The 5U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for 4- to 8-year-olds. The 5U-8U Recreational program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games. The specialized curriculum helps players grow in their technical skills and learn the rules of soccer at a developmentally appropriate level for their age. Players will receive a solid foundation of coaching needed to continue into the 9U-10U level and onward.
- Teams are coached by parent volunteer coaches with the guidance and help of the club’s Director
- Practices and Games are held at a centralized location in the region
| Small-Sided Game Model | Goalkeeper | Team Size | Ball Size | Practices a Week | Games in a Season | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5U (2019 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 6-7 players | 3 | 1 | 7-8 |
| 6U (2018 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 6-7 players | 3 | 2 | 12-14 |
| 7U (2017 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 6-7 players | 3 | 2 | 12-14 |
| 8U (2016 birth years) | 5v5 | Yes | 7-10 players | 3 | 2 | 12-14 |
RISE (Rapids Integrated System of Excellence) is a one-of-a-kind youth soccer development platform that houses our clubβs curriculum. RISE provides an online space where coaches can explore content, develop an understanding for the clubs coaching βlanguageβ 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 βDefending in the Direct Game Channelβ. What do you do if the individuals or units in your squad donβt understand how to defend 1v1 or 2v2? You break it down.
βWholeβ doesnβt necessarily mean a game. Actually in this theory, a βwholeβ practice could be a series of complex skills that can be broken down into more discrete skills. The βwholeβ 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
5U-Β One practice a week.Β This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching.Β We call this Age Group Training.Β We have 2 locations to select from: Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos.Β Trail Winds which has Age Group Training on Thursday nights at 5 pm. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Wednesday nights at 5 pm. Games are Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9 am and 3 pm.
6U-Β One practice a week.Β This practice is with their volunteer coach & Director of Coaching.Β This is referred to as Age Group Training.Β We have 2 locations to select from: Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos.Β Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Tuesday at 5 pm.Β Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Monday at 5 pm.Β There will be two games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday.Β Trail Winds weeknight game is Thursday at 5 pm. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Wednesday at 5 pm.Β If you select either the Trail Winds or Northwest Open Spaces location, both have games Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9 am and 3 pm.
7U/8U Girls-Β One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching.Β This is referred to as Age Group Training.Β We have 2 locations to select from:Β Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos.Β Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Tuesday at 6:15 pm. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Monday at 6:15 pm.Β They then have 2 games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday. Trail Winds weeknight game is Thursday at 6:15 pm. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Wednesday at 6:15 pm. If you select either the Trail Winds or Northwest Open Spaces location, both have games Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9 am and 3 pm.
7U/8U Boys-Β One practice a week.Β This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching.Β This is referred to as Age Group Training.Β We have 2 locations to select from:Β Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos.Β Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Thursday at 6:15 pm. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Wednesday at 6:15 pm.Β They then have 2 games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday.Β Trail Winds weeknight game is Tuesday at 6:15 pm. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Monday at 6:15 pm.Β If you select either the Trail Winds or Northwest Open Spaces location, both have games Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9 am and 3 pm.
- Registration Opens β May 1
- Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) β August 1
- Registration Late Fee β August 1
- Registration Last Minute Fee βΒ August 15
- Training Starts β Last Week of August
- First Game Kicks Off β Saturday After Labor Day
In House Fall Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules may take place on Sundays as needed.Β
September 2023Β
Game Day 1: September 9th
Game Day 2: September 16th
Game Day 3: September 23rd
October 2023
Game Day 4: October 7th
Game Day 5: October 14th
Game Day 6: October 21st
Game Day 7: October 28th
- Registration Opens β November 1
- Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) β March 1
- Registration Late Fee β March 1
- Registration Last Minute Fee βΒ March 15
- Training Starts β Second to Last Week of March
- First Game Kicks Off β First Saturday of April
Spring Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.
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 βRecreational Application Processβ 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.Β
- Overview
-
The 5U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for 4- to 8-year-olds. The 5U-8U Recreational program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games. The specialized curriculum helps players grow in their technical skills and learn the rules of soccer at a developmentally appropriate level for their age. Players will receive a solid foundation of coaching needed to continue into the 9U-10U level and onward.
- Teams are coached by parent volunteer coaches with the guidance and help of the club’s Director
- Practices and Games are held at a centralized location in the region
Small-Sided Game Model Goalkeeper Team Size Ball Size Practices a Week Games in a Season 5U (2019 birth years) 3v3 No 6-7 players 3 1 7-8 6U (2018 birth years) 3v3 No 6-7 players 3 2 12-14 7U (2017 birth years) 3v3 No 6-7 players 3 2 12-14 8U (2016 birth years) 5v5 Yes 7-10 players 3 2 12-14 - Curriculum
-
GO TO RISERISE (Rapids Integrated System of Excellence) is a one-of-a-kind youth soccer development platform that houses our clubβs curriculum. RISE provides an online space where coaches can explore content, develop an understanding for the clubs coaching βlanguageβ 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 βDefending in the Direct Game Channelβ. What do you do if the individuals or units in your squad donβt understand how to defend 1v1 or 2v2? You break it down.
βWholeβ doesnβt necessarily mean a game. Actually in this theory, a βwholeβ practice could be a series of complex skills that can be broken down into more discrete skills. The βwholeβ 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
- Logistics
-
5U-Β One practice a week.Β This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching.Β We call this Age Group Training.Β We have 2 locations to select from: Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos.Β Trail Winds which has Age Group Training on Thursday nights at 5 pm. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Wednesday nights at 5 pm. Games are Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9 am and 3 pm.
6U-Β One practice a week.Β This practice is with their volunteer coach & Director of Coaching.Β This is referred to as Age Group Training.Β We have 2 locations to select from: Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos.Β Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Tuesday at 5 pm.Β Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Monday at 5 pm.Β There will be two games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday.Β Trail Winds weeknight game is Thursday at 5 pm. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Wednesday at 5 pm.Β If you select either the Trail Winds or Northwest Open Spaces location, both have games Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9 am and 3 pm.
7U/8U Girls-Β One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching.Β This is referred to as Age Group Training.Β We have 2 locations to select from:Β Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos.Β Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Tuesday at 6:15 pm. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Monday at 6:15 pm.Β They then have 2 games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday. Trail Winds weeknight game is Thursday at 6:15 pm. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Wednesday at 6:15 pm. If you select either the Trail Winds or Northwest Open Spaces location, both have games Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9 am and 3 pm.
7U/8U Boys-Β One practice a week.Β This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching.Β This is referred to as Age Group Training.Β We have 2 locations to select from:Β Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos.Β Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Thursday at 6:15 pm. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Wednesday at 6:15 pm.Β They then have 2 games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday.Β Trail Winds weeknight game is Tuesday at 6:15 pm. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Monday at 6:15 pm.Β If you select either the Trail Winds or Northwest Open Spaces location, both have games Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9 am and 3 pm.
- Fall Dates
-
- Registration Opens β May 1
- Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) β August 1
- Registration Late Fee β August 1
- Registration Last Minute Fee βΒ August 15
- Training Starts β Last Week of August
- First Game Kicks Off β Saturday After Labor Day
In House Fall Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules may take place on Sundays as needed.Β
September 2023Β
Game Day 1: September 9th
Game Day 2: September 16th
Game Day 3: September 23rd
October 2023
Game Day 4: October 7th
Game Day 5: October 14th
Game Day 6: October 21st
Game Day 7: October 28th
- Spring Dates
-
- Registration Opens β November 1
- Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) β March 1
- Registration Late Fee β March 1
- Registration Last Minute Fee βΒ March 15
- Training Starts β Second to Last Week of March
- First Game Kicks Off β First Saturday of April
Spring Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.
- Contact
-
- 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 βRecreational Application Processβ 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.Β
5U-6U Recreational Leagues
Age Groups: 5U, 6U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall, Winter
$125Per Season
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-14 Games
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
7U-8U Recreational Leagues
Age Groups: 7U, 8U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall, Winter
$145Per Season
- 8-9 Week Season
- 12-14 Games
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
Spring registration opens in…
2023/11/01 23:58:59
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.
Rapids Youth Soccer =
Coach Expectations
- Communicate clearly with the team throughout the season.
- Lead every practice session or find a substitute if they cannot be present.
- Coach every game or find a substitute if they cannot be at the game.
- Find a practice location and time that works for them and their team.
- Warm-up team and meet the opposing coach before every game.
- Update LeagueApps with the practice schedule and other team events
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.
- Work with Coach Volunteer to make sure LeagueApps is updated
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.
Game Facilitator Expectations
Every team is required to provide a game facilitator for half of every game. The game facilitator will act as theΒ referee for the game, and should referee in a way to help the players learn and understand the rules.
- Tell which team should kick the ball in after it goes out of bounds.
- Call any fouls that happen during the game and explain to players why it is a foul.
- Provide education on the game to player during games.
- Keep players safe and the game under control.
- Coach
-
Coach Expectations
- Communicate clearly with the team throughout the season.
- Lead every practice session or find a substitute if they cannot be present.
- Coach every game or find a substitute if they cannot be at the game.
- Find a practice location and time that works for them and their team.
- Warm-up team and meet the opposing coach before every game.
- Update LeagueApps with the practice schedule and other team events
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
-
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.
- Work with Coach Volunteer to make sure LeagueApps is updated
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.
- Game Facilitator
-
Game Facilitator Expectations
Every team is required to provide a game facilitator for half of every game. The game facilitator will act as theΒ referee for the game, and should referee in a way to help the players learn and understand the rules.
- Tell which team should kick the ball in after it goes out of bounds.
- Call any fouls that happen during the game and explain to players why it is a foul.
- Provide education on the game to player during games.
- Keep players safe and the game under control.
Understanding Your Time in the 5U-8U Recreational League
The 5U-8U recreational league is the first time players will begin having practices during the week and games on the weekend. It’s important for parents to understand what is available to their child during their time in the 5U-8U program including any supplemental programs and what to expect as players move into the 9U league. Parent Volunteer Coaches decide with the input of other parents on the team when and where to practice for the season. Practices are held at local parks across North Denver. All 5U-8U recreational teams are given approximately 20 yards by 30 yards to practice. Team schedules can be found on your LeagueApps account.
Rapids Youth Soccer posts all our game schedules on LeagueApps two weeks before the first scheduled game. For the most up-to-date information, pleaseΒ refer to your LeagueApps account.
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer in Action
π€«β½οΈπ€« Our Elite 12B team is BATTLING at the @coloradosoccerassociation #StateCup final! 3-2 RAPIDS in the second half! LETS GO RAPIDS!
β½οΈπβ½οΈ OUR Rapids 13B Central Select I team just went up 3-0 in the first half of the @coloradosoccerassociation 11UB #PresidentsCup FINAL! GO RAPIDS!
#OneClubOneCommunity
πΊπΈππΊπΈ @usynt OFFICIAL! Brooklyn Smith (08G ECNL) has been called up to the U-16 WYNT Training Camp in West Palm Beach, FL later this month! CONGRATS Brooklyn! π€©
β¨#OneClubOneCommunity #EliteYouthSoccer #SoccerSuccess #CRYSCElite @coloradosoccerassociation
ππ₯π RAPIDS North & South region @ecnlgirls - RL seasonβs have started! Good luck to our North teams kicking off their season this weekend & our South teams who kicked off their season last week!
#CRYSCGirlsECRL
#EliteYouthSoccer #EliteProspect #EliteDevelopment #SoccerTalent #SoccerProspect #CompetitiveSoccer #AthletesOfTomorrow
πβ½οΈπ° NEW BLOG β‘οΈ cry.sc/ICPWC
β¨This September, CRYSC Technical Director, Donald Gillies was joined by @coloradorapids Interim Head Coach, Chris Little to present on βThe Individualization of Coaching the Player Within the Collectiveβ & reaffirm our clubβs commitment to Developing Remarkable Coaches!! Thanks for leading our #RapidsEducate session, Coach!
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCEducation
π¨ NEW IN 2023 π¨
@rapidsyouthfutsal x @theunitedfutsal invites futsal players across CO to our 1st-annual Denver Regional Showcase this December 2-3!!β¨
β½οΈ 10U-19U Boys & Girls & 8U/9U Co-Ed
ποΈ 4 games at Future Legends Complex guaranteed
βΌοΈ Registration closes November 6, so sign up today π cry.sc/23-DRS
β¨#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCFutsal
π§€β½οΈπ§€ WHAT A SAVE!!!! Former CRYSC athlete & current @armywp_msoccer goalkeeper Keanu Likewise @keanulikewise is THE TOP PLAY on @sportscenter ππ Making it look easy!
β¨#OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsCPP #SoccerSuccess @coloradosoccerassociation
π₯β½οΈπ₯ A game-tying goal from Eloise Erwin on our Rapids 13G Elite South team vs Real 13G National! Awesome finish, Eloise! #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCElite #CRYSCgirlsECNL
Helpful Links: What’s Next For Your Player
Yes, uniforms are required for players to play.
www.soccer.com
Players need shin guards, socks, and cleats, a size three soccer ball, water, and weather appropriate clothing.
Absolutely, we hope players are able to play with their friends. Please request this when registering your child for soccer.
Yes, you can do this when registering. We’ll do our best to make it happen.
The Fall season is from August-November and the Spring season is form March-May
