CRYSC 9U-10U programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the Soccer Start and 6U-8U programs and builds on the Colorado Rapids curriculum. Program offerings cover the spectrum of player pathways, from beginner to pre-competitive leagues that offer the highest level of competition in the State.

Training and games are held at convenient, centralized, community locations in the Denver metro area. Game format is played in line with US Soccer Directives for small sided games, which is 7v7 with goalkeepers. Team sizes of 10-12 players ensures plenty of game time to apply the skills and techniques that are presented in the twice (Rec and Rec+) weekly curriculum based training.

While any family can elect to participate in the Recreational or Recreational PLUS Programs, players must be invited to join the Select Program. Our Rapids Youth Soccer Staff works directly with volunteer coaches, players, and parents through the year to evaluate and place players in the most developmentally-appropriate environment. It is our intention to provide a place for every player to play at 9U/10U no matter what their playing ability might be or their desired level of competition.

  Recreational Rec PLUS Training Select Program
Player Attributes Child enjoys soccer, especially for the fun and social atmosphere but needs motivating to practice at home. Child loves soccer and practices at home when prompted. Child gets excited about practice and skill development. Child has a passion for soccer and practices at home without being prompted. Thrives in a
structured/disciplined environment.
Season Two separate 7-8 week long seasons Practice schedule is set by the Program Director, expect a potential Monday or Friday time. 8-10 month long season
Coaching Parent volunteer coach Parent volunteer coach and
staff coach		 Professional, licensed staff
coach
League Play Combined REC/REC+ In-house league on Saturdays Combined REC/REC+ In-house league on Saturdays Weekend games across the Front Range
with 2-4 local tournaments
Playing Format 7v7 7v7 7v7
Goalkeeper Training    Introductory opportunities Introductory opportunities Included 1x/week
Team Size 10-12 players 10-12 players 9-12 players
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.

GO TO RISE

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

Fall Registration Opens: First week of May

Fall Priority Deadline for Returning Players: June 30th

Fall Late Fee Begins: August 1st

Fall Waitlist Begins: August 13th

Fall Registration Closes: August 20th

 

In House Fall Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather and/or COVID-19 they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules can take place on Sundays as needed. 

September 2021

Game Day 1: September 11th
Game Day 2: September 18th
Game Day 3: September 25th

October 2021

Game Day 4: October 2nd
Game Day 5: October 9th
Game Day 6: October 16th
Game Day 7: October 23rd
Game Day 8: October 30th

Spring registration opens: Week of November 1st

Spring Priority Deadline for Returning Players: January 12th

Spring Late Fee Begins: February 21st

Spring Waitlist Begins: March 7th

Spring Registration Closes: March 7th

Practices Begin: Week of March 28th

Spring Schedule:

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

April 2022

Game Day 1: April 9th
Game Day 2: April 10th
Game Day 3: April 16th
Game Day 4: April 23rd
Game Day 5: April 30th

May 2022

Game Day 6: May 7th
Game Day 7: May 14th
Game Day 8: May 21st

Nate Flax
Recreational Administrator
nate.flax@rapidsyouthsoccer.org
303.399.5858 ext. 210

Brian Sheehan
8U-10U Recreational Director
brian.sheehan@rapidsyouthsoccer.org
303.399.5858 ext. 213

Nick Blanco
9U-10U Select Director
nick.blanco@rapidsyouthsoccer.org
303.399.5858 ext. 118

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 recreational scholarship information under the ‘Recreational Application Process’ tab.

Overview

CRYSC 9U-10U programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the Soccer Start and 6U-8U programs and builds on the Colorado Rapids curriculum. Program offerings cover the spectrum of player pathways, from beginner to pre-competitive leagues that offer the highest level of competition in the State.

Training and games are held at convenient, centralized, community locations in the Denver metro area. Game format is played in line with US Soccer Directives for small sided games, which is 7v7 with goalkeepers. Team sizes of 10-12 players ensures plenty of game time to apply the skills and techniques that are presented in the twice (Rec and Rec+) weekly curriculum based training.

While any family can elect to participate in the Recreational or Recreational PLUS Programs, players must be invited to join the Select Program. Our Rapids Youth Soccer Staff works directly with volunteer coaches, players, and parents through the year to evaluate and place players in the most developmentally-appropriate environment. It is our intention to provide a place for every player to play at 9U/10U no matter what their playing ability might be or their desired level of competition.

  Recreational Rec PLUS Training Select Program
Player Attributes Child enjoys soccer, especially for the fun and social atmosphere but needs motivating to practice at home. Child loves soccer and practices at home when prompted. Child gets excited about practice and skill development. Child has a passion for soccer and practices at home without being prompted. Thrives in a
structured/disciplined environment.
Season Two separate 7-8 week long seasons Practice schedule is set by the Program Director, expect a potential Monday or Friday time. 8-10 month long season
Coaching Parent volunteer coach Parent volunteer coach and
staff coach		 Professional, licensed staff
coach
League Play Combined REC/REC+ In-house league on Saturdays Combined REC/REC+ In-house league on Saturdays Weekend games across the Front Range
with 2-4 local tournaments
Playing Format 7v7 7v7 7v7
Goalkeeper Training    Introductory opportunities Introductory opportunities Included 1x/week
Team Size 10-12 players 10-12 players 9-12 players
Curriculum
RISE (Rapids Integrated System of Excellence) is a one-of-a-kind youth soccer development platform that houses our club’s curriculum. RISE provides an online space where coaches, players, and members can interact, creating a living and growing classroom. By connecting the CRYSC community online, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for players and coaches, offer a more rewarding CRYSC experience for members, and ultimately enhance the level and consistency of soccer being played across the Club.

GO TO RISE
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

Fall Dates

Fall Registration Opens: First week of May

Fall Priority Deadline for Returning Players: June 30th

Fall Late Fee Begins: August 1st

Fall Waitlist Begins: August 13th

Fall Registration Closes: August 20th

 

In House Fall Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather and/or COVID-19 they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules can take place on Sundays as needed. 

September 2021

Game Day 1: September 11th
Game Day 2: September 18th
Game Day 3: September 25th

October 2021

Game Day 4: October 2nd
Game Day 5: October 9th
Game Day 6: October 16th
Game Day 7: October 23rd
Game Day 8: October 30th

Spring Dates

Spring registration opens: Week of November 1st

Spring Priority Deadline for Returning Players: January 12th

Spring Late Fee Begins: February 21st

Spring Waitlist Begins: March 7th

Spring Registration Closes: March 7th

Practices Begin: Week of March 28th

Spring Schedule:

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

April 2022

Game Day 1: April 9th
Game Day 2: April 10th
Game Day 3: April 16th
Game Day 4: April 23rd
Game Day 5: April 30th

May 2022

Game Day 6: May 7th
Game Day 7: May 14th
Game Day 8: May 21st

Contact

Nate Flax
Recreational Administrator
nate.flax@rapidsyouthsoccer.org
303.399.5858 ext. 210

Brian Sheehan
8U-10U Recreational Director
brian.sheehan@rapidsyouthsoccer.org
303.399.5858 ext. 213

Nick Blanco
9U-10U Select Director
nick.blanco@rapidsyouthsoccer.org
303.399.5858 ext. 118

Scholarships

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 recreational scholarship information under the ‘Recreational Application Process’ tab.

9U-10U Recreational

For Beginner Players
$200 Per Season

  • Practice Twice/Week

  • Convenient Local Practices/Games

  • Volunteer Parent Coach

  • Recreational Uniform Kit

  • Team Formed by Registration

9U-10U Rec PLUS

For Intermediate Players
$325 Per Season

  • Practice Twice/Week

  • Convenient Local Practices/Games

  • Volunteer Parent/Staff Coach

  • Recreational Uniform Kit

  • Team Formed by Registration

9U-10U Select

For Advanced Players
$1060 Per Year
  • Practice Three/Week

  • Assigned Practice Locations

  • Rapids Staff Coach

  • Recreational Uniform Kit

  • Team Formed by Invitations

Late Fee Begins In…

2022/02/21 00:00:00

Uniforms

Rapids Youth Soccer partners with Soccer.com for all uniform needs. All CRYSC recreational players are required to purchase the uniform kit (white top, burgundy top, black shorts, and black socks) before the first game. We recommend ordering at least three weeks prior to ensure they have it in time. Players are required to wear the official CRYSC jersey combo for games. This uniform kit is usable throughout all recreational programs.

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

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

9U – 10U Recreational

The 9U and 10U Recreational in-house league builds on the philosophy of the 6U-8U program by providing an environment where players find both success and challenges. Teams play small-sided games with goalkeepers (7v7) with emphasis on the development of the individual player in a fun and rewarding environment. Teams are placed in divisions with other teams of like ability based on coach surveys and previous season performance.

Teams generally consist of 10-12 players. These teams are coached by parent-volunteers who follow a curriculum provided by Program Directors to run training sessions. Teams practice twice per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Saturdays in our in-house league. Teams play 7-8 games each season.

Each team gets 7-8 games each season during the 9-10 week season. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. This will eliminate the need for makeup games on weeknights and Sundays, maximizing the soccer experience and family time.

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

9U – 10U Rec Plus Training

The 9U-10U Rec PLUS Training program builds off the Recreational program with a Rapids Youth staff coach training the teams during the week. Teams still train at centralized locations across Denver and Aurora. The staff trainer will work with teams twice per week following the age group curriculum provided by the Program Director. A parent volunteer leads the team during the Saturday games.

The 9U and 10U Recreational in-house league builds on the philosophy of the 6U-8U program by providing an environment where players find both success and challenges. Teams play small-sided games with goalkeepers (7v7) with emphasis on the development of the individual player in a fun and rewarding environment. Teams are placed in divisions with other teams of like ability based on coach surveys and previous season performance.

Teams generally consist of 10-12 players. These teams are coached by parent-volunteers who follow a curriculum provided by Program Directors to run training sessions. Teams practice twice per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Saturdays in our in-house league. Teams play 7-8 games each season.

Each team gets 7-8 games each season during the 9-10 week season. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. This will eliminate the need for makeup games on weeknights and Sundays, maximizing the soccer experience and family time.

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

9U – 10U Select

Participants in the Select Program represent an elite standard within each age group and are expected to demonstrate a higher commitment to training for the purpose of development. Each age group is comprised of tiered teams all led by licensed staff coaches. Participation in the Select Program is by invitation-only. Rapids staff select players based upon staff observations throughout the year during training, games, kick-arounds, Rapids Development Centers, Rec parent coach evaluations and Soccerfest with final approval from the Director of the Select Program.

Each Select team trains at the same location three times per week in the Denver Metro area. Staff coaches lead all training sessions and games with Age-Group Directors of Coaching filling in to coach in the event of any absences. Additionally, each team will have a Parent Liaison who will act as a link between the Club staff, coach and parents.

Select teams play in a 7v7 format with goalkeepers and participate in the state-run CSA Front Range League.

Select teams play games from August to early November in the fall season and from March to May in the spring season. All Select teams will also participate in at least one tournament per season. Additionally, Select players participate in winter training twice a week in January and February.

9U - 10U Recreational

9U – 10U Recreational

The 9U and 10U Recreational in-house league builds on the philosophy of the 6U-8U program by providing an environment where players find both success and challenges. Teams play small-sided games with goalkeepers (7v7) with emphasis on the development of the individual player in a fun and rewarding environment. Teams are placed in divisions with other teams of like ability based on coach surveys and previous season performance.

Teams generally consist of 10-12 players. These teams are coached by parent-volunteers who follow a curriculum provided by Program Directors to run training sessions. Teams practice twice per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Saturdays in our in-house league. Teams play 7-8 games each season.

Each team gets 7-8 games each season during the 9-10 week season. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. This will eliminate the need for makeup games on weeknights and Sundays, maximizing the soccer experience and family time.

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

9U - 10U Rec PLUS Training

9U – 10U Rec Plus Training

The 9U-10U Rec PLUS Training program builds off the Recreational program with a Rapids Youth staff coach training the teams during the week. Teams still train at centralized locations across Denver and Aurora. The staff trainer will work with teams twice per week following the age group curriculum provided by the Program Director. A parent volunteer leads the team during the Saturday games.

The 9U and 10U Recreational in-house league builds on the philosophy of the 6U-8U program by providing an environment where players find both success and challenges. Teams play small-sided games with goalkeepers (7v7) with emphasis on the development of the individual player in a fun and rewarding environment. Teams are placed in divisions with other teams of like ability based on coach surveys and previous season performance.

Teams generally consist of 10-12 players. These teams are coached by parent-volunteers who follow a curriculum provided by Program Directors to run training sessions. Teams practice twice per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Saturdays in our in-house league. Teams play 7-8 games each season.

Each team gets 7-8 games each season during the 9-10 week season. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. This will eliminate the need for makeup games on weeknights and Sundays, maximizing the soccer experience and family time.

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

9U - 10U Select

9U – 10U Select

Participants in the Select Program represent an elite standard within each age group and are expected to demonstrate a higher commitment to training for the purpose of development. Each age group is comprised of tiered teams all led by licensed staff coaches. Participation in the Select Program is by invitation-only. Rapids staff select players based upon staff observations throughout the year during training, games, kick-arounds, Rapids Development Centers, Rec parent coach evaluations and Soccerfest with final approval from the Director of the Select Program.

Each Select team trains at the same location three times per week in the Denver Metro area. Staff coaches lead all training sessions and games with Age-Group Directors of Coaching filling in to coach in the event of any absences. Additionally, each team will have a Parent Liaison who will act as a link between the Club staff, coach and parents.

Select teams play in a 7v7 format with goalkeepers and participate in the state-run CSA Front Range League.

Select teams play games from August to early November in the fall season and from March to May in the spring season. All Select teams will also participate in at least one tournament per season. Additionally, Select players participate in winter training twice a week in January and February.

Rapids Youth Soccer=

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

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

Coach Expectations

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

Coach Education Opportunities

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

Team managers are a very important piece to the success of any youth soccer team. In order to take some of the responsibilities off of the coach’s plate, teams are requested to have a team manager volunteer to organize the team for the season.

Team Manager Responsibilities

  • Working with the coach to communicate with the team about sessions and games.
  • Setting up a snack rotation for the season.
  • Setting up pictures with the club’s photographer on picture day.
  • Setting up an end-of-season party for the team.

Club Support for Team Managers

  • One-on-one support if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Educational opportunities at meetings and in person about next steps for the team.
  • An administrative staff to provide any support you need.

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

Game Facilitator Expectations

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

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

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

Coach Expectations

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

Coach Education Opportunities

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

Team managers are a very important piece to the success of any youth soccer team. In order to take some of the responsibilities off of the coach’s plate, teams are requested to have a team manager volunteer to organize the team for the season.

Team Manager Responsibilities

  • Working with the coach to communicate with the team about sessions and games.
  • Setting up a snack rotation for the season.
  • Setting up pictures with the club’s photographer on picture day.
  • Setting up an end-of-season party for the team.

Club Support for Team Managers

  • One-on-one support if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Educational opportunities at meetings and in person about next steps for the team.
  • An administrative staff to provide any support you need.
Game Facilitator

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

Game Facilitator Expectations

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

Understanding Your Time in the 9U-10U Leagues

The U9-U10 leagues provides opportunities for beginner to advanced players. As players prepare for their future soccer playing experience, It’s important for parents and players to understand what is available to their child during their time in the U9-U10 programs including any supplemental programs and what to expect as players move into the U11 league.

Volunteers

Parent-volunteer forms are collected mid-season and at the end of each season.

Staff

Staff-coach forms are submitted at the end of all staff-led programs.

Field Coordinators

Forms are submitted weekly to the program DOC.

Kick-Arounds

Kick-rounds are held four times each season on Sundays.

In-House Events

Seasonal in-house events are used to evaluate, such as the community cup, festivals, and Soccerfest.

Tryouts

Tryouts are held in late May, early June every year.

Preparing for Tryouts

The entire player placement process from U10 to U11 takes place during a players U10 year. Tryouts is the final step in a the year-long evaluation process.

It truly takes a village to create a great soccer program and to provide proper placement for the appropriate development of every player. Below you will find all the ways a player is evaluated throughout their U10 year with Rapids Youth Soccer.

  • Parent-Volunteers | Parent-volunteer forms are collected mid-season and at the end of each season.
  • Staff-Coaches | Staff-coach forms are submitted at the end of all staff-led programs.
  • Kick-Arounds | Kick-rounds are held during the Spring Season.
  • In-House Events | Seasonal in-house events are used to evaluate, such as the community cup, festivals, and Soccerfest.
  • Tryouts | Tryouts are held in late May, early June every year and are the final piece to the Player Placement process.

Community Cup

The Community Cup is a free in-house festival tournament that focuses on a fun-filled, educational day of soccer to provide 9U-10U Rec, Rec Plus, and Outreach participants an opportunity to mix-up teams and play with new players. Additionally, this tournament gives the Rapids Youth staff an opportunity to evaluate players in a fun, less-stressed environment than tryouts.

Player Centered Success Model

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

Rapids Youth

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

Rapids Pro

Provides curriculum and educational resources for players.

Parents

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

Coaches

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

Referees

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

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Goalkeeper Training

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

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Summer Camps

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

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Winter Training

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

What's the Difference between the REC Program and the REC Plus Program?

The difference between the two programs, is that the Recreational program is led by a parent volunteer and the Rec Plus program has a staff coach for the 2 weekly training sessions and game day is led by a parent volunteer. Both programs follow the same curriculum.

How Do Players Get Chosen to Participate in The Select Program?

Participation in the Select Program is by invitation only.  Rapids staff will select players based upon staff observations throughout the year during training, games, kick-arounds, Premier Training, parent coach evaluations and Soccerfest with final approval from the Age-Group Directors of Coaching.

When Does Soccer Occur?

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.

Are Uniforms Required to Play? How do I Order Uniforms?

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.

What Equipment Does My Player Need?

  • 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

Can I Request a Special Team or Teammate?

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.

Do You Offer Financial Assistance?

  • 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 (eric.fehr@rapidsyouthsoccer.org).