Welcome to our 4U-19U Recreational Leagues and Programming, where we provide a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for all age groups. Our program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer, with formalized games – starting at 5U, expanding technical and physical skills as they progress.

Our specialized curriculum is tailored to each age group, providing a solid foundation for players to learn and grow in their technical skills and understanding of soccer. We prioritize safety and age-appropriate coaching to ensure that each player has the opportunity to develop their abilities to the fullest.

All of our recreational teams are coached by dedicated parent volunteers, with support from CRYSC staff on and off the fields. We believe that parental involvement is crucial to player development and our program provides an excellent opportunity for parents to get involved in their child’s growth and development.

Whether your child is just starting out or has years of experience playing soccer, the Recreational League is an excellent choice. With opportunities to continue into further recreational programming or competitive programming when ready, we’re committed to helping each player reach their full potential.

For a comprehensive overview of our levels and age groups, click on your player’s age group in the table below.

Small-Sided Game ModelGoalkeeperTeam SizeBall SizePractices a WeekGames in a Season
Soccer Start (2021 birth years)Soccer activitiesNo8 - 10 players in each group316 weeks a session
5U (2020 birth years)3v3No5 - 6 players317-8
6U (2019 birth years)3v3 or 4v4No6 - 8 players317-8
7U (2018 birth years)4v4No6 - 8 players31
7-8
8U (2017 birth years)4v4Yes6 - 8 players317-8
8U Rising Rapids(2017 birth years)7v7Yes8 - 10 players32-37-8
9U (2016 birth years)7v7Yes10 - 12 players427-8
10U (2015 birth years)7v7Yes10 - 12 players427-8
9U-10U Rising Rapids(2016-2015 birth years)7v7Yes10 - 12 players438-9 (plus 1-2 local tournaments)
11U-12U (2014-2013 birth years)9v9Yes10 - 15 players427-8
13U-14U (2011-2012 birth years)9v9Yes10 - 15 players427-8
15U+ (2006-2010 birth years)9v9Yes10 - 15 players527-8
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

Clint ShadeSoccer Start - Recreational Director - North[email protected]719.357.8881
Kathryn BalogunAssistant Rec and Camps Director - North[email protected]720-213-8652
Ashley  HeinekampRecreational Program Administrator[email protected]303-578-6799

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

Welcome to our 4U-19U Recreational Leagues and Programming, where we provide a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for all age groups. Our program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer, with formalized games – starting at 5U, expanding technical and physical skills as they progress.

Our specialized curriculum is tailored to each age group, providing a solid foundation for players to learn and grow in their technical skills and understanding of soccer. We prioritize safety and age-appropriate coaching to ensure that each player has the opportunity to develop their abilities to the fullest.

All of our recreational teams are coached by dedicated parent volunteers, with support from CRYSC staff on and off the fields. We believe that parental involvement is crucial to player development and our program provides an excellent opportunity for parents to get involved in their child’s growth and development.

Whether your child is just starting out or has years of experience playing soccer, the Recreational League is an excellent choice. With opportunities to continue into further recreational programming or competitive programming when ready, we’re committed to helping each player reach their full potential.

For a comprehensive overview of our levels and age groups, click on your player’s age group in the table below.

Small-Sided Game ModelGoalkeeperTeam SizeBall SizePractices a WeekGames in a Season
Soccer Start (2021 birth years)Soccer activitiesNo8 - 10 players in each group316 weeks a session
5U (2020 birth years)3v3No5 - 6 players317-8
6U (2019 birth years)3v3 or 4v4No6 - 8 players317-8
7U (2018 birth years)4v4No6 - 8 players31
7-8
8U (2017 birth years)4v4Yes6 - 8 players317-8
8U Rising Rapids(2017 birth years)7v7Yes8 - 10 players32-37-8
9U (2016 birth years)7v7Yes10 - 12 players427-8
10U (2015 birth years)7v7Yes10 - 12 players427-8
9U-10U Rising Rapids(2016-2015 birth years)7v7Yes10 - 12 players438-9 (plus 1-2 local tournaments)
11U-12U (2014-2013 birth years)9v9Yes10 - 15 players427-8
13U-14U (2011-2012 birth years)9v9Yes10 - 15 players427-8
15U+ (2006-2010 birth years)9v9Yes10 - 15 players527-8
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

Contact
Clint ShadeSoccer Start - Recreational Director - North[email protected]719.357.8881
Kathryn BalogunAssistant Rec and Camps Director - North[email protected]720-213-8652
Ashley  HeinekampRecreational Program Administrator[email protected]303-578-6799
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.

Recreational Season Dates

Recreational registration is by a single season, and players must re-register each season. The dates below provide a general overview of the seasonal dates, but members will receive more detailed dates for the specific age group and the program in their confirmation email.

Fall Season 

  • Registration Opens – May 1
  • Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – August 1
  • Registration Late Fee – August 1
  • Training Starts – Last Week of August
  • First Game Weekend Kicks Off – Saturday After Labor Day

Spring Season 

  • 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 – Mid March
  • First Weekend Game Kicks Off – Late March
Spring Rec Registration Opens In…
00
months
03
weeks
01
days
11
hours
41
minutes
57
seconds
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.

 

**Soccer Start players do not need to purchase a uniform kit; their t-shirt will be provided at the first session**

CRYSC UNIFORMS PAGE

Recreational Volunteer Roles

CRYSC recreational teams thrive thanks to our parent volunteers. All teams are coached by a parent volunteer (or two!) with the support of their Program Director and Administrator. Rapids Youth Soccer is committed to developing remarkable coaches and providing resources such as an example curriculum, coaching equipment, and coaching education sessions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your player’s age group Director if you’re curious about coaching a team!

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 opposing coach before every game
  • Provide a game facilitator for half of each game
  • Turn in player tracking document at the end of every season
  • Update PlayMetrics 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 Responsibilites

  • Working with the coach to communicate with the team about sessions and games.
  • Setting up a snack rotation for the season.
  • Setting up a picture day for the team.
  • Setting up an end-of-season party for the team.
  • Work with Coach Volunteer to make sure PlayMetrics 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.

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.

Game Facilitator Expectations

  • 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.
GAME FACILITATOR CARD (Example)
Volunteer 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 opposing coach before every game
  • Provide a game facilitator for half of each game
  • Turn in player tracking document at the end of every season
  • Update PlayMetrics 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 Responsibilites

  • Working with the coach to communicate with the team about sessions and games.
  • Setting up a snack rotation for the season.
  • Setting up a picture day for the team.
  • Setting up an end-of-season party for the team.
  • Work with Coach Volunteer to make sure PlayMetrics 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

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.

Game Facilitator Expectations

  • 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.
GAME FACILITATOR CARD (Example)

Recreational Camps

Rapids Youth Soccer provides Colorado’s best youth soccer camps. Camps are offered throughout the year for three-year-olds to 18-year-olds, from beginner to elite. Off-season camps in the summer and winter offer the perfect opportunity for recreational players to continue playing and developing their soccer skills.

Select a season for a list of camps to appear.

Empty

Select a season for a list of camps to appear.

Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (June-July)
Fall (Aug-Nov)
Winter (Nov-Feb)

Recreational CRYSC Tournaments

CRYSC offers tournaments for teams of all ages and competition levels throughout the year. We encourage our recreational teams to check out the three tournaments listed below for a fun-filled weekend with their team to create lifelong memories.

CRYSC Player Pathways

Rapids Youth Soccer is committed to providing a pathway for all our players, from recreational to Elite. Our child-centric approach focuses on developing the heart of our players through fun, safe, and age-appropriate soccer environments. Our recreational program starts at three years old and continues for as long as a player wants to participate in our recreational programming. As seen in the diagram below, as players grow, there are opportunities to enter our other pathways through competitive and Elite programming.

Our recreational programming is the foundation of all CRYSC pathways.

Please switch to larger screen to view this content.
Destinations by Age
Front Range In House
9v9
11v11
3v3/5v5/7v7
Soccer Start
Recreation
USLW
COLLEGE
Champions League
Centennial League
Rising Rapids
Competitive
RAPIDS TRAINING CENTERS
Player ID Position-Specific
Player I.D
Elite Futsal
Tier
3

(NPL, EAL, DPL)

Tier
2

(ECRL)

Tier
1

(ECNL)

RAPIDS PRE-ELITE

(+ ELITE DEVELOPMENT SQUADS)

Youth Club Elite
COLORADO RAPIDS
Rapids 2
Academy
Futures
Colorado Rapids
PLAYER PROGRESSION

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer in Action

⚽️🇺🇸⚽️ @ussoccer Talent ID Center Roster Announcement! CONGRATS to the 🔟 #CRYSCElite 07/08/09/10G players who have been selected to attend the ID center on May 1 at @coloradoschoolofmines!

#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCgirlsECNL

Open
⚽️🇺🇸⚽️ @ussoccer talent id center roster announcement! Congrats to the 🔟 #cryscelite 07/08/09/10g players who have been selected to attend the id center on may 1 at @coloradoschoolofmines! 
#oneclubonecommunity #cryscgirlsecnl

🚨 CRYSC x @dp_league 🚨
We’re excited to announce the addition of the Development Player League (DPL) to our Castle Rock region girls player pathway!! Starting this fall, 13U-19U girls players will be eligible to join a DPL team competing in the Mountain West Open Division!

READ MORE: cry.sc/DPL

#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCElite #CRYSCDPL

Open
🚨 crysc x @dp_league 🚨 we’re excited to announce the addition of the development player league (dpl) to our castle rock region girls player pathway!! Starting this fall, 13u-19u girls players will be eligible to join a dpl team competing in the mountain west open division! Read more: cry. Sc/dpl #oneclubonecommunity #cryscelite #cryscdpl

🚨 CRYSC x @nationalpremierleagues 🚨
We’re excited to reveal that the Rapids Central region will be the new home for National Premier Leagues (NPL) 12U-19U girls elite programming starting this fall!! The Rapids Fort Collins region will also gain 2 NPL boys & 2 NPL girls teams in 2024!

READ MORE: cry.sc/NPL-24

#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCElite #CRYSCNPL

Open
🚨 crysc x @nationalpremierleagues 🚨 we’re excited to reveal that the rapids central region will be the new home for national premier leagues (npl) 12u-19u girls elite programming starting this fall!! The rapids fort collins region will also gain 2 npl boys & 2 npl girls teams in 2024! Read more: cry. Sc/npl-24 #oneclubonecommunity #cryscelite #cryscnpl

🔥👏🔥 TEXAS BOUND! CONGRATS & GOOD LUCK to Cole Wearner (07B ECNL) playing Friday in the @ecnlboys TX event Ntl. Selection Game! 💪

#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCBoysECNL #CRYSCElite

Open
🔥👏🔥 texas bound! Congrats & good luck to cole wearner (07b ecnl) playing friday in the @ecnlboys tx event ntl. Selection game! 💪 #oneclubonecommunity #cryscboysecnl #cryscelite

🧹⚽️🧹CLEAN SWEEP!! Shout out to our #CRYSCBoysECNLRL 11B-05/06B teams for going undefeated against B-Elite with 6️⃣ wins last weekend!

#HeartBehindTheCrest
#OneClubOneCommunity
#CRYSCBoysECNL 
#CRYSCElite
@ecnlboys

Open
🧹⚽️🧹clean sweep!! Shout out to our #cryscboysecnlrl 11b-05/06b teams for going undefeated against b-elite with 6️⃣ wins last weekend! #heartbehindthecrest #oneclubonecommunity #cryscboysecnl  #cryscelite @ecnlboys

🚨 CRYSC x @eliteacademyleague 🚨
We’re excited to announce the addition of the Elite Academy League (EAL) to our Castle Rock region boys player pathway!! Starting this fall, 13U-19U boys players will be eligible to join an EAL team competing in the Southwest Desert Conference!

READ MORE: cry.sc/EAL

#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCElite #CRYSCEAL

Open
🚨 crysc x @eliteacademyleague 🚨 we’re excited to announce the addition of the elite academy league (eal) to our castle rock region boys player pathway!! Starting this fall, 13u-19u boys players will be eligible to join an eal team competing in the southwest desert conference! Read more: cry. Sc/eal #oneclubonecommunity #cryscelite #crysceal

Helpful Links

Recreational FAQs

When Does Soccer Occur?

Soccer has two seasons, one in the fall and one in the spring. The beginning of the soccer year is in the fall with the remainder of the year taking place in the spring. Most recreational registrations are season-by-season, with some recreational and competitive leagues a full-year registration. During the summer and winter off-season we offer a variety of camps for players to continue to improve upon their skills.

What Does the "U" Stand For in the Age Groups?

Age groups are often denoted with a number and then the letter “U” in youth soccer. The stands for “Under”. As an example, a 6U league or camp, means it is for players six and under. Our programming operates based on what year players were born. So, if a player is five but going to be six that year, then they would be considered a 6U player for the fall and spring seasons. In the fall, all players move up an age group.

The ‘Find a Program’ at the top of the page should help show you the best programs for your child based on their birthday.

Are Uniforms Required to Play? How Do I Order Uniforms?

Yes, uniforms are required for players to play. Members can click here to be brought to the CRYSC uniforms page. This page details the ordering process for each program with specific program links to order uniforms.

What Equipment Does My Player Need?

  • Required: Players are required to wear shin guards and soccer cleats. Only Soccer Start players can opt for athletic shoes instead of cleats.
  • Recommended: Players should bring their own water and wear appropriate athletic clothing to practices. Players should have their own soccer balls which should also be brought to each practice (see below).
    • Soccer Start through 8U need a size 3 ball
    • 9U – 12U need a size 4 ball
    • 13U – 18U need a size 5 ball

Can I Request a Specific Team or Teammate?

Definitely! We will do our best to place your child according to your request. However, we cannot guarantee special placement. The best way to ensure your child plays on the team or with the teammate you want is to register early.

Do You Offer Financial Assistance?

  • We work hard to ensure that all children that wish to play soccer are given an opportunity to play regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
  • Each year, the club provides need-based grants to players that would not be able to play without financial assistance. Annual grants range in amount depending on available resources and range from 10% of registration fees to 50% of registration fees. Grant amounts are awarded based on demonstrated financial need.
  • Any player interested in obtaining financial assistance must complete a financial aid application. Click here for more information.
  • Families that wish to ensure that all children are able to participate in Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club programming may make tax-deductible contributions to our grant program by contacting Eric Fehr ([email protected]).

How Old Does a Child Have to Be to Play With the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?

A child must be three-years-old at the start of Soccer Start.

Do Boys and Girls Play on the Same Team?

  • All our teams are gender specific, except in our Soccer Start program for toddlers and preschoolers.
  • Some regions will have coed teams at 5U or 6U depending on the number of registrants that season.

Can My Child Play Up?

Players with January and February birth dates may find themselves in a situation where they are more developed physically and/or mentally as the first born in their age group. The club will consider allowing them to “play up” an age group to support their development. Please indicate the desire to “play up” with their classmates during registration under Special Requests. We will do our best to accommodate players in this situation, but please understand we may determine it more appropriate for your player to play in the designated age group.

Can My Child Play Down?

Players with November and December birth dates may find themselves in a situation as the youngest players in their age group that they want to “play down” with the age group below them. Please indicate the desire to “play down” with their classmates during registration under Special Requests.

We will do our best to accommodate players in this situation, but please understand we may determine it more appropriate for your player to play in the designated age group. Additionally, this is not allowed for any players participating in a state-ran league.

Can My Child Return to the Same Team?

  • Early registration is the best way to get on any specific team, as placements are handled by order of registration. So if you want to guarantee that you return to the same team, please register early in the registration period.
  • Players who register late are not guaranteed to return to their team. If you register after the Priority Player Deadline, it is VERY possible that you will lose your spot to a new player. Players who take a season off are not guaranteed their spot back.

How Do I Know if Practice or Games Are Canceled Due to Weather?

Check our field status webpage for the most up-to-date field conditions. Information is usually available on weekdays at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (depending on when we hear from our field partners) and Saturdays by 8:00 am.