CRYSC 11U-19U Competitive Programs are Colorado’s premier option for growing, learning, and developing in youth soccer. The Competitive Program builds on the foundation players have learned throughout their time with Rapids Youth Soccer, including philosophy, the Rapids curriculum, and The Rapids Way. Program offerings cover the spectrum of player pathways, from new players to competitive, all the way to the top leagues in the United States.
Training and game locations will vary depending on level of play of each team. Game format is played in line with U.S. Soccer directives for small-sided games, which is 9v9 for 11U/12U and 11v11 for 13U-19U. Team sizes may vary depending on age and level of play.
For a more comprehensive overview, continue scrolling to view the level and age group breakdown below.
RISE (Rapids Integrated System of Excellence) is a one-of-a-kind youth soccer development platform that houses our club’s curriculum. RISE provides an online space where coaches, players, and members can interact, creating a living and growing classroom. By connecting the 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.
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
Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Rec and Competitive programs. To learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid click here to be brought to our scholarship page. There, you can view specific competitive scholarship information under the ‘Competitive & Elite Application Process’ tab.
It is critical to apply by the deadlines listed on the scholarship page for players to be fully considered for a financial aid package.
- Overview
-
CRYSC 11U-19U Competitive Programs are Colorado’s premier option for growing, learning, and developing in youth soccer. The Competitive Program builds on the foundation players have learned throughout their time with Rapids Youth Soccer, including philosophy, the Rapids curriculum, and The Rapids Way. Program offerings cover the spectrum of player pathways, from new players to competitive, all the way to the top leagues in the United States.
Training and game locations will vary depending on level of play of each team. Game format is played in line with U.S. Soccer directives for small-sided games, which is 9v9 for 11U/12U and 11v11 for 13U-19U. Team sizes may vary depending on age and level of play.
For a more comprehensive overview, continue scrolling to view the level and age group breakdown below.
- Curriculum
-
RISE (Rapids Integrated System of Excellence) is a one-of-a-kind youth soccer development platform that houses our club’s curriculum. RISE provides an online space where coaches, players, and members can interact, creating a living and growing classroom. By connecting the CRYSC community online, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for players and coaches, offer a more rewarding CRYSC experience for members, and ultimately enhance the level and consistency of soccer being played across the Club.
- Philosophy
-
The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW) philosophy is a learning model used by the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club to achieve our long-term player development initiative. The WPW philosophy was first outlined by Malcolm Knowles in 1973 and is used in many learning situations, both practical and theory based. When added to a well-planned and well-thought out pedagogy, the WPW philosophy puts players in realistic situations, which should always include decision-making elements.
When coaching soccer, WPW can be used in a variety of ways to break down techniques, skills, or tactics. Most commonly the players are taken from practice with high game context to a low one, before returning to the original practice. When possible, it is best to practice the game, or elements of the game, in their entirety. An example of this could occur in a topic such as ‘Defending in the Direct Game Channel’. What do you do if the individuals or units in your squad don’t understand how to defend 1v1 or 2v2? You break it down.
‘Whole’ doesn’t necessarily mean a game. Actually, in this theory, a ‘whole’ practice could be a series of complex skills that can be broken down into more discrete skills. The ‘whole’ element should be as realistic to the game as possible. The coach looks to pull actions or components of the game and break them down into chunks so the players can understand and digest the information. The coach will then pull those elements back together into the game situation.
References: Swanson, R.A. & Law, B. (1993). Whole-part-whole learning model. Performance Improvement Quarterly. 6(1), pp 43-53.
@coachdanwright. Coachdanwright.blogspot.co.uk
- Contact
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- Scholarships
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Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Rec and Competitive programs. To learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid click here to be brought to our scholarship page. There, you can view specific competitive scholarship information under the ‘Competitive & Elite Application Process’ tab.
It is critical to apply by the deadlines listed on the scholarship page for players to be fully considered for a financial aid package.
2023/2024 Intent to Play Registration
Select teams represent the most competitive teams in a given age group, and therefore these players and parents are required to demonstrate a higher commitment to training.
These teams are expected to train ten months out of the year, three days per week during the season, and weekend games. It is typical for Select teams to play in the highest leagues within the Colorado Soccer Association.
Select teams will play in 2-4 tournaments and/or college showcases per year depending on the age group. Out-of-state travel should be expected for Select teams depending on age group. As such, elite-level players must have a substantial commitment to the sport of soccer for training and games
Select Teams
$2960/$1860
11U-14U/15U-19U
- Tournament Fees Separate
- August – May
- Train 3 Days per Week in Fall and Spring
- Train 2 Days per Week in Winter
- Compete in State League
- Possible In and Out of State Travel
- Winter Training Included
Burgundy teams represent the second-most competitive teams in a given age group, and therefore these players and parents are required to demonstrate a higher commitment to training.
These teams are expected to train ten months out of the year, three days per week during the season, and weekend games. It is typical for Burgundy teams to play in the high Centennial or Champions divisions within the Colorado Soccer Association.
Burgundy teams will play in 2-4 tournaments and/or college showcases per year depending on the age group. Out-of-state travel should be expected for high school age groups during the season. As such, elite-level players must have a substantial commitment to the sport of soccer for training and games.
Burgundy Teams
$2960/$1860
11U-14U/15U-19U
- Tournament Fees Separate
- August – May
- Train 3 Days per Week in Fall and Spring
- Train 2 Days per Week in Winter
- Compete in State League
- Possible In and Out of State Travel
- Winter Training Included
White teams are competitive teams that typically compete in mid-level CSA competitive leagues.
Similar to our top teams, these teams practice three days per week during the season, in addition to weekend games, and demand substantial time commitments from players. They typically play in 2-3 in-state tournaments and/or local college showcases per year depending on the age group. With the combined two seasons and off-season training during the winter, teams in this division play for ten months each year.
White Teams
$2245/$1505
11U-14U/15U-19U
- Tournament Fees Separate
- August – May
- Train 3 Days per Week in Fall and Spring
- Train 2 Days per Week in Winter
- Compete in State League
- Possible In-State Travel
- Winter Training Included
Blue and gold teams offer players the opportunity to continue playing soccer and training with the guidance of our professionally trained coaching staff.
Blue/Gold teams practice two to three days per week and participate in the Colorado Soccer Association Centennial League. It is common for Blue/Gold teams to play 2-3 in-state tournaments and/or college showcase events per year depending on the age group. Although Blue players will often participate in off-season Rapids camps, there is no expectation for teams to train in the off-season.
Blue Teams
$1805/$1245
11U-14U/15U-19U
- Tournament Fees Separate
- August – May
- Train 3 Days per Week in Fall and Spring
- Compete in State League
- Possible In-State Travel
After we form the teams for the Primary season, we will reach out to the families to gather interest in playing the Secondary season. We offer the second season to those players that are in Middle School (8th graders) or those 9th graders that choose to play with Rapids instead of their High School. The season is in fall for the boys and spring for the girls.
Secondary (8th and 9th Graders Only)
$810
- August – November (Boys)
- February – May (Girls)
- Train 3 Days per Week
- Compete in State League
- Possible In-State Travel
- Select
-
Select teams represent the most competitive teams in a given age group, and therefore these players and parents are required to demonstrate a higher commitment to training.
These teams are expected to train ten months out of the year, three days per week during the season, and weekend games. It is typical for Select teams to play in the highest leagues within the Colorado Soccer Association.
Select teams will play in 2-4 tournaments and/or college showcases per year depending on the age group. Out-of-state travel should be expected for Select teams depending on age group. As such, elite-level players must have a substantial commitment to the sport of soccer for training and games
Select Teams
$2960/$1860 11U-14U/15U-19U- Tournament Fees Separate
- August – May
- Train 3 Days per Week in Fall and Spring
- Train 2 Days per Week in Winter
- Compete in State League
- Possible In and Out of State Travel
- Winter Training Included
- Burgundy
-
Burgundy teams represent the second-most competitive teams in a given age group, and therefore these players and parents are required to demonstrate a higher commitment to training.
These teams are expected to train ten months out of the year, three days per week during the season, and weekend games. It is typical for Burgundy teams to play in the high Centennial or Champions divisions within the Colorado Soccer Association.
Burgundy teams will play in 2-4 tournaments and/or college showcases per year depending on the age group. Out-of-state travel should be expected for high school age groups during the season. As such, elite-level players must have a substantial commitment to the sport of soccer for training and games.
Burgundy Teams
$2960/$1860 11U-14U/15U-19U- Tournament Fees Separate
- August – May
- Train 3 Days per Week in Fall and Spring
- Train 2 Days per Week in Winter
- Compete in State League
- Possible In and Out of State Travel
- Winter Training Included
- White
-
White teams are competitive teams that typically compete in mid-level CSA competitive leagues.
Similar to our top teams, these teams practice three days per week during the season, in addition to weekend games, and demand substantial time commitments from players. They typically play in 2-3 in-state tournaments and/or local college showcases per year depending on the age group. With the combined two seasons and off-season training during the winter, teams in this division play for ten months each year.
White Teams
$2245/$1505 11U-14U/15U-19U- Tournament Fees Separate
- August – May
- Train 3 Days per Week in Fall and Spring
- Train 2 Days per Week in Winter
- Compete in State League
- Possible In-State Travel
- Winter Training Included
- Blue/Gold
-
Blue and gold teams offer players the opportunity to continue playing soccer and training with the guidance of our professionally trained coaching staff.
Blue/Gold teams practice two to three days per week and participate in the Colorado Soccer Association Centennial League. It is common for Blue/Gold teams to play 2-3 in-state tournaments and/or college showcase events per year depending on the age group. Although Blue players will often participate in off-season Rapids camps, there is no expectation for teams to train in the off-season.
Blue Teams
$1805/$1245 11U-14U/15U-19U- Tournament Fees Separate
- August – May
- Train 3 Days per Week in Fall and Spring
- Compete in State League
- Possible In-State Travel
- Secondary (8th and 9th Graders Only)
-
After we form the teams for the Primary season, we will reach out to the families to gather interest in playing the Secondary season. We offer the second season to those players that are in Middle School (8th graders) or those 9th graders that choose to play with Rapids instead of their High School. The season is in fall for the boys and spring for the girls.
Secondary (8th and 9th Graders Only)
$810- August – November (Boys)
- February – May (Girls)
- Train 3 Days per Week
- Compete in State League
- Possible In-State Travel
2023/2024 Tryout Schedule
*Registering your player’s Intent to Play is not a commitment to the club for next season but ensures you will receive all tryout information and updates. All players planning on participating in CRYSC competitive programming must complete the Intent to Play registration.*
Tuesday, May 30th
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
- 5:00- 6:15 PM: 2013 Boys
- 6:15-7:30 PM: 2013 Girls
- 7:30-9:00 PM: 2009 – 2005 High School Girls
Wednesday, May 31st
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
- 5:00-615 PM: 2013 Boys & Girls
- 6:15 -7:30 pm: 2011 & 2012 Boys and Girls
- 7:30-9:00 PM: 2010 Boys and Girls & 2009 Boys
July 11th & 12th
Location TBD
- TBD: 2007 & 2008 High School Boys
- TBD: 2005 & 2006 High School Boys
Uniforms
Rapids Youth Soccer partners with Soccer.com for all uniform needs. Competitive players will receive an email from Soccer.com with a link to order the uniform at the beginning of each season. Our competitive uniforms operate on a two-year cycle.
It is important to note that uniforms are NOT included in registration costs. Additionally, uniforms are not available to purchase on-site at any CRYSC office – they must be purchased online via Soccer.com.
The Rapids Youth Soccer kit includes two match jerseys, two match shorts, two pairs of socks, a training shirt, training shorts, training socks, a training jacket, training pants, and a backpack.
For more instructions on how to order uniforms, please visit the CRYSC uniform page.
You will receive an email from Soccer.com with a link to order the uniform.
You can also access the page by following the steps below:
- Go to Soccer.com and click on “Find Your Team Store” at the top right.
- Once there, search for Colorado Rapids Youth and click on the store.
- On the top of the store the player/parent can either search for their team name on the drop down list, or search for their player name on the right in the “search by player” section.
- Once you find the player’s name, you can place your order
The order deadline for competitive kits is traditionally about a month or two prior to the season starting. Each season you will receive the updated deadline. Kits must be ordered and paid for by the deadline to ensure delivery for the start of the season.
You will find sizing charts and photos on each item at Soccer.com.
All uniforms will be shipped to your home.
You may purchase replacement items online through Soccer.com. You can use the email link or follow the steps below.
- Go to Soccer.com and click on “Find Your Team Store” at the top right.
- Once there, search for Colorado Rapids Youth and click on the store.
- On the top of the store the player/parent can either search for their team name on the drop down list, or search for their player name on the right in the “search by player” section.
- Once you find the player’s name, you can place your order.
Soccer.com accepts all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Team managers are a very important piece to the success of any youth soccer team. In order to take some of the responsibilities off of the coach’s plate, teams are requested to have a team manager volunteer to organize the team for the season.
Team Manager Responsibilities
- Working with the coach to communicate with the team about sessions and games.
- Setting up a snack rotation for the season.
- Setting up pictures with the club’s photographer on picture day.
- Setting up an end-of-season party for the team.
Club Support for Team Managers
- One-on-one support if you have any questions or concerns.
- Educational opportunities at meetings and in person about next steps for the team.
- An administrative staff to provide any support you need.
The Culture Keeper is an important piece to the development of a community-based organization. Culture Keepers do just as the title explains, they help build a culture within the team, providing opportunities for the team and families to have fun and enjoy their time with Rapids Youth Soccer more fully.
The Culture Keeper get the fun task of setting up team events at tournaments, such as eating out together, setting up events while in town, such as laser tag. The Culture Keeper organizes opportunities for the team’s to better develop friendships with each other to help build long-lasting friendships outside of soccer.
Culture Keeper Expectations
- Stay involved with the team and informed about upcoming soccer events.
- Set up events outside of soccer for the team to build relationships with each other.
- Plan ahead for all upcoming events to build team and family camaraderie through in-town and out-of-town events.
Culture Keeper Support
- Rapids Youth staff provide suggests for Culture Keeper ideas.
- Rapids Youth Soccer provides a meeting with all Culture Keepers to talk through logistics of the year.
- Rapids Youth Soccer will have a manual coming out soon outlining ideas for the Culture Keeper to use.
- 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.
- Culture Keeper
-
The Culture Keeper is an important piece to the development of a community-based organization. Culture Keepers do just as the title explains, they help build a culture within the team, providing opportunities for the team and families to have fun and enjoy their time with Rapids Youth Soccer more fully.
The Culture Keeper get the fun task of setting up team events at tournaments, such as eating out together, setting up events while in town, such as laser tag. The Culture Keeper organizes opportunities for the team’s to better develop friendships with each other to help build long-lasting friendships outside of soccer.
Culture Keeper Expectations
- Stay involved with the team and informed about upcoming soccer events.
- Set up events outside of soccer for the team to build relationships with each other.
- Plan ahead for all upcoming events to build team and family camaraderie through in-town and out-of-town events.
Culture Keeper Support
- Rapids Youth staff provide suggests for Culture Keeper ideas.
- Rapids Youth Soccer provides a meeting with all Culture Keepers to talk through logistics of the year.
- Rapids Youth Soccer will have a manual coming out soon outlining ideas for the Culture Keeper to use.
Player Centered Success Model
The Player Centered Success model puts the best interests of the player first. This is done by understanding each and every players definition of success and helping them achieve it. Every player at every level of their soccer career has different levels of success.
Rapids Youth
Provides operations and oversight for kids to have a great soccer experience.
Rapids Pro
Provides curriculum and educational resources for players.
Parents
Work in conjunction with Rapids Youth to support kids’ desires.
Coaches
Educate, inspire, and help all children excel at the level they desire.
Referees
Keep the game safe and fun for kids at all levels.
Rapids Youth Soccer is on a two-year cycle for uniform with Adidas. Players should change uniforms approximately every two years, which usually falls in line growth of players.
Your registration covers coaching fees, tournament fees, and administrative fees for the season. You are responsible for tournament travel.
During the regular CSA season, teams generally compete against other clubs across the Front Range. Some teams may travel as far north as Fort Collins, as far south as Pueblo or as far west as Grand Junction. Not all ages and levels will compete against clubs in these areas and these trips generally happen once per season.
Tournament travel varies based on the age and competitive level of the team. Select and Burgundy teams travel out of state for at least one and up to four tournaments and/or college showcases. White and Blue teams only participate in tournaments that take place in Colorado.
All teams train three times per week.
Select, Burgundy, and White teams train twice per week outside in January and February. Blue level players have the option of attending these training sessions.
All competitive team coaches are USSF Licensed or are in the process of completing USSF certification. All competitive coaches participate in intensive in-house coach education throughout the season.
Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Rec and Competitive programs. To learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid click here to be brought to our scholarship page. There you can view specific competitive scholarship information under the ‘Competitive & Elite Application Process’ tab.
