CRYSC 11U-19U programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the 3U-10U programs and builds on the Colorado Rapids curriculum. Program offerings provide recreational options for all ages 11U through 19U.

Training and games are held at convenient, centralized, community locations in the Denver metro area. Game format is played in a 9v9 format from 11U through 19U. Team sizes of 11-15 players ensures plenty of game time to apply the skills and techniques that are presented in the twice weekly curriculum based training.

 

*Rapids North currently only goes up to 15U in the recreational program. If you are older than 15U, please refer to the North Competitive page.*

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

Fall Registration Opens: May 1, 2023

Fall Priority Deadline for Returning Players: June 30, 2023

Fall Registration Closes: Week of August 14, 2023

Fall Practices Begin: Week of August 21, 2023

In-House Spring Schedule:

Training Dates: August 21 – October 26
Game Dates: September 9, September 16, September 23, September 30, October 7, October 14, October 21, October 28
Potential Make-Up Dates: Sundays in the season as needed

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are canceled or delayed due to weather, they will be moved to later in the season. Reschedules can 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

11U-19U Spring Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. One doubleheader weekend is currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break. If games are canceled or delayed due to weather, they will be moved to the end of May or to a Sunday as needed. Teams participating in CSA Front Range League games will begin March 13th. The game schedule is shared once released by CSA.

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

CRYSC 11U-19U programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the 3U-10U programs and builds on the Colorado Rapids curriculum. Program offerings provide recreational options for all ages 11U through 19U.

Training and games are held at convenient, centralized, community locations in the Denver metro area. Game format is played in a 9v9 format from 11U through 19U. Team sizes of 11-15 players ensures plenty of game time to apply the skills and techniques that are presented in the twice weekly curriculum based training.

 

*Rapids North currently only goes up to 15U in the recreational program. If you are older than 15U, please refer to the North Competitive page.*

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

Fall Dates

Fall Registration Opens: May 1, 2023

Fall Priority Deadline for Returning Players: June 30, 2023

Fall Registration Closes: Week of August 14, 2023

Fall Practices Begin: Week of August 21, 2023

In-House Spring Schedule:

Training Dates: August 21 – October 26
Game Dates: September 9, September 16, September 23, September 30, October 7, October 14, October 21, October 28
Potential Make-Up Dates: Sundays in the season as needed

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are canceled or delayed due to weather, they will be moved to later in the season. Reschedules can 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

11U-19U Spring Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. One doubleheader weekend is currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break. If games are canceled or delayed due to weather, they will be moved to the end of May or to a Sunday as needed. Teams participating in CSA Front Range League games will begin March 13th. The game schedule is shared once released by CSA.

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.

North 11U-15U Recreational

Age Groups: 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall, Winter
$285Per Season
  • Practice Twice/Week
  • Convenient Local Practices/Games
  • Volunteer Parent Coach
  • Recreational Uniform Kit
  • Team Formed by Registration
  • Optional Paid Staff Coaches are Available for a Fee
Spring Priority Placement Deadline In...
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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.

Rapids Youth Soccer =

Every team is required to provide a volunteer coach to coach the team throughout the season. The volunteer coach is almost always a parent of a player on the team.

The coach will be provided with a curriculum from our staff for every session, and will be provided with other training opportunities throughout the season. Our staff will help support every coach throughout the season, so even if coaches have never played soccer before, we can help you have a successful season. We recommend that each team has a coach and an assistant coach at this age to help players stay engaged throughout every session.

Coach Expectations

  • Lead every practice session of find a substitute if they cannot be present.
  • Coach every game of find a substitute if they cannot be at the game.
  • Find a practice location and time that works for them and their team.
  • Communicate clearly with the team throughout the season.

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 an end-of-season party for the team.

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.
Coach Volunteer

Every team is required to provide a volunteer coach to coach the team throughout the season. The volunteer coach is almost always a parent of a player on the team.

The coach will be provided with a curriculum from our staff for every session, and will be provided with other training opportunities throughout the season. Our staff will help support every coach throughout the season, so even if coaches have never played soccer before, we can help you have a successful season. We recommend that each team has a coach and an assistant coach at this age to help players stay engaged throughout every session.

Coach Expectations

  • Lead every practice session of find a substitute if they cannot be present.
  • Coach every game of find a substitute if they cannot be at the game.
  • Find a practice location and time that works for them and their team.
  • Communicate clearly with the team throughout the season.

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 Volunteer

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 an end-of-season party for the team.

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.

Understanding Your Time in the 11U-19U Leagues

The 11U-19U leagues provide opportunities for beginner to advanced players. As players prepare for their future soccer playing experience, It’s essential for parents and players to understand what is available to their child during their time in the 11U-19U programs, including any supplemental programs and what to expect as players move into competitive play.

Volunteers

Parent-volunteer forms are collected mid-season and at the end of each season.

Staff

Staff-coach forms are submitted at the end of all staff-led programs.

Field Coordinators

Forms are submitted weekly to the program DOC.

Kick-Arounds

Kick-rounds are held four times each season on Sundays.

In-House Events

Seasonal in-house events are used to evaluate, such as the community cup, festivals, and Soccerfest.

Tryouts

Tryouts are held in late May, early June every year.

Preparing for Tryouts

Players participating in the 11U – 18U recreational league that are interested in joining the Competitive program at Rapids Youth Soccer should reach out to the staff to indicate an interest in joining the competitive program.

Rapids Youth Soccer puts a lot of focus on the ongoing evaluation process, meaning staff would like to see players throughout the entire year to gauge their development level to properly assist in placing the player into the Competitive program.

  • Parent-Volunteers | Parent-volunteer notes are collected throughout the season.
  • Staff-Coaches | Staff-coach forms are submitted at the end of all staff-led programs.
  • Field Coordinators | Field Coordinator forms are submitted weekly to the program DOC.
  • Tournaments | Many recreational teams participate in tournaments where staff are able to observe them.
  • Tryouts | Tryouts are held in late May, early June every year and are the final piece to the Player Placement process.

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer in Action

🚨💖🚨 calling all crysc teams: #wearitpink out on the fields starting next friday, october 18th, & throughout the weekend in support of #breastcancerawarenessmonth! Send in pics of your team to social@rapidsyouthsoccer. Org to feature on our social pages! #oneclubonecommunity @uchealth
We ❤️ soccer start!! Rapids 3u-5u players across the front range are making friends, having fun, & learning to love the beautiful game this fall! The journey starts with soccer start! 👧⚽️🧒

#cryscsoccerstart #oneclubonecommunity
🍂🎥⚽️ sights, sounds, celebrations, & fun from the 2024 #cryscfallfootiefest!! Thank you to the coaches, families, & rec players who joined us for an amazing day on the fields & in the classroom! #oneclubonecommunity #crysctournaments
⭐️🏅⭐️ congrats to sergiu farca on winning our september 2024 @uchealth player of the month award! Read more about sergiu 👉 cry. Sc/sep24-potm

are you the next @uchealth potm? Nominate yourself, your player, or any athlete at crysc for a chance to be selected for next month’s award! 👉 cry. Sc/potm

#oneclubonecommunity

Program FAQs

There are many differences between Competitive and Rec soccer. One of the biggest factors is the level of commitment. Many Competitive players are devoted mainly to the sport of soccer and enjoy the competitiveness of the atmosphere. Additionally, Competitive teams are coached by professional coaches hired and managed by the Rapids staff. Competitive teams also train more often than recreational teams.

Uniforms can be purchased at soccer.com

Yes you can.  We do not guarantee that we can meet all requests, but we will do our best to accommodate them.

The fall season is from August – November and the spring season runs from March – May.