
Soccer Start is a Whole Child Development program introduction to soccer for 3 to 5 year old players. This innovative program focuses on physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development through fun, creative, and imaginative programming. Our staff and volunteer coaches are taught formative systems to engage children of different stages to captivate attention and understanding. The program’s curriculum is designed to build a foundation for developing players to improve their physical literacy skills, technical soccer skills, and instill a love of soccer and being active.
Players are placed in small groups with a staff coach and parent volunteer leading the group’s session every week. Sessions will last 50 minutes. Groups will remain the same throughout the season unless players need a different environment to develop throughout the season.
Results of the program should demonstrate growth and development of players socially and physically with a solid foundation of soccer skills to move on to a more structured recreational soccer program in our 6U – 8U programs.
Soccer Start is a developmental pathway for beginner soccer players to grow and develop within the Rapids Youth Soccer organization. Following a specific whole-child development curriculum, each week the children will use their imaginations as they go on adventures. Using creativity, curiosity, discovery, and social integration techniques, all while integrating soccer and physical fitness.
Physical
- Balance and Coordination
- Gross Motor
- Sensory
Cognitive
- Curiosity and Discovery
- Imagination and Creativity
- Think and Problem Solving
- Positive/Negative Behaviors
Social/Emotional
- Sharing/Cooperation
- Listening/Communication
- Self-Expression/Confidence
- Happiness

Allie Molnar
Soccer Start – 7U Recreational Director
Allie.Molnar@rapidsyouthsoccer.orgg
303.399.5858 ext. 201
Nate Flax
Central Recreational Coordinator
Nate.Flax@rapidsyouthsoccer.org
303.399.5858 ext. 210
Programming April 2022 – May 2022
Registration Closes: March 7th, 2022
Waitlist Closes: March 21st, 2022
Team Rosters Released: Week of March 28th, 2022
Start Date: Week of April 4th, 2022
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
Programming June 2022 – July 2022
Registration Closes: May 30th, 2022
Waitlist Closes: May 23rd, 2022
Team Rosters Released: Week of May 30th, 2022
Start Date: Week of June 6th, 2022
Holiday Break: Friday July 1st – Sunday, July 10th
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
Programming September 2022 – October 2022
Registration Closes: August 8th, 2022
Waitlist Closes: August 22nd, 2022
Team Rosters Released: Week of August 29th, 2022
Start Date: Week of September 6th, 2022
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
Programming November 2021 – January 2022
Team Rosters Released: Week of November 1st, 2021
Deadline to Register: November 1st, 2021
Start Date: Week of November 8th, 2021
Fall Break: November 24th – 28th, 2021
Winter Break: December 20th, 2021 – January 2nd, 2022
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
- Overview
-
Soccer Start is a Whole Child Development program introduction to soccer for 3 to 5 year old players. This innovative program focuses on physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development through fun, creative, and imaginative programming. Our staff and volunteer coaches are taught formative systems to engage children of different stages to captivate attention and understanding. The program’s curriculum is designed to build a foundation for developing players to improve their physical literacy skills, technical soccer skills, and instill a love of soccer and being active.
Players are placed in small groups with a staff coach and parent volunteer leading the group’s session every week. Sessions will last 50 minutes. Groups will remain the same throughout the season unless players need a different environment to develop throughout the season.
Results of the program should demonstrate growth and development of players socially and physically with a solid foundation of soccer skills to move on to a more structured recreational soccer program in our 6U – 8U programs.
- Curriculum
-
Soccer Start is a developmental pathway for beginner soccer players to grow and develop within the Rapids Youth Soccer organization. Following a specific whole-child development curriculum, each week the children will use their imaginations as they go on adventures. Using creativity, curiosity, discovery, and social integration techniques, all while integrating soccer and physical fitness.
- Learning Skills
-
Physical
- Balance and Coordination
- Gross Motor
- Sensory
Cognitive
- Curiosity and Discovery
- Imagination and Creativity
- Think and Problem Solving
- Positive/Negative Behaviors
Social/Emotional
- Sharing/Cooperation
- Listening/Communication
- Self-Expression/Confidence
- Happiness
- Child Development
-
- Contact
-
Allie Molnar
Soccer Start – 7U Recreational Director
Allie.Molnar@rapidsyouthsoccer.orgg
303.399.5858 ext. 201Nate Flax
Central Recreational Coordinator
Nate.Flax@rapidsyouthsoccer.org
303.399.5858 ext. 210 - Spring Dates
-
Programming April 2022 – May 2022
Registration Closes: March 7th, 2022
Waitlist Closes: March 21st, 2022
Team Rosters Released: Week of March 28th, 2022
Start Date: Week of April 4th, 2022
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
- Summer Dates
-
Programming June 2022 – July 2022
Registration Closes: May 30th, 2022
Waitlist Closes: May 23rd, 2022
Team Rosters Released: Week of May 30th, 2022
Start Date: Week of June 6th, 2022
Holiday Break: Friday July 1st – Sunday, July 10th
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
- Fall Dates
-
Programming September 2022 – October 2022
Registration Closes: August 8th, 2022
Waitlist Closes: August 22nd, 2022
Team Rosters Released: Week of August 29th, 2022
Start Date: Week of September 6th, 2022
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
- Winter Dates
-
Programming November 2021 – January 2022
Team Rosters Released: Week of November 1st, 2021
Deadline to Register: November 1st, 2021
Start Date: Week of November 8th, 2021
Fall Break: November 24th – 28th, 2021
Winter Break: December 20th, 2021 – January 2nd, 2022
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
Soccer Start
For Preschoolers and Toddlers
- 6-7 Week Season
- 50-Minute Sessions Each Week
- Paid/Volunteer Coaches
- Proven Curriculum for Fun
- T-Shirt Included
- Locations across Denver/Aurora
$20 Early Bird Discount Ends In…
Spring
Programs
April 2022 – May 2022
Central Park Area | 5:10-6:00PM | April 4, 11, 18, 25, & May 2, 9
Crestmoor Park Area | 5:10-6:00PM | April 4, 11, 18, 25, & May 2, 9
Central Park Area | 5:10-6:00PM | April 5, 12, 19, 26, & May 3, 10
The Eddy| 5:10-6:00PM | April 5, 12, 19, 26, & May 3, 10
Central Park Area | 5:10-6:00PM | April 6, 13, 20, 27, & May 4, 11
Crestmoor Park Area | 5:10-6:00PM | April 6, 13, 20, 27, & May 4, 11
Central Park Area | 5:10-6:00PM | April 7, 14, 21, 28, & May 5, 12
The Eddy | 5:10-6:00PM | April 7, 14, 21, 28, & May 5, 12
Central Park Area | 9:00-9:50AM | April 9, 16, 23, 30, & May 7, 14
Central Park Area | 10:00-10:50AM | April 9, 16, 23, 30, & May 7, 14
Crestmoor Park Area | 9:00-9:50AM | April 9, 16, 23, 30, & May 7, 14
Crestmoor Park Area | 10:00-10:50AM | April 9, 16, 23, 30, & May 7, 14
The Eddy | 9:00-9:50AM | April 9, 16, 23, 30, & May 7, 14
The Eddy | 10:00-10:50AM | April 9, 16, 23, 30, & May 7, 14
Summer
Programs
June 2022 – July 2022
The Eddy | 5:00 – 5:50 PM | June 6, 13, 20, 27, & July 11, 18
The Eddy | 9:00 – 9:50 PM | June 7, 14, 21, 28, & July 12, 19
The Eddy | 5:00 – 5:50 PM | June 7, 14, 21, 28, & July 12, 19
Ash Grove Park | 5:10- 6:00PM | June 8, 15, 22, 28, & July 13, 20
The Eddy | 9:00 – 9:50 PM | June 9, 16, 23, & July 1, 14, 21
The Eddy | 5:10- 6:00PM | June 9, 16, 23, & July 1, 14, 21
2022 Dates Coming Soon!
Fall
Programs
September 2022 – October 2022
Central Park | 5:10 – 6:00 PM | September 5, 12, 19, 26, & October 3, 10
Crestmoor Park | 5:10 – 6:00 PM | September 5, 12, 19, 26, & October 3, 10
Central Park | 5:10 – 6:00 PM | September 6, 13, 20, 27, & October 4, 11
The Eddy | 5:10 – 6:00 PM | September 6, 13, 20, 27, & October 4, 11
The Eddy | 5:10 – 6:00 PM | September 7, 14, 21, 28, & October 5, 12
Crestmoor Park | 5:10 – 6:00 PM | September 7, 14, 21, 28, & October 5, 12
Central Park | 5:10 – 6:00 PM | September 8, 15, 22, 29, & October 6, 13
The Eddy | 5:10 – 6:00 PM | September 8, 15, 22, 29, & October 6, 13
Central Park | 9:00 – 9:50 AM | September 10, 17, 24, & October 1, 8, 22
Central Park | 10:00 – 10:50 AM | September 10, 17, 24, & October 1, 8, 22
Crestmoor Park | 9:00 – 9:50 AM | September 10, 17, 24, & October 1, 8, 22
Crestmoor Park | 10:00 – 10:50 AM | September 10, 17, 24, & October 1, 8, 22
Winter
Programs
November 2022 – January 2023
Winter Dates Coming Soon!
Winter Dates Coming Soon!
Winter Dates Coming Soon!
Winter Dates Coming Soon!
🧒⚽️👧 Hey @coloradorapids & @corapidswomen - here comes the next generation!! #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart

🦸♀️🤩🦸♀️ The #SoccerStart Orange Lions having a super time during superhero week!! #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart

🙋♂️⚽️🙋♀️ Raise your hand if you’re excited to be back playing soccer @ CRYSC summer camps this week!! A few more spots have opened for 3-5 year old players in our FREE Soccer Start camps! If you’re interested, please contact 👉 Charlie.Bacha@rapidsyouthsoccer.org 👈 #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCCamps #CRYSCSoccerStart

👧🐵🧒 A fun Soccer Start session yesterday with Coach Charlie @ McGlone Academy!! Sign up your 3-5 y/o player for CRYSC Soccer Start this winter:
Central/South ➡️ bit.ly/2nCpZDg
Fort Collins ➡️ bit.ly/2lW8Eos
Castle Rock ➡️ bit.ly/2lW2iFD
#CRYSCSoccerStart

🧒⚽️👦 Coach Charlie & Brett visited Graland County Day School this week for an afternoon of fun & soccer with the 5-6 year olds! #OneClub #CRYSCInTheCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart

Have you heard of our unique introductory soccer program for 3- to 5-year-old players? Soccer Start is a great way to build a foundation for your child's physical, emotional, social and cognitive success! #SoccerStart #Soccer #ColoradoRapids #Denver #toddlerfun #CRYSCSoccerStart

We are excited to introduce Morgan Kennedy as our new Soccer Start Program Director! Morgan has an extensive background in playing and coaching soccer, and we look forward to watching her take our toddler/preschooler program to the next level. 👶 #youthsoccer #toddlersoccer #kidssoccer #activekids #CRYSCSoccerStart

Volunteer to Coach
Coaching in the Soccer Start program provides a proper introduction to volunteer coaching through appropriate educational support with on- and off-field education to prepare all coaches for a fun and rewarding session and season.
All teams will be led by a parent volunteer coach with a provided Rapids curriculum. There will also be a knowledgeable site director and staff coach at each location to support and assist for the season. Rapids staff provides all curriculum, equipment, and communication necessary for the season.
All parent volunteer coaches must complete a background check with the Colorado State Association and read through our volunteer handbook before the first session of the season.
If you are interested in being a volunteer coach, check out this list to see what is expected of you throughout the season.
- Communicate clearly with your team’s families and players about when practice and events will be throughout the season.
- Use the curriculum that is designed by the Rapids staff for each of your sessions
- Help every player on your team succeed on and off the field
- Arrive 15 minutes before your session to set and start the session on time
Rapids Youth Soccer provides all volunteer coaches the resources they need to be successful on and off the field with players. Coaching this age can be so rewarding and the start to a long-term volunteer role as a youth soccer coach for your child’s team.
Sessions plans will be available to all coaches on a weekly basis outlining exactly what to do, how to do it, and how to communicate it effectively.
The Rapids Youth Soccer professional staff will be on site and integrated with every team to make sure all volunteer coaches are set up for success and supported in their role.
- Overivew
-
Coaching in the Soccer Start program provides a proper introduction to volunteer coaching through appropriate educational support with on- and off-field education to prepare all coaches for a fun and rewarding session and season.
All teams will be led by a parent volunteer coach with a provided Rapids curriculum. There will also be a knowledgeable site director and staff coach at each location to support and assist for the season. Rapids staff provides all curriculum, equipment, and communication necessary for the season.
All parent volunteer coaches must complete a background check with the Colorado State Association and read through our volunteer handbook before the first session of the season.
- Expectations
-
If you are interested in being a volunteer coach, check out this list to see what is expected of you throughout the season.
- Communicate clearly with your team’s families and players about when practice and events will be throughout the season.
- Use the curriculum that is designed by the Rapids staff for each of your sessions
- Help every player on your team succeed on and off the field
- Arrive 15 minutes before your session to set and start the session on time
- Education/Support
-
Rapids Youth Soccer provides all volunteer coaches the resources they need to be successful on and off the field with players. Coaching this age can be so rewarding and the start to a long-term volunteer role as a youth soccer coach for your child’s team.
Sessions plans will be available to all coaches on a weekly basis outlining exactly what to do, how to do it, and how to communicate it effectively.
The Rapids Youth Soccer professional staff will be on site and integrated with every team to make sure all volunteer coaches are set up for success and supported in their role.
Uniforms and Equipment
All players will be provided a T-shirt at the first session, and should wear that T-shirt for every session. This t-shirt will help distinguish the players team each week.
Players should wear shin guards, socks, and athletic clothes that are appropriate for the weather at the time of the session. We recommend that players also wear cleats to every session because they provide a more secure footing for players as they are learning the game. However, cleats are not required to participate in the program.
All players should bring a water bottle to every session.
- Uniforms
-
All players will be provided a T-shirt at the first session, and should wear that T-shirt for every session. This t-shirt will help distinguish the players team each week.
- Equipment
-
Players should wear shin guards, socks, and athletic clothes that are appropriate for the weather at the time of the session. We recommend that players also wear cleats to every session because they provide a more secure footing for players as they are learning the game. However, cleats are not required to participate in the program.
All players should bring a water bottle to every session.
Rapids Youth Soccer =
Steps to a Great Season
We will take extra precaution with this age group when it comes to playable temperatures. It is our policy to not cancel practices if fields are open for play, but Rapids Youth Soccer will make that determination based on case-by-case basis.
Weather in Colorado can be interesting to say the least. There are many times that it will be raining in one part of the city and not five miles away. Each decision will be made on a case-by-case basis, based on what we believe to be in the best interest of the kids and the program.
If there is lightening within 10 miles, practice will be delayed for 30 minutes. If there is no lightening and the fields are open, the session will take place.
Each season we have specific dates for rescheduling. If your session is canceled we will reschedule your session to one of those dates so you can get all of your sessions in.
Players should wear shin guards, socks, and athletic clothes that are appropriate for the weather at the time of the session. We recommend that players also wear cleats to every session because they provide a more secure footing for players as they are learning the game. However, cleats are not required to participate in the program.
All players should bring a water bottle to every session.
At the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club, we believe that if a player is engaged and having fun with an activity, they will learn and understand more than if they are disengaged and bored during a drill. We believe that we should design our curriculum in a way to excite and engage our players, so that they are excited and ready to learn throughout the whole session.
It is our goal to keep kids constantly moving and not standing around.
Once practice locations are finalized, you will receive an email with a map and location. You can also use the map on our website to find all of the Soccer Start locations.