The 5U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for 5- to 8-year-olds. The 5U-8U Recreational program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games on Saturdays. 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 the 9U-10U level and onward.

  • Teams are coached by parent volunteer coaches
  • Practice is held once a week for 60 minutes and games are played at a centralized location on Saturdays.
  • Teams play 7-8 games each season
Small-Sided Game ModelGoalkeeperTeam SizeBall SizePractices a WeekGames in a Season
5U (2019 birth years)3v3No6-7 players317-8
6U (2018 birth years)3v3No6-7 players317-8
7U (2017 birth years)3v3No6-7 players31-27-8
8U (2016 birth years)5v5Yes7-10 players31-27-8
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 can explore content, develop an understanding for the clubs coaching ‘language’ and create their own sessions. As the club continues to update and add new drills and practices, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for coaches, offer a more rewarding CRYSC experience for members, and ultimately enhance the level and consistency of soccer being played across the Club.

The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW) philosophy 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 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 will put players in realistic situations, that should always includes decision-making elements.

When coaching soccer, this can be used in a variety of ways to break down a technique, skill, or tactic. Most commonly the players are taken from a practice with high game context to a low one, before returning back 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, then 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

  • 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

In House Fall Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules may take place on Sundays as needed. 

September 2023

Game Day 1: September 9th
Game Day 2: September 16th
Game Day 3: September 23rd
Game Day 4: September 30th

October 2023

Game Day 5: October 7th
Game Day 6: October 14th
Game Day 7: October 21st
Game Day 8: October 28th

Potential Make Up dates: October 22nd, 29th, November 5th

  • Registration Opens – November 1
  • Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – March 6
  • Registration Late Fee – February 6th
  • Registration Last Minute Fee –  March 18
  • Training Starts – March 18th
  • First Game Kicks Off – March 30th

Spring Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.

March/April 2024

Game Day 1: March 30th
Game Day 2: April 6th
Game Day 3: April 13th
Game Day 4: April 20th
Game Day 5: April 21st
Game Day 6: April 27th

May 2024

Game Day 7: May 4th
Game Day 8: May 11th

Potential Makeup Dates: April 28th, May 5th, May 12th

Rock Cup Tournament: May 17th-19th (optional for an additional fee)

Alaina  BrothersAssistant Recreational Coordinator - Central [email protected]719.394.8096
Alana ChubbSoccer Start - 7U Director - Central [email protected]720-260-4703
Ingrid  AlvarezRecreational Coordinator - Central[email protected]719.362.0524
Brian Sheehan8U-10U Recreational Director - Central[email protected]719.368.4903

Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Recreational and Competitive league programs. Check out our Scholarships page to learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid. There, you can view specific recreational scholarship information and deadlines under the ‘Recreational 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 5U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for 5- to 8-year-olds. The 5U-8U Recreational program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games on Saturdays. 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 the 9U-10U level and onward.

  • Teams are coached by parent volunteer coaches
  • Practice is held once a week for 60 minutes and games are played at a centralized location on Saturdays.
  • Teams play 7-8 games each season
Small-Sided Game ModelGoalkeeperTeam SizeBall SizePractices a WeekGames in a Season
5U (2019 birth years)3v3No6-7 players317-8
6U (2018 birth years)3v3No6-7 players317-8
7U (2017 birth years)3v3No6-7 players31-27-8
8U (2016 birth years)5v5Yes7-10 players31-27-8
Curriculum
RISE (Rapids Integrated System of Excellence) is a one-of-a-kind youth soccer development platform that houses our club’s curriculum. RISE provides an online space where coaches can explore content, develop an understanding for the clubs coaching ‘language’ and create their own sessions. As the club continues to update and add new drills and practices, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for 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 train age-appropriate curriculum aimed at the long-term development of a soccer player. 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 will put players in realistic situations, that should always includes decision-making elements.

When coaching soccer, this can be used in a variety of ways to break down a technique, skill, or tactic. Most commonly the players are taken from a practice with high game context to a low one, before returning back 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, then 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

Fall Dates
  • 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

In House Fall Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules may take place on Sundays as needed. 

September 2023

Game Day 1: September 9th
Game Day 2: September 16th
Game Day 3: September 23rd
Game Day 4: September 30th

October 2023

Game Day 5: October 7th
Game Day 6: October 14th
Game Day 7: October 21st
Game Day 8: October 28th

Potential Make Up dates: October 22nd, 29th, November 5th

Spring Dates
  • Registration Opens – November 1
  • Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – March 6
  • Registration Late Fee – February 6th
  • Registration Last Minute Fee –  March 18
  • Training Starts – March 18th
  • First Game Kicks Off – March 30th

Spring Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.

March/April 2024

Game Day 1: March 30th
Game Day 2: April 6th
Game Day 3: April 13th
Game Day 4: April 20th
Game Day 5: April 21st
Game Day 6: April 27th

May 2024

Game Day 7: May 4th
Game Day 8: May 11th

Potential Makeup Dates: April 28th, May 5th, May 12th

Rock Cup Tournament: May 17th-19th (optional for an additional fee)

Contact
Alaina  BrothersAssistant Recreational Coordinator - Central [email protected]719.394.8096
Alana ChubbSoccer Start - 7U Director - Central [email protected]720-260-4703
Ingrid  AlvarezRecreational Coordinator - Central[email protected]719.362.0524
Brian Sheehan8U-10U Recreational Director - Central[email protected]719.368.4903
Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Recreational and Competitive league programs. Check out our Scholarships page to learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid. There, you can view specific recreational scholarship information and deadlines under the ‘Recreational 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. 

Central 5U Recreational League

Age Groups: 5U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Boys: Spring, Fall
$150Per Season
  • 8-9 Week Season
  • 7-8 Games
  • Proven Curriculum
  • Uniform Separate
  • Volunteer Coaches
  • Locations across Denver/Aurora

Central 6U Recreational League

Age Groups: 6U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall
$150Per Season
  • 8-9 Week Season
  • 7-8 Games
  • Proven Curriculum
  • Uniform Separate
  • Volunteer Coaches
  • Locations across Denver/Aurora

Central 7U Recreational Leagues

Age Groups: 7U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall
$170Per Season
  • 8-9 Week Season
  • 7-8 Games
  • Proven Curriculum
  • Uniform Separate
  • Volunteer Coaches
  • Locations across Denver/Aurora

Central 8U Recreational Leagues

Age Groups: 8U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall
$190Per Season
  • 8-9 Week Season
  • 7-8 Games
  • Proven Curriculum
  • Uniform Separate
  • Volunteer Coaches
  • Locations across Denver/Aurora
First Spring Games Kickoff In…
00
months
01
weeks
04
days
04
hours
30
minutes
43
seconds

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

It is important to note that uniforms are NOT included in registration costs. Additionally, uniforms are unavailable to purchase on-site at any CRYSC office – they must be purchased online via Soccer.com.

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 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.
  • 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 Expectations

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.

  • 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.
GAME FACILITATOR CARD
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 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.
  • 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

Game Facilitator Expectations

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.

  • 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.
GAME FACILITATOR CARD

Understanding Your Time in the 5U-8U Recreational League

The 5U-8U recreational league is the first time players will begin having practices during the week and games on the weekend. It’s important for parents to understand what is available to their child during their time in the 5U-8U program including any supplemental programs and what to expect as players move into the 9U league. Parent Volunteer Coaches decide with the input of other parents on the team when and where to practice for the season. Practices are held at local parks across Denver and Aurora. All 5U-8U recreational teams are given approximately 20 yards by 30 yards to practice. Team schedules can be found on your PlayMetrics account.

Rapids Youth Soccer posts all our game schedules on PlayMetrics two weeks before the first scheduled game. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to your PlayMetrics account.

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer in Action

⭐️🏅⭐️ CONGRATS to Izzie Harrison on winning our January 2024 @uchealth Player of the Month Award! Read more about Izzie 👉 cry.sc/Jan24-POTM

Are you the next @uchealth PotM? Nominate yourself, your player, or any athlete at CRYSC for a chance to be selected for next month’s award! 👉 cry.sc/PotM  #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCPotM
📰‼️📰 The CRYSC January Newsletter is OUT NOW, featuring 2024 spring rec, summer soccer camps, new additions to the CRYSC technical staff, 2024 spring tournaments series, CSA Coach of the Year winners & more! Check it out 👉 cry.sc/January-24

#OneClubOneCommunity
📚⚽️📚 Last week, CRYSC technical & admin staff from across our regions came together for our annual State of the Club meeting at @regisuniversity!! We’re pumped for the spring season & look forward to offering our membership the best youth soccer experience in Colorado throughout 2024!  #OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsEducate
‼️⚽️‼️ We’re excited to introduce Joe McNab as our new Castle Rock Regional Technical Director!! Joe joins CRYSC with years of experience as a player, technical director, & coach developer! 

#OneClubOneCommunity
‼️👉 cry.sc/zac-crawford 👈‼️  We’re excited to introduce Zac Crawford as our new Chief Technical Director!! Joining CRYSC from @ussoccer, Zac brings a wealth of experience at the grassroots & national levels to our club & the state of Colorado! Read more about his journey to CRYSC through the link ⬆️

#OneClubOneCommunity
🪄⚽️🪄 DISNEY MAGIC! CONGRATS to our Rapids North 09G ECNL-RL team for winning the Disney Girls Soccer Showcase 2-0 against Real Colorado Olympico ECNL-RL in Florida!  #OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsSuccess #CRYSCElite

Helpful Links: What’s Next For Your Player

null

9U-10U RECREATIONAL

After our 6U-8U leagues, players move into the 9U-10U recreational league, where they'll have designated practice and games. Get more info now.

null

SOCCER CAMPS

Rapids Youth Soccer offers a variety of camps to help players continue their development year-round. Check out the full Camps page to see how your player can continue to play after their last game!

09.17.22-GATESREC-35

REC HOME PAGE

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.

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]).