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 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
5U- One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching. We call this Age Group Training. 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. 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- One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach & Director of Coaching. This is referred to as Age Group Training. 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. Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Tuesday at 5 pm. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Monday at 5 pm. There will be two games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday. Trail Winds weeknight game is Thursday at 5 pm. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Wednesday at 5 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 Girls- One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching. This is referred to as Age Group Training. 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. 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. 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- One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching. This is referred to as Age Group Training. 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. 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. They then have 2 games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday. Trail Winds weeknight game is Tuesday at 6:15 pm. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Monday 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.
- Registration Opens – May 1
- Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – August 1
- Registration Late Fee – August 1
- Registration Last Minute Fee – August 15
- Training Starts – Last Week of August
- First Game Kicks Off – 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.
September 2023
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 – November 1
- Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – March 1
- Registration Late Fee – March 1
- Registration Last Minute Fee – March 15
- Training Starts – Second to Last Week of March
- First Game Kicks Off – 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 ‘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
-
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 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
- Logistics
-
5U- One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching. We call this Age Group Training. 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. 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- One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach & Director of Coaching. This is referred to as Age Group Training. 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. Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Tuesday at 5 pm. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Monday at 5 pm. There will be two games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday. Trail Winds weeknight game is Thursday at 5 pm. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Wednesday at 5 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 Girls- One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching. This is referred to as Age Group Training. 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. 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. 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- One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching. This is referred to as Age Group Training. 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. 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. They then have 2 games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday. Trail Winds weeknight game is Tuesday at 6:15 pm. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Monday 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.
- Fall Dates
-
- Registration Opens – May 1
- Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – August 1
- Registration Late Fee – August 1
- Registration Last Minute Fee – August 15
- Training Starts – Last Week of August
- First Game Kicks Off – 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.
September 2023
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 – November 1
- Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – March 1
- Registration Late Fee – March 1
- Registration Last Minute Fee – March 15
- Training Starts – Second to Last Week of March
- First Game Kicks Off – 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 ‘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.
5U-6U Recreational Leagues
Beginner to Advanced
$125
Per season
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-14 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
7U-8U Recreational Leagues
Beginner to Advanced
$145
Per season
- 8-9 Week Season
- 12-14 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
$10 Early Bird Discount Ends In…
2023/07/01 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 the 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 the 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, please refer to your LeagueApps account.
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer in Action
☔️😅☔️ You heard it here first - weather in Colorado can be unpredictable!! It was a wet finish to a great season at our #CRYSCKelvinNorman tournament this weekend. Thank you to the players, coaches, & families that joined us - rain or shine! ♥️ Check out more photos 📸👉 cry.sc/KN-23 #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCTournaments
‼️🎓‼️ The #CRYSCCPP Girls Summer College ID Event kicks off in less than two weeks! This is the LAST CALL to register! Don’t miss your chance to connect with 50+ college coaches & showcase your skills with top talents in the region! REGISTER HERE 👉 cry.sc/summer-id23 👈 #OneClubOneCommunity
📰‼️📰 The CRYSC May Newsletter is out now, featuring last calls for $20 savings on fall rec programs & registration for the girls Summer College ID Event, our new kit release, a recap of @corapidswomen undefeated start, summer camps, & more! Check it out 👉 cry.sc/May-23
#OneClubOneCommunity
#1️⃣ IN THE USA 🇺🇸🥳🇺🇸
The @corapidswomen made the jump from 2nd to 1st in the @wpsl national rankings this morning & we are SO 👏 EXCITED 👏 Congrats to the players & staff on an amazing start to the season! We can’t wait to cheer you on this Sunday vs Indios Denver.
#CRYSCWPSL
💪🧠💪 In recognition of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, Director of Mental Performance, Katie Pagel invites our CRYSC community to check out this resource compiling the experiences of professional athletes, as they address mental health, our individual voices, and more 👉 cry.sc/MHAM2 👈 #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCSportPsych
⭐️4️⃣⭐️ CONGRATS to @corapidswomen forward Amy Smith on winning @WPSLCentral Player of the Week!! The 17-year-old scored 4 goals in 20` in a win against Broomfield Burn on Sunday! #CRYSCWPSL @wpsl
🏆🪨🏆 Nearly 500 teams participated in our 2023 #CRYSCRockCup! THANK YOU to the players, coaches, families, & vendors who joined us for a fun-filled weekend! Check out the full photo album! 📸👉 cry.sc/Rock-Cup-23 👈 #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCTournaments
🧵🔥 NEW THREADS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION 🔥🧵
Introducing your Rapids Youth Soccer 2023-25 competitive kits!!
#OneClubOneCommunity @uchealth @coloradorapids @soccerdotcom
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
