From March 7-15, over 70 CRYSC players, family members, and staff spent a week exploring England and Spain through a soccer lens through the CRYSC International Program. The 39 travelers who visited England and the 33 who took on Spain all experienced an immersion into the culture, coaching, and competition their hosts offered, while enjoying the country’s beautiful architecture, rich history, and unique landscape. These participants came together from across every CRYSC Region, representing Castle Rock, South, Central, North, and Fort Collins – making this a truly unifying “One Club” experience.
The heart of the CRYSC International Program is to provide an incredible platform for our players, families, and coaches to explore new places, people, and cultures while becoming better-informed global citizens. This trip to England and Spain allowed our Rapids players to test their independence and grow confident as they navigated different parts of the world in unfamiliar settings. They played against local English and Spanish players, learned new styles of play and coaching methods, and broke down cultural barriers on the pitch (and learned some new banter along the way!)
One of the highlights for our England travelers was a competitive match against Cherrybrook FC, where our players rose to the occasion and delivered an impressive win against their Under-12 boys side. This match showcased their technical growth, resilience, and team chemistry, making it a memorable moment of pride for players and coaches. It was a true testament to their hard work and ability to adapt to new teammates, some of whom they only met a couple of weeks before the trip!
One traveling player on the England trip shared his tour memories, stating, “It was an amazing experience, and if I could, I would do it all over again. The training with the Everton coaches helped me learn new skills and improve my game. It was a cool experience to go to the Tower of London and Windsor Castle and see all of the Crown Jewels and the historical treasures. It was a competitive environment to play against all the other kids in England, and I loved it.”
Meanwhile, our Spain group had a unique and enriching experience during an elite-level training session with the academy staff at RCD Espanyol. Players had the opportunity to learn from top-tier Spanish coaches, immersing themselves in the tactical and technical focus that defines Spanish fútbol. The session pushed them physically and mentally and left them with valuable insights to bring back to their CRYSC teams.
Under the guidance of our CRYSC staff in both countries, players challenged themselves to grow as athletes and individuals. A big “thank you” to Joe McNab (Castle Rock), Jess Kamnikar (Fort Collins), Britt Rademacher (South), and Ryan Rademacher (Elite) who represented CRYSC staff and led with incredible humility, joy, and curiosity. From the players, the effort and dedication displayed on the field were inspiring, and the support for one another along the way was a testament to the connections within these groups. The exposure to diverse coaching philosophies and perspectives will undoubtedly supplement the players’ continued development in their CRYSC Regions and Teams. These experiences will serve them well as they return home with fresh insights and renewed motivation.
Throughout the trip, our travelers demonstrated remarkable flexibility and resilience—whether handling long travel days, adjusting to different foods, or taking on new challenges with an open mind. They embraced the experience with eagerness and engagement, making the most of every moment.
The group also had the chance to explore iconic sites and soak in the culture of both countries, from the rich history of London and Manchester to the vibrant Las Ramblas and Mediterranean flair of Barcelona. Whether touring world-famous stadiums like White Hart Lane (home of Tottenham Hotspur) and the Santiago Bernabéu (home of Real Madrid), visiting historic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Sagrada Familia, or enjoying local cuisine (would you like paella or fish and chips?), the trip was as enriching off the field as it was on it.
Beyond the logistics and adventures, one of the most rewarding aspects of this trip was witnessing the unique bond that formed between Rapids players and families over their week together. When people share significant life experiences, they create a connection that lasts well beyond the trip itself. I am grateful to have been part of this journey with such an incredible group.
A traveling parent on the Spain trip summed up their experience by sharing, “The CRYSC International trip to Barcelona and Madrid was the perfect mix of soccer, culture, and connection. The coaches and directors fostered an environment where the boys not only developed their skills but also built incredible camaraderie that grew stronger each day. It was an ideal balance of high-level training, sightseeing, parent time, and independent experiences for the kids—a trip we’ll never forget. Can’t recommend it enough!”
We hope that our current and future CRYSC International travelers can all have a similar, positive experience like this one and continue to embody the values of our Club, our International Program, and our membership!
Cheers and Adios!
Jeff
