workshop was a critical step in reinforcing our club’s commitment to creating an abuse-free, safe, and inclusive sport culture for all participants.
Key Highlights:
Impact: This workshop not only educated our staff and coaches on best practices for safeguarding athletes but also reaffirmed our commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of all players. By implementing these protocols and resources, we aim to uphold the highest standards of athlete protection across our programs. This workshop represents another milestone in fostering a culture of safety, inclusivity, and accountability within Rapids Youth Soccer.
National Webinar: On February 12th, Daniel Agnew and I were invited to contribute to a national webinar hosted by the U.S. Soccer Safeguarding department as part of their webinar series. We spoke to the role of the coach in keeping players healthy and safe.
One of the most important parts of my work this year lived behind the scenes — supporting our RTDs, DOCs, and coaches in creating consistent, meaningful learning environments for players. I often describe this as the amplifier effect: when I support one RTD well, I indirectly support every DOC they lead; when I support DOCs well, I indirectly support every coach on their roster; and when coaches feel aligned and equipped, thousands of players benefit. That cascading effect shaped much of my focus in 2025.
Throughout the year, I hosted monthly RTD leadership meetings, helped DOCs develop clearer communication cadences, and joined countless field visits and reflection sessions across all six regions. At our All-Staff Summit in early January, we even brought in a special guest speaker to dive into “load” and how it influences planning within our Blocks of Work — a conversation that helped anchor our technical rhythm for the rest of the year. These touchpoints strengthened relationships, clarified expectations, and unified our approach to the player experience at every stage of the pathway.
This year also strengthened one of our most important national partnerships — our collaboration with AYSO. Their openness, alignment, and shared commitment to creating positive, player-centered environments helped expand the reach of our coach development work beyond CRYSC. Through shared courses, cooperative learning opportunities, and ongoing dialogue around best practices, AYSO has been an invaluable partner in elevating coaching standards across Colorado. We’re grateful for their support, their spirit of collaboration, and their belief in developing remarkable coaches. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more unified youth soccer community.
What I’m most proud of is how deeply we improved the player experience across every age and all levels of programming.
With our youngest players, we have implemented the Four-Goal Game at 5U and 6U at varying degrees across our 5 of our major regions, giving children more touches, more decisions, and more joy. This shift wasn’t just about a format; it was about honoring how kids learn. The smiles, chaos, laughter, and small breakthroughs I saw on those fields are exactly why we do this work.
At 8U Rising Rapids, we saw one of the biggest success stories of the year. We introduced monthly Blocks of Work, a complete session plan library, a progression from 1v1 to 7v7, redesigned festivals, and weekly coach support. Rising Rapids is serving as a true bridge between recreational soccer and the performance pathway, with a shared set of expectations, language, and developmental principles.
And across our competitive and National Platforms programs, we strengthened Game Model alignment while protecting the heart of our approach: developing thinkers. This fall, I helped coach a Pre-Elite Girls team — partly because the group needed additional support, but also because I believe leaders should stay connected to the player experience. The sessions, the relationships, and the growth from that group reminded me why player-centered coaching matters at every level.
I have also stepped in to mentor an ECNL coach during a challenging stretch. We worked through game analysis, training clarity, communication strategies, and role definition. Watching that coach regain confidence and finish the season strong was one of the most meaningful moments of my year.
Our work in the 5U and 6U age groups remained a major priority this year. Beyond the introduction of the Four-Goal Game, I spent the fall visiting every region, supporting DOCs on the ground, and observing dozens of sessions and game days. These visits helped us better understand the true player and coach experience at the earliest stages — from field layouts and match flow to coach confidence and parent engagement. Working closely with DOCs, we refined how we support volunteer coaches, ensured the environments stayed joyful and developmentally appropriate, and reinforced the habits and behaviors we want our youngest players to grow with.
Our work in Rising Rapids continued to grow into one of the most coordinated, intentional projects in the entire club. Through biweekly DOC and staff meetings, we aligned on training themes, session structures, matchday expectations, and communication strategies. I personally led multiple festivals, supported directors on staffing and field operations, and helped troubleshoot challenges in real time.
Together with our DOCs and staff, we created 24 fully developed training session plans, each intentionally built around the Play–Practice–Play methodology and our Game Model; sessions were designed to keep learning environments active, engaging, and fun. These plans ensured consistency across regions and provided coaches with clear, developmentally appropriate activities rooted in our principles. Rising Rapids has truly become a cornerstone of our club — a place where foundational habits are built, and where players begin to understand the game through joy, exploration, and guided challenge.
One of the most meaningful shifts we made in 2025 was how we organized, shared, and lived our technical ideas. At the center of that effort was our Technical Development Calendar — a yearlong roadmap that helped us anchor key themes, guide staff conversations, and intentionally sequence learning across the club. Every month began with deep internal work: meeting with our RTDs, aligning terminology and expectations, reviewing trends from coaching courses, and filtering complex ideas into clear, digestible messages for the DOCs who lead our regional environments. From there, the learning reached every coach in the club through our Coach Development Newsletters and ElevatED micro-courses, ensuring that the same themes were reinforced on the field, in planning sessions, and in everyday conversations with players and families.
This process became one of the joys of the year. It allowed us to move as a united coaching community — not by forcing uniformity, but by sharing purpose, language, and intention. Month by month, the calendar gave us a narrative thread to follow, helping us build a club where coaches weren’t just receiving information but were growing together, shaping a more connected and consistent player experience across all six regions.
This year, our Coach Development newsletters told the story of our technical growth month by month. Weaving our monthly newsletters into a narrative thread became a way to guide the club through the year, one theme at a time. Each month added another layer to our identity, gradually shaping how we think, teach, and talk about the game.
Want to better understand the ins and outs of CRYSC Coach Education this past year? Follow these links to check out our quarterly Elite Newsletters from Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Winter 2025 (just released this December)!
One of the most significant steps forward in 2025 was the launch of ElevatED, our club’s first-ever learning management system. For years, CRYSC has dreamed of building a place where every coach — from brand-new volunteers to future B License coaches — could access short, meaningful learning at any time. This year, ElevatED became real.
ElevatED now houses micro-courses, Game Model modules, teaching formation lessons, warm-up protocols, key qualities, and entire pathways aligned to our technical plan. Coaches receive rewards for completing modules, and for the first time ever, we have a truly unified platform for supporting learning across all six regions.
In August, I wrote: “Think of ElevatED as your digital trail map for coaching growth.” Thousands of coaches will walk that trail in the years ahead — and their players will feel the impact.
As we look to 2026, ElevatED will continue to be the foundation of our learning culture—evolving alongside our coaches, strengthening our shared technical identity, and helping every player across CRYSC benefit from more confident, connected, and purposeful coaching. We look forward to continuing to build together next year and beyond!
In 2021, UCHealth and CRYSC teamed up to highlight the amazing individuals at the Club with a new "UCHealth Player of the Month" award!
This award was created to put a spotlight on players who have shown athletic excellence, academic achievement, or exemplary character out on the fields or in their community. Monthly winners have been featured on the CRYSC blog page and in a recurring section of the Club newsletter. Thank you to everyone who nominated a player, and congratulations to our winners.
You can find a recap of our UCHealth Player of the Month awards, as well as a new blog for our December 2025 recipient, below. Click here to nominate a player for this January!
Congratulations to Jaeden Stangle on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for December 2025!
Jaeden is a forward in our North Adaptive Program who brings heart, determination, and passion to everything he does. He’s a joy to have on the fields and an outstanding special needs student at Fireside Elementary, who was recently recognized as Student of the Month. With his can-do attitude, favorite hat, and eagerness to try new things, Jaeden continues to inspire us! Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Noah Kapustka on winning our January 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Noah is an attacker for our Rapids 08B and 09B NPL teams, where his coaches and teammates consistently praise his skill, intelligence, strength, and unwavering dedication. Noah is a deaf athlete with ambitions of becoming a key player and captain for both the US Deaf National Team and the Rochester Institute of Technology’s soccer team. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Mateo Martinez on winning our February 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Mateo is a defender for our Rapids 15B Rising Rapids Burgundy team. His coaches and teammates consistently praise his work ethic, coachability, and respect for others. They describe him as a humble and thoughtful player who assists his teammates and classmates when they need a hand. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Lotte Nydam on winning our March 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Lotte is a central midfielder for our Rapids 09G South ECNL-RL team, known for her unwavering consistency and ability to lead by example, both on and off the field. Her coaches and teammates consistently praise her for her leadership and dedication, and Lotte’s fierce competitive spirit drives her to always strive for improvement. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Colin Riley on winning our April 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Colin is a center back for our 08B Central Select I team, known for his exceptional speed, athleticism, and ability to lead by example, both on and off the field. His coaches and teammates consistently praise his leadership, strategic mindset, and resilience, qualities that shine through in his play and in every aspect of his life. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Nico Walthall on winning our May 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Nico is an attacking midfielder for our 14B Pre-Elite team, known for his athleticism, work ethic, and leadership. He was named Player of the Week at the 2024 Rapids Elite Residential Camp, not just for his soccer ability, but for the way he carried himself on and off the field. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Hannah Johnson on winning our June 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Hannah is a holding midfielder for our Rapids North 10G Select I team, known for her loyalty, work ethic, and positive energy. Voted team captain, she leads by example across every sport she plays, earning Most Improved honors in both varsity basketball and cross country and capping her high school freshman soccer season as a Second-Team All-Conference selection. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Bailey Girtin on winning our July 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Bailey is a forward for our Rapids Fort Collins 07G Select team, known for her tireless work ethic, versatility, and leadership. Whether she’s filling in on defense, controlling the midfield, or stepping up in the attack, she adapts seamlessly and performs at a consistently high level. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Sophia Ring on winning our August 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Sophia is a center back for our Rapids 10G DPL team, known for her dedication to her team and ability to anchor on defense. This summer, Sophia’s on-the-field performance at DPL Nationals was impressive. The squad went 2-0-2 and only conceded one goal in the entire competition with her performance in the backfield. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Claire Archer on winning our September 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Claire is a goalkeeper for our Rapids 09G ECNL team, known for her resilience, perseverance, and passion for the game. After two years of chronic hip pain and a few non-contact hip injuries, Claire was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. In the past 10 months, she has had three surgeries. Despite this, Claire has been cleared to play since August, attending all training sessions and playing in games. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Mariah Fletemeyer on winning our October 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Mariah is a goalkeeper for our Rapids 07/08G North ECNL-RL team, known for her determination, optimism, and love for the game. From the moment she fell in love with soccer, Mariah has shown quiet confidence and a relentless drive to compete at the highest levels. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
Congrats to Sutton Persichina on winning our November 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Sutton is a forward for our Rapids South 09G ECNL-RL team, known for her leadership, consistency, and exceptional athleticism. As captain, she has been a driving force for a newly formed roster, contributing a goal or assist in every match since the Rapids Classic. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!
“UCHealth is proud to partner with Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club and to help care for the club’s athletes. We’ll be available to help care for any injuries that might occur, but our most important mission is to work with the Club’s coaches and administration, providing the most advanced resources to athletes and their families to help prevent injuries from happening in the first place.” – Dr. Scott Laker, UCHealth and CU Sports Medicine Specialist. Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
CRYSC members can look forward to more pro-level videos highlighting all of our major tournaments in 2025! Click the thumbnails below to watch videos from our 2025 Colorado Futsal Championships, Boys Icebreaker Tournament, Rocky Mountain Spring Championships (RMSC), Kelvin Norman x Mile High Showcase, Fall Friendlies, Rapids Classic, Fall Footie Fest, Rocky Mountain Fall Championships (RMFC)!
Looking back on the year, CRYSC International welcomed over 100 players, family members, and staff on our 2025 trips - adding to the 600+ travelers who have joined us since the program’s inception. This year’s destinations included Costa Rica, Spain, and England, each offering a unique blend of soccer and cultural immersion.
Highlights ranged from attending a Champions League match in Madrid with 68,000 cheering fans, to taking culinary tours through Barcelona, to walking in the footsteps of the Beatles at Liverpool’s Albert Docks. Players also enjoyed unforgettable moments such as leading youth clinics in a San Jose neighborhood, lacing up against West Ham's grassroots program, competing on a pitch donated by Prince William outside London, and searching for sloths and howler monkeys in the Costa Rican jungle.
We also launched our first “Fan Experience” trip, offering travelers a short yet action-packed getaway to London, featuring three professional matches in just five days. Open to 10U–19U players from all levels across the club, this tour gives families the chance to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of London over the holidays—capped off with Premier League and/or Championship fixtures for a true taste of English football culture.
These experiences - spanning world-class football, historic sites, and vibrant local cultures - represent exactly why CRYSC International exists: to foster holistic growth and perspective of the world through a soccer lens. Thank you for your support and trust as we continue to create meaningful global experiences for our players, families, and coaches.
As the CRYSC International Program expands and diversifies its offerings in 2026, including a service-leadership trip to Uganda, we’re excited for another year of exploration and connection. Click here to learn more - we can’t wait to welcome you on a future trip!
With the continued support of UCHealth/CU Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our CRYSC Sports Medicine Department spent 2025 focused on one thing: keeping Rapids athletes healthy, confident, and on the field. Through our partnership, members receive top-tier care, free injury evaluations, evidence-based prevention and rehabilitation programs, and direct referrals to UCHealth/CU’s state-of-the-art facilities and specialists, ensuring a seamless, “VIP” experience for every family.
What We Focused On This Year
What Families Can Expect in 2026
How to Access Your Benefits: To schedule an initial consultation, please reach out to me, Julie Graves, CRYSC Head Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine. I’ll assess your athlete and coordinate any necessary rehab or referrals to develop a safe and efficient return-to-play plan.
Contact: [email protected]
If your family needs anything at any time, whether it be an evaluation, a second opinion, a referral, or guidance on next steps, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re grateful for the opportunity to care for our athletes and look forward to supporting you in the year ahead.
In 2025, the CRYSC Adaptive Soccer/TOPS program made significant strides forward by expanding into new regions, hosting our first-ever Winter Adaptive Festival, and welcoming more children and adults with intellectual, emotional, and/or physical disabilities than ever into a program where games and activities are tailored to their needs.
One of the most meaningful and exciting areas of growth for our club this year has been our Adaptive Soccer programming (also known as TOPSoccer), now led by Ashley Heinekamp. What began as a small, passionate effort to create inclusive, player-centered spaces in our North region has evolved into one of the most impactful programs across our entire club.
We’re now proudly offering Adaptive Soccer/TOPS in four of our five major regions, with demand continuing to rise each season. Families consistently express their gratitude for an environment where every player is welcomed, supported, and celebrated for who they are. Under Ashley’s leadership, the program has become more structured, more visible, and more deeply connected to our mission of serving all players — regardless of ability, experience, or background.
Our numbers continue to grow, but more importantly, so does our sense of purpose. Adaptive Soccer reflects the heart behind the crest — creating pathways where every player belongs, every family feels seen, and every game is a celebration of what makes our community special.
If you have questions or would like to get involved, please reach out to [email protected]!
Shout out to the players, parents, coaches, and special guest RapidMan who joined us at The Eddy in February 2025 for our first annual Adaptive Winter Festival! It was an evening of games and goals for players in our community with developmental and/or physical disabilities!
Adaptive Fest returns on February 15, 2026: We’re excited to host our second Winter Adaptive Festival this February! Players, parents, and staff across all our regions are invited to join us for a day of joy, connection, and community. Adaptive Fest has quickly become a highlight for our club, not just because of the smiles on the field, but because it reminds us of what soccer can be: a shared experience that brings people together.
Follow all of our coverage throughout the year by clicking here to sign up for the CRYSC Newsletter!
Our monthly newsletter is where you can find brand new blogs, success stories on and off the field, our latest Player of the Month, partnership announcements, education opportunities, and SO MUCH MORE! Catch up on all of our newsletters from last January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
2025 was an exciting year of growth and new opportunities for Rapids Youth Soccer. We can't thank you enough for shaping this club, and we eagerly await kicking off a new season of tournaments and league play together this spring!
Jaeden is a forward in our North Adaptive Program who brings heart, determination, and passion to everything he does. He’s a joy to have on the fields and an outstanding special needs student at Fireside Elementary, who was recently recognized as Student of the Month for his positive attitude and perseverance. He has achieved impressive milestones, including being named Rider of the Year at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, earning two first-place ribbons at a recent horse show, and achieving a blue belt in Muay Thai. He also took to the skies through Challenge Air, flying a small airplane as part of the program’s mission to empower individuals with special needs. Jaeden is an active participant in Adam’s Camp, where he received the Heart of the Pack award for his positivity and teamwork. With his can-do attitude, favorite hat, and eagerness to try new things, Jaeden continues to inspire us!
This January, Jaeden will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge his achievements. We met with Jaeden’s family to learn a bit more about him. Check out the full interview below!
Soccer has taught Jaeden how, with hard work and showing up ready to play every time, he can learn a new sport and accomplish a lot of personal goals. It has been a way for him to support other teammates and to feel a sense of belonging to a team. He looks forward to practice and enjoys learning new skills step by step. Soccer gives him confidence and a place where he can feel included.
Jaeden always shows up ready to play. He always tries his best and likes to complete and accomplish things. He has proven he can do anything he puts his mind to. Jaeden never wants to miss practice; it’s something he looks forward to. He takes pride in being a part of the team and puts a lot of effort into supporting his teammates.
He really enjoys playing with his soccer buddy. That one-on-one time is special to him, and it allows him to learn more effectively. Jaeden loves to be active in the community when it comes to soccer etc… he is always willing to try new things as well as make new friends. He really likes the parachute at the end of practice. He enjoys learning new skills, working through challenges, and continues to participate, even when it’s difficult, which is a big accomplishment for him. He is proud to contribute to the team.
Jaeden has completed every session the Adaptive program has offered. He likes running, dribbling the soccer ball, and scoring goals. He is proud of stepping up to the challenges he faces during practice and games. He has learned a lot and continues to learn every time he plays. He is proud that even though it’s hard, he doesn’t give up.
Jaeden won 2 first place ribbons at this year’s horse show. Jaeden is awesome at reading.
Jaeden is a team player and is always willing to get his teammates involved in the game. He loves clapping for his teammates when they do a good job. Jaeden likes to celebrate the wins with his teammates and encourages them when things are more difficult. He is very supportive of his teammates.
Jaeden is always willing to try new things and put his teammates first. At camp this summer, he was awarded the “Heart of the Pack” award, which truly speaks to his big heart and courage, which shines bright every day.
THE COLORADO RAPIDS!
Jaeden wants to keep learning and bettering his soccer skills while making new friends and bringing fun to the game.
Jaeden is inspired by his mom, who pushes him to always do his best and encourages him to learn the skills needed for the future.
Jaeden loves reading (especially Pete the Cat books), competing in all different sports, swimming, traveling, and playing games. He especially loves playing board and card games with his family and friends. He’s really great at Candyland and matching games.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
Sutton is a forward for our Rapids South 09G ECNL-RL team, known for her leadership, consistency, and exceptional athleticism. As captain, she has been a driving force for a newly formed roster, contributing a goal or assist in every match since the Rapids Classic and earning praise from coaches across the league for her competitiveness and work ethic.
Off the field, Sutton is a standout multi-sport athlete at Chaparral High School, excelling in both cross country and flag football while maintaining a 3.85 GPA. She also volunteers at Lone Tree Elementary, where she supports administrative tasks and participates in after-school programs. Sutton embodies CRYSC’s values through her dedication, performance, and commitment to community.
This December, Sutton will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge her achievements. We met with Sutton to learn a bit more about her. Check out the full interview below!
Soccer has been an important influence in my life. It has given me many opportunities to grow as a person both on and off the field. I have built connections and friendships with a wide group of people, learned how to accept feedback and change, and have developed a strong sense of grit by playing soccer.
I believe I was nominated for this award because I set a positive example for others, show up ready to work hard, and my dedication to the club, team, and my coach is evident.
CRYSC is always looking for ways to build pathways for its players, no matter their level. I have grown up in this club, and I appreciate the support that I have received from my coaches over the years.
I’m most proud of my PK in the first round of district playoffs for varsity during my freshman year, which moved us into Round 2.
The academic achievement that I am most proud of is receiving the Athletic Scholar of the Year award during my sophomore year. This highlighted the hard work that I display on the field and in the classroom.
Outgoing, fast, and fair.
My sportsmanship is shown in my ability to accept feedback and listen to coaches, respect the calls made by refs, and celebrate good plays made by teammates and opponents.
The U.S. Women’s National Team.
I would love to play soccer in college at the D1 or D2 level.
My parents are my greatest inspiration. They are great role models for me and are always there to celebrate and support me in my activities.
Outside of CRYSC, I am involved in many sports at my high school, including cross country, track, golf, soccer, and flag football. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
Dear CRYSC Families, Players, and Supporters,
As we close out 2025, we want to share something we’re incredibly proud of — something that sits at the core of who we are as a club: We are committed to developing remarkable coaches.
Behind every great player experience is a coach who creates the environment, sets the tone, chooses the words, and inspires kids to fall in love with the game. This year, our coaching staff took enormous steps forward, and we want to celebrate them with the entire CRYSC community.
This year, CRYSC doubled down on what makes us special — developing remarkable coaches. Across the Front Range, in the mountains, and even out of state, our coaches showed up in record numbers to learn, grow, and sharpen their craft.
That’s 411 coaches across CRYSC who invested in learning how to design better activities, manage safer environments, and create more joyful experiences for our youngest players. This is the foundation of our club — and we are incredibly proud of them.
Combined, these programs produced: 178 advanced learners across B, C, D, and Leadership pathways
A total of 589 CRYSC coaches stepped into formal learning this year, raising the standard for every age group, every training session, and every athlete they serve. And thousands of players felt the impact.
This is who we are as a club:
We believe in something simple:
This has become our niche. Our identity. Our competitive advantage.
CRYSC is now one of the largest and most active coach-development hubs in the country — something we are deeply proud of and something that directly impacts the experience your players receive on the field.
This year also marked an important step forward in our collaboration with AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization). Together, we’ve worked to expand access to coach education across Colorado, aligning resources, sharing educators, and making it easier for community coaches to begin their Grassroots journey. This partnership helps us fulfill U.S. Soccer’s vision to make coach education more accessible, and it ensures that more players across the state — regardless of club or level — are guided by coaches who are equipped to create safe, fun, and development-focused environments.
AYSO has been an outstanding partner, and we’re excited to continue building a unified pathway for coaches throughout Colorado in 2026 and beyond.
We’re taking all of this momentum straight into 2026 with our most ambitious coach education calendar yet. Across our regions, we’ll run a full slate of GR and D License courses, giving coaches their next step after Grassroots and ensuring the developmental “escalator” continues upward.
Next year, CRYSC will host two B License courses — one in the spring and one in the fall — offering some of the most advanced coach education pathways available in the country. We’ll also launch a national Winter C Course designed with college coaches in mind (but open to everyone), and we’ll add another C Course in the summer along with one more in the fall to support coaches across multiple starting points.
Our Club Technical Leadership Course (CTL-1) will also return, preparing the next wave of DOCs, regional leaders, and advanced practitioners within the club.
Taken together, these offerings position Colorado — and CRYSC — as a true destination for coach education. Coaches will come here not just to learn, but to grow in a community that values development, reflection, and long-term support.
2025 didn’t just bring more courses — it marked the evolution of our long-term approach to coach development. At CRYSC, we’re building a true, year-round learning system designed to meet coaches where they are and keep them growing over time. Our winter and early spring months now launch the major U.S. Soccer courses, creating the first wave of learning each year. Summer brings the energy of Grassroots licensing and on-field workshops, giving newer coaches their first step onto the “escalator” — a pathway that begins with GR courses, delivers a quality learning experience, and invites them to return for the next level. By fall, long-form courses are reaching their assessment phase, and a second wave of licensing emerges. Late fall and winter become a period of reflection, catching breath, and preparing for the next cycle.
This rhythm isn’t accidental — it’s a long-term strategy. The more consistently we offer meaningful, accessible learning opportunities, the more we empower coaches to stay on the escalator and keep climbing. When a coach has a positive first experience, they’re far more likely to return for a D License, then a C, and eventually step into leadership courses like the B or the Club Technical Leadership Level 1 course.
In many ways, we are bringing U.S. Soccer’s vision to life right here in Colorado: make education accessible. By offering courses across multiple regions, blending virtual and in-person experiences, and running programming year-round, we’re turning Colorado into a destination for coach education — a place where coaches at every level can learn, grow, and belong.
This is a long game. And it’s one we’re proud to lead.
These offerings position CRYSC as a national leader in coach education. CLICK HERE to see our list of upcoming courses.
In addition to U.S. Soccer licensing, CRYSC will also begin hosting United Soccer Coaches diplomas, opening more learning pathways in:
More options → More learning → Better coaches → Better environments for players.
When/Where? June 26–28, 2026 | Regis University
Theme: “Men’s World Cup Edition”
Three days of:
This will become one of Colorado’s premier coaching events — and a celebration of the people who make CRYSC special.
To every family, player, volunteer, referee, and supporter across our club — thank you for trusting our coaches with your players.
To our coaches — thank you for showing up, for learning, for reflecting, for caring, and for helping us build something special here in Colorado.
2025 was a huge step forward.
2026 will be even bigger.
And together, we’ll continue to raise the standard for what remarkable coaching looks like.
With gratitude,
Zac Crawford
Chief Technical Director
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) serves approximately 10,000 players ages three through 19, beginner to elite, in year-round leagues, camps, and tournaments. As a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CRYSC has been named a top 15 youth soccer club in the U.S. by Soccerwire and the top youth soccer club in Colorado by Colorado Parent Magazine. CRYSC’s mission is to provide an environment where young soccer players from diverse backgrounds are guided and inspired to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.
Mariah is a goalkeeper for our Rapids 07/08G North ECNL-RL team, known for her determination, optimism, and love for the game. From the moment she fell in love with soccer, Mariah has shown quiet confidence and a relentless drive to compete at the highest levels. Mariah’s constant grit and courage make her a great nominee for Player of the Month.
Off the field, Mariah founded the Niwot Women’s Sports Collective (NWSC) after noticing the difference in attendance between women’s and men’s sports at her school. The club meets regularly to plan fundraisers, attend games, and support women’s teams and athletes at Niwot High School. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.
This November, Mariah will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge her achievements. We met with Mariah to learn a bit more about her. Check out the full interview below!
Over the course of my life, soccer has been so much more than just a game. It has taught me so many lessons, and I cannot attribute anything to my success more than this sport. First, it has given me a sense of purpose more than anything ever could. After a hard day at school, or when dealing with stress, I always know that as soon as my feet touch the pitch, none of that matters. The ability to have this escape, whether it’s working hard at practice, or competing in a game, Is an indescribable feeling. Along with this, soccer has also taught me a lot about hard work. I have begun to understand how important consistency, and repetition truly is. The small amounts of work that you put in everyday might not seem significant to start, but over the course of weeks, months, and even years, this hard work all adds up and you begin to see progress. Lastly, soccer has taught me a great deal about friendship, and connections. The effort that you put into creating a good team environment has life long effects on all of the players, including myself.
I believe that my hard work, and my commitment to this sport, led me to be nominated.
(As well as my amazing family who nominated me!!)
My favorite part about playing for the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer club are the ECNL tournaments that we are able to attend. Having the privilege to travel, explore new places, and being able to play for my club in another state is such a memorable experience, and is by far the most enjoyable part of playing for the Rapids.
I am most proud of being the starting goalkeeper on my high school soccer team since my freshman year, and being named captain my junior year. Taking on these leadership positions has allowed me to become a well rounded person, and I really enjoy creating these special relationships with my teammates and coaches.
Academically, my biggest accomplishment has been my focus on my grades, and the amazing classes that I have been able to take because of that. This year, I am taking the brand new AP African American Studies course, and it has been beyond eye opening for me. I believe that taking hard classes has led me to have a more expansive view of the world, and also challenges me to manage multiple things at once.
I believe that my teammates would describe me as kind, chatty, positive, and committed. I really enjoy bringing a positive and lighthearted energy to the game, while also being able to channel that into intensity in high stakes moments, especially during games and practice. I always try lift up others, while also challenging my teammates so we can all succeed together.
During my Junior year of high school, I created a club called Niwot Women’s Sports Collective. (NWSC).
The goal of this club is to create a more supportive environment for the girls who play sports at my school, and create awareness for women’s sports overall in our community. While women’s sports is becoming more popular, It often gets put on the back burner when it comes to financial and physical support. (Such as people attending the games) The purpose of this club is to end the stigma of girls sports being secondary, and get people to support no matter their affiliation with the sport themselves.
My favorite soccer player is Tim Howard, and my favorite teams are The Colorado Rapids, and the US Women’s National Team.
In my future, I would like to play soccer in college, study politics, help my community in anyway that I can, and build new relationships. I am very interested in learning new things, and I definitely want to continue being curious after high school.
My biggest inspiration throughout my career has been Tim Howard. (Former Colorado Rapids Goalkeeper.)
The reason he is my idol is because of his hard work, his talent, and his character. While he is one of the most amazing goalkeepers ever, and was incredibly skilled, he has such a humbleness to him that many famous athletes do not have. I appreciate the way he views the world, other people, and his overall respect for the people around him. I was fortunate enough to meet him in person, and I have never met a more kind person, and I definitely hope to continue emulating that as well.
Some things I enjoy include reading, being in involved in my community, working out/going to the gym, spending quality time with the people I love, and watching soccer.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
As the fall season reaches its midpoint for many of our teams and concludes for our recreation teams, it’s a natural time for players, parents, and coaches to take stock — to look at how far we’ve come, what we’ve learned, and where we can keep growing.
After September’s focus on joy and attacking creativity, October shifts the spotlight toward ownership, accountability, and defending together as one team.
Across all programs, we’re connecting three key themes that build complete players and stronger teams:
These threads work together to help every player take charge of their own learning while strengthening how we perform together on the field. Our learning themes this month reinforce that development is not linear; it’s a cycle of planning, doing, and reflecting. By embracing this process, we empower players to take charge of their own journey while strengthening their ability to compete, recover, and adapt as the season unfolds.
Midseason check-ins are more than progress reports — they’re opportunities to help players think about their own growth.
When coaches and players reflect together using our Key Qualities (KQs) framework, we focus on effort, learning, and mindset — not just results.
For Players:
For Coaches:
“What are you most proud of so far?”
“What’s one thing you want to do better next week?”
For Parents:
CRYSC Key Message: Development is a continuous cycle — assess, plan, act, and reflect. Progress happens through consistent effort and honest reflection.
If reflection helps players understand where they are, Responsibility & Initiative helps them decide where they’re going.
This Key Quality emphasizes personal accountability — taking action, making decisions, and leading with purpose.
For Players:
For Coaches:
For Parents:
CRYSC Message: Responsibility and initiative build confidence. When players take charge of their own actions, they grow as people and as teammates.
Defending is where reflection and responsibility come alive.
When the team loses the ball, every player has a job to do — staying compact, communicating, and recovering together. Defending isn’t just about stopping goals; it’s about creating organization, discipline, and unity.
Our Game Idea:
When out of possession, we aim to make play predictable and win the ball back as early and as high up the field as possible. We control space, deny penetration, and stay connected.
For Players:
For Coaches:
For Parents:
CRYSC Message: Compactness is our collective defensive identity. Defending together builds connection, resilience, and pride in the team.
October connects reflection, responsibility, and resilience — three traits that drive both soccer success and life success.
When players pause to assess, take initiative to improve, and defend together, they’re developing habits that last beyond the game.
Key Reminders:
Let’s finish the season strong by staying organized, accountable, and relentless — both on and off the field.
“Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through awareness, accountability, and consistent action.”
— Zac Crawford, Chief Technical Director, Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) serves approximately 10,000 players ages three through 19, beginner to elite, in year-round leagues, camps, and tournaments. As a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CRYSC has been named a top 15 youth soccer club in the U.S. by Soccerwire and the top youth soccer club in Colorado by Colorado Parent Magazine. CRYSC’s mission is to provide an environment where young soccer players from diverse backgrounds are guided and inspired to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.
Staff Member
Title
Contact
¿Habla
Español?
High School Boys & Girls Director - Central
Phone: 720.335.5760
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: No
11U-14U Girls Director of Coaching - Central
Phone: 720-240-9049
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: No
Competitive Administrator - Central
Phone: 720-213-8432
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: No
8U-10U Recreational Director- Central
Phone: 720.213.6787
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: No
Rising Rapids & Select Administrator - South & Central
Phone: 719.347.1552
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: No
Director of Camps and Community Outreach - Central
Phone: 720-288-0686
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: No
11U-14U Boys Director of Coaching - Central
Phone: 720-449-6527
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: Sì
Soccer Start - 7U Director - Central
Phone: 720-260-4703
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: No
11U-19U Recreational Program Director - Central
Phone: 720.263.0641
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: No
National Platform Operations Coordinator - Central
[email protected]
719.394.8096
No
National Platform Operations Coordinator - Central
Phone: 719.394.8096
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: No
Director of Operations, Strategy & Analysis
Phone: 719.359.4719
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: No
Technical Director - Central
Phone: 719.377.2758
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: No
8U - 10U Select Director - Central
Phone: 719.357.9268
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: No
Recreational Coordinator - Central
Phone: 719.362.0524
Email: [email protected]
Habla Español?: Sì
Address: 111 Havana St, Aurora, CO 80010, #120
Hours: Monday – Friday | 8am to 5pm
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 303.399.5858 ext 212
Recreational Home
Curious about what other programming takes place in CRYSC's recreational programming? Check out the Rec Home page for more information across different age groups.
Competitive Home
Fuel your child’s competitive spirit and unlock their full potential with Rapids Youth Soccer’s Competitive programs. Check out the Rapids Youth Competitive and see where passion meets excellence in Youth Soccer!
Elite
After participating in our Competitive programs, players are eligible to tryout for our Elite Programs. Get more information here.
Tournaments Home
Curious about what other programming takes place in CRYSC's recreational programming? Check out the Rec Home page for more information across different age groups.
College Placement
Check out more information regarding our College Placement Program, including upcoming events where your player can be seen by local and national college coaches of all levels.
Club News
Check out our blogs about sports medicine, sport psychology, Player of the Month, international trips, and so much more!
Rapids Tickets
All CRYSC members receive a discount to cheer on our MLS team out a DICK's Stadium!
Meet our Staff
Rapids Youth Soccer hires some of the nation's best youth soccer minds to prepare our kids for a long-term career in soccer.
