Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club Appoints Danny Bills as Chief of Soccer Operations
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Danny Bills as the new Chief of Soccer Operations. With a distinguished coaching career and a commitment to Colorado soccer, Bills joins CRYSC with a proven track record of success and a desire to improve the club’s technical expertise at all levels.
Bills has over 20 years of experience working in his home state of Colorado and holds a USSF National “A” License and NSCAA Advanced National Diploma. He has recently served as the Associate Technical Director for Real Colorado Soccer Club, where he led the 14U-19U MLS Next, ECNL, and ECNL-RL programs. During his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, overseeing daily operations, managing budgets, fundraising, recruiting, and supporting coaches to ensure program success.
His accomplishments include establishing and nurturing key relationships with local clubs, the Rapids Academy, ECNL clubs, MLS Next, USLA, USL2, USLW, ECNL, MPL, USA Scouts, Rapids 2, Switchbacks, and Hailstorm. Bills has played a pivotal role in building the USLA and ECNL Mountain Division and has held positions like MLS Next Conference Chairman while being an active member of the MLS Next Executive Committee from 2020 to 2023.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Danny has chosen CRYSC as his next career step. His track record of success, combined with his unwavering dedication to Colorado soccer, brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field. With Danny on board, we are confident in the significant impact his leadership and passion for Colorado soccer will have on driving the continued success and growth of CRYSC.” – Aaron Nagel, CRYSC Executive Director
Bills also brings extensive experience from his previous coaching roles, including Director of Coaching for Colorado Storm Soccer Club and Director of Coaching for Colorado Rush Soccer Club. His achievements in player development, recruitment, and team success have been consistently recognized throughout his career.
In addition to his coaching roles, Bills has a strong background in college coaching, having served as the Assistant Coach for Regis University Women’s Soccer from 2015 to 2018 and the Men’s Assistant Coach at Metropolitan State University of Denver from 2005 to 2009.
With an impressive playing career with collegiate and professional development league experience, Bills’ understanding of the game extends beyond coaching. As a former player at Metropolitan State University of Denver and the University of New Mexico, he earned numerous accolades, including All-Region, All-Conference, and Conference Champions.
Some of Bills’ coaching achievements include leading the 17U Real Colorado MLS Next team to a national finals appearance, earning the MLS 2023 Fair Play award, and coaching the 19U Colorado Rush USYSA National Finalist team. His commitment to player development is evident in the 27 committed college players from his program in 2023.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to join Rapids Youth Soccer and work with so many great staff members. Over the last five years, CRYSC Technical Director Donald Gillies has done an outstanding job, and my ambition is to continue to grow the club on and off the field based on the building blocks he has created. I look forward to bringing my expertise and ideas to this role and can’t wait to start an exciting new chapter in my career!” – Danny Bills, CRYSC Chief of Soccer Operations.
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club is confident that Bills’ passion for the game, leadership skills, and extensive coaching experience will contribute to the continued success and growth of the club. Please join us in welcoming Danny Bills as the Chief of Soccer Operations.