CRYSC 11U-13U Rec programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the 5U-10U programs and builds on the Colorado Rapids curriculum. Program offerings provide recreational options for all ages 11U-13U.

Training and games are held at convenient, centralized, community locations in the Fort Collins area. Game format is played in a 7v7 format at the 11U-13U age group. Team sizes of 12-14 players ensures plenty of game time to apply the skills and techniques that are presented in the twice weekly curriculum based training.  Games are played on Fridays.

 

*Fort Collins currently only goes up to 13U in the recreational program. If you are older than 13U, please refer to the Fort Collins Competitive page.*

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 can explore content, develop an understanding for the clubs coaching ‘language’ and create their own sessions. As the club continues to update and add new drills and practices, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for 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 train age-appropriate curriculum aimed at the long-term development of a soccer player. 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 will put players in realistic situations, that should always includes decision-making elements.

When coaching soccer, this can be used in a variety of ways to break down a technique, skill, or tactic. Most commonly the players are taken from a practice with high game context to a low one, before returning back 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, then 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: May 1, 2024

Fall Late Fee Begins: August 13, 2024

Fall Registration Closes: August 12, 2024

Fall Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled due to weather they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Games for the 11U-13U recreational divisions are played on Fridays.

11U-13U Rec Game Schedule

August – November 2023 (Fridays)

  • Game Day: 8/30

  • Game Day: 9/6

  • Game Day: 9/13

  • Game Day: 9/20

  • Game Day: 9/27

  • Game Day: 10/4

  • Game Day: 10/11

  • Game Day: 10/18

  • Game Day: 10/25 and 11/1 (potential makeup dates)

Spring registration opens: November 1, 2025

Spring registration deadline (or when teams are full): March 2, 2025

Spring registration late fee: March 3, 2025

Training Starts: The week of March 10, 2025

First Games Kick-off: The week of March 17, 2025

Spring Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. Weather-related cancellations will be moved to the end of May.

March – May 2025

  • Game Day: 3/21

  • Game Day: 3/28

  • Game Day: 4/4

  • Game Day: 4/11

  • Game Day: 4/18

  • Game Day: 4/25

  • Game Day: 5/2

  • Game Day: 5/9

  • Game Day: 5/16, 5/23 (potential makeup date(s))

Cameron MirabediniRecreational and Camps Coordinator [email protected]970.236.8682
Megan  PisciottaAdministrator - Fort Collins[email protected]719.377.2206

Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Recreational and Competitive league programs. Check out our Scholarships page to learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid. There, you can view specific recreational scholarship information and deadlines under the ‘Recreational 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-13U Rec programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the 5U-10U programs and builds on the Colorado Rapids curriculum. Program offerings provide recreational options for all ages 11U-13U.

Training and games are held at convenient, centralized, community locations in the Fort Collins area. Game format is played in a 7v7 format at the 11U-13U age group. Team sizes of 12-14 players ensures plenty of game time to apply the skills and techniques that are presented in the twice weekly curriculum based training.  Games are played on Fridays.

 

*Fort Collins currently only goes up to 13U in the recreational program. If you are older than 13U, please refer to the Fort Collins Competitive page.*

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 can explore content, develop an understanding for the clubs coaching ‘language’ and create their own sessions. As the club continues to update and add new drills and practices, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for 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 train age-appropriate curriculum aimed at the long-term development of a soccer player. 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 will put players in realistic situations, that should always includes decision-making elements.

When coaching soccer, this can be used in a variety of ways to break down a technique, skill, or tactic. Most commonly the players are taken from a practice with high game context to a low one, before returning back 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, then 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: May 1, 2024

Fall Late Fee Begins: August 13, 2024

Fall Registration Closes: August 12, 2024

Fall Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled due to weather they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Games for the 11U-13U recreational divisions are played on Fridays.

11U-13U Rec Game Schedule

August – November 2023 (Fridays)

  • Game Day: 8/30

  • Game Day: 9/6

  • Game Day: 9/13

  • Game Day: 9/20

  • Game Day: 9/27

  • Game Day: 10/4

  • Game Day: 10/11

  • Game Day: 10/18

  • Game Day: 10/25 and 11/1 (potential makeup dates)

Spring Dates

Spring registration opens: November 1, 2025

Spring registration deadline (or when teams are full): March 2, 2025

Spring registration late fee: March 3, 2025

Training Starts: The week of March 10, 2025

First Games Kick-off: The week of March 17, 2025

Spring Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. Weather-related cancellations will be moved to the end of May.

March – May 2025

  • Game Day: 3/21

  • Game Day: 3/28

  • Game Day: 4/4

  • Game Day: 4/11

  • Game Day: 4/18

  • Game Day: 4/25

  • Game Day: 5/2

  • Game Day: 5/9

  • Game Day: 5/16, 5/23 (potential makeup date(s))

Contacts
Cameron MirabediniRecreational and Camps Coordinator [email protected]970.236.8682
Megan  PisciottaAdministrator - Fort Collins[email protected]719.377.2206
Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Recreational and Competitive league programs. Check out our Scholarships page to learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid. There, you can view specific recreational scholarship information and deadlines under the ‘Recreational 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. 

Fort Collins 11U-13U Recreational

Age Groups: 11U, 12U, 13U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall
$145Per Season
REGISTER NOW
  • Practice 1-2x/Week
  • Convenient Local Practices/Games
  • Volunteer Parent Coach
  • Recreational Uniform Kit
  • Team Formed by Registration
Fall Rec Registration Opens In…
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Package

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 their first game to ensure they have it in time for game day. Players are required to wear the official CRYSC jersey combo for games. This uniform kit is usable throughout all recreational programs.

It is important to note that uniforms are NOT included in registration costs. Additionally, uniforms are unavailable to purchase on-site at any CRYSC office – they must be purchased online via Soccer.com.

CRYSC UNIFORMS PAGE

Rapids Youth Soccer =

REGISTER NOW

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.
Coach Volunteer

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 Volunteer

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.

Understanding Your Time in the 11U-19U Leagues

The 11U-19U leagues provide opportunities for beginner to advanced players. As players prepare for their future soccer playing experience, It’s essential for parents and players to understand what is available to their child during their time in the 11U-19U programs, including any supplemental programs and what to expect as players move into competitive play.

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

Players participating in the 11U-13U recreational league that are interested in joining the Competitive program at Rapids Youth Soccer should reach out to the staff to indicate an interest in joining the competitive program.

Rapids Youth Soccer puts a lot of focus on the ongoing evaluation process, meaning staff would like to see players throughout the entire year to gauge their development level to properly assist in placing the player into the Competitive program.

Competitive Player Evaluation Process
  • Parent-Volunteers | Parent-volunteer notes are collected throughout the season.
  • Staff-Coaches | Staff-coach forms are submitted at the end of all staff-led programs.
  • Field Coordinators | Field Coordinator forms are submitted weekly to the program DOC.
  • Tournaments | Many recreational teams participate in tournaments where staff are able to observe them.
  • Tryouts | Tryouts are held in late May, early June every year and are the final piece to the Player Placement process.

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer in Action

⭐️🏔️⚽️ #CRYSCAlumni doing BIG things! SHOUT OUT to Denver’s own @darrenyapi_ on getting his first @coloradorapids start & scoring his first goal of the season! 💪

#OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsSuccess

Open
⭐️🏔️⚽️ #cryscalumni doing big things! Shout out to denver’s own @darrenyapi_ on getting his first @coloradorapids start & scoring his first goal of the season! 💪 #oneclubonecommunity #rapidssuccess

Helpful Links: What’s Next For Your Player

Program FAQs

What's the Difference between the Rec Program and the Competitive Program?

There are many differences between Competitive and Rec soccer. One of the biggest factors is the level of commitment. Many Competitive players are devoted mainly to the sport of soccer and enjoy the competitiveness of the atmosphere. Additionally, Competitive teams are coached by professional coaches hired and managed by the Rapids staff. Competitive teams also train more often than recreational teams.

Where Can I Purchase a Uniform?

All recreational uniforms will need to be ordered through Soccer.com using this link. Please allow for up to 14 days for your uniform to arrive once your order is placed.

Can I Request a Specific Coach or Team for My Player?

Yes you can.  We do not guarantee that we can meet all requests, but we will do our best to accommodate them.

How Long Do the Soccer Seasons Run?

The Fall season is from August-October and the Spring season runs from March-May.