
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.
Soccer Start Registration Dates
- Spring Registration Opens: November 1st
- Summer Registration Opens: December 15th
- Fall Registration Opens: May 1st
- Winter Registration Opens: September 1st
Registration Close Dates: Registration closes one week before kick-off or when groups are full
Season Play Dates: Continue scrolling to see the full program play dates and the associated parks
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
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

- 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.
- General Dates
-
Soccer Start Registration Dates
- Spring Registration Opens: November 1st
- Summer Registration Opens: December 15th
- Fall Registration Opens: May 1st
- Winter Registration Opens: September 1st
Registration Close Dates: Registration closes one week before kick-off or when groups are full
Season Play Dates: Continue scrolling to see the full program play dates and the associated parks
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
- 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
-
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
Soccer Start Days, Times, & Locations
Mondays
Ash Grove Park I 5:30-6:20PM
Tuesdays
Fred Thomas Park I 5:30-6:20PM
Rocky Mountain Lake Park I 5:00-5:50PM
Robinson Park I 5:00-5:50PM
Wednesdays
Robinson Park I 5:00-5:50PM
Thursdays
The Eddy I 9:00-9:50AM
Fred Thomas Park I 5:00-5:50PM
Montbello Central Park I 5:30-6:20PM
Saturdays
Fred Thomas Park I 9:00-9:50AM
Cranmer Park I 9:00-9:50AM
Fred Thomas Park I 10:00-10:50AM
Cranmer Park I 10:00-10:50AM
Mondays
Central Park Area I 5:10-6:00PM
Crestmoor/Lowry Area I 5:10-6:00PM
Tuesdays
The Eddy I 5:10-6:00PM
Central Park Area I 5:10-6:00PM
Wednesdays
Crestmoor/Lowry Area I 5:10-6:00PM
NW Denver Area I 5:10-6:00PM
Thursdays
Central Park Area I 5:10-6:00PM
Saturdays
Central Park Area I 9:00-9:50AM
Crestmoor/Lowry Area I 9:00-9:50AM
Central Park Area I 10:00-10:50AM
Crestmoor/Lowry Area I 10:00-10:50AM
2024 Information TBA
2024 Information TBA
$10 Early Bird Discount Ends In…
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 =
🧒⚽️👧 Hey @coloradorapids & @corapidswomen - here comes the next generation!! #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 👉 [email protected] 👈 #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCCamps #CRYSCSoccerStart

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

⚽️⚽️ #SoccerStart Director & Coach, Charlie Bacha, stopped by Molholm Elementary this week and organized soccer games at recess. Looks like fun! #CRYSCInTheCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart

Chilly mornings don`t stop our fearless Soccer Start players! #RapidsYouthSoccer #denversoccer #toddlersports #soccerlife #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

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.