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.

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.

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.

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.