Coaching Education, Community Engagement, & 3 Games In One Day! This Fall tournament is a mid-season event combining coaching education, youth soccer games, and a community-style celebration after the day’s games conclude. We'll have food vendors, open field space to play on, and other fun activities for families and kids to enjoy! This unique, community-focused event is open to recreational boys’ and girls’ teams, ages 6U-12U. Competitive teams are not eligible for this event.
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 β 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 childβs 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, weβre committed to helping each player reach their full potential.
For a comprehensive overview of our levels and age groups, click on your playerβs age group in the table below.
Small-Sided Game Model | Goalkeeper | Team Size | Ball Size | Practices a Week | Games in a Season | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soccer Start (2021 birth years) | 3v3 scrimmages and activities | No | 8-10 players in each group | 3 | 1 | 6 weeks a session |
5U (2020 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 6-7 players | 3 | 1 | 7-8 |
5U (2019 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 6-7 players | 3 | 1 | 7-8 |
7U (2018 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 6-7 players | 3 | 1-2 | 7-8 |
8U (2017 birth years) | 5v5 | Yes | 7-10 players | 3 | 1-2 | 7-8 |
8U Rising Rapids (2017 birth years) | 5v5 & 7v7 | Yes | 8-10 players | 3 | 2-3 | 7-8 |
9U (2015 birth years) | 7v7 | Yes | 10 - 12 players | 4 | 2 | 7-8 |
10U (2016 birth years) | 7v7 | Yes | 10 - 12 players | 4 | 2 | 7-8 |
9U-10U Select (2015-2016 birth years) | 7v7 | Yes | 10-12 players | 4 | 3 | 8-9 (plus 1-2 local tournaments) |
11U-12U (2013-2014 birth years) | 9v9 | Yes | 10 - 16 players | 4 | 2 | 7-8 |
13U-14U (2011-2012 birth years) | 9v9 | Yes | 10 - 16 players | 5 | 2 | 7-8 |
15U+ (2006-2010 birth years) | 9v9 | Yes | 10 - 16 players | 5 | 2 | 7-8 |
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
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 β 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 childβs 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, weβre committed to helping each player reach their full potential.
For a comprehensive overview of our levels and age groups, click on your playerβs age group in the table below.
Small-Sided Game Model Goalkeeper Team Size Ball Size Practices a Week Games in a Season Soccer Start (2021 birth years) 3v3 scrimmages and activities No 8-10 players in each group 3 1 6 weeks a session 5U (2020 birth years) 3v3 No 6-7 players 3 1 7-8 5U (2019 birth years) 3v3 No 6-7 players 3 1 7-8 7U (2018 birth years) 3v3 No 6-7 players 3 1-2 7-8 8U (2017 birth years) 5v5 Yes 7-10 players 3 1-2 7-8 8U Rising Rapids (2017 birth years) 5v5 & 7v7 Yes 8-10 players 3 2-3 7-8 9U (2015 birth years) 7v7 Yes 10 - 12 players 4 2 7-8 10U (2016 birth years) 7v7 Yes 10 - 12 players 4 2 7-8 9U-10U Select (2015-2016 birth years) 7v7 Yes 10-12 players 4 3 8-9 (plus 1-2 local tournaments) 11U-12U (2013-2014 birth years) 9v9 Yes 10 - 16 players 4 2 7-8 13U-14U (2011-2012 birth years) 9v9 Yes 10 - 16 players 5 2 7-8 15U+ (2006-2010 birth years) 9v9 Yes 10 - 16 players 5 2 7-8 - 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
- 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 12
- Registration Late Fee – August 1
- Registration Last Minute Fee – August 13
- Training Starts – Last Week of August
- First Game Kicks Off – Saturday After Labor Day
Spring Season
- Registration Opens – November 1
- Registration Late Fee β First Tuesday in February
- Registration Deadline –(or when teams are full) – First Week of March
- Training Starts – March 18
- First Game Kicks Off – March 29
No deadlines found.
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 β 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**
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. Donβt hesitate to reach out to your playerβs age group Director if youβre 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 coachβs 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.
- 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 coachβs 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.
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.
Please check back at a later time. No camps are currently scheduled for this selection.
Please check back at a later time. No camps are currently scheduled for this selection.
Please check back at a later time. No camps are currently scheduled for this selection.
This 5-day Skills Clinic is designed for players looking to remain active during Fall Break. This camp will focus on attacking, defending, transition moments, and the playerβs relationship with the…
The Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club South Region is excited to host the 5v5 Program this coming winter based out of the mini-pitches at Gate South. This exciting camp utilizes…
The Winter Attacking and Defending camp focuses on an both sides of the ball. Improving decision making around the goal to create opportunities, as well as technical and tactical defending.…
This unique 3-day camp is a top of the line experience for players to hone their skills through the summer. This camp is designed for beginner to intermediate level players…
Our Rapids Recreational Camps are for beginner level players. The week-long camp is designed to keep players active and engaged throughout the summer months in a fun, safe and developmentally…
This 3 day Skills Clinic is designed for players looking to remain active during Winter. This clinic will focus on attacking, defending, and transition moments, as well as the playerβs…
During this Thanksgiving event, players who want to improve technical aspects of their game come to train and compete in a fun and developmental environment! This camp is designed to…
During this winter holiday event, players who want to improve technical aspects of their game come to train and compete in a fun, developmental environment! January 2nd-4th Thursday, Friday and…
- Empty
Select a season for a list of camps to appear.
- Spring (Mar-May)
Please check back at a later time. No camps are currently scheduled for this selection.
- Summer (June-July)
Please check back at a later time. No camps are currently scheduled for this selection.
- Fall (Aug-Nov)
Please check back at a later time. No camps are currently scheduled for this selection.
- Winter (Nov-Feb)
This 5-day Skills Clinic is designed for players looking to remain active during Fall Break. This camp will focus on attacking, defending, transition moments, and the playerβs relationship with the…
The Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club South Region is excited to host the 5v5 Program this coming winter based out of the mini-pitches at Gate South. This exciting camp utilizes…
The Winter Attacking and Defending camp focuses on an both sides of the ball. Improving decision making around the goal to create opportunities, as well as technical and tactical defending.…
This unique 3-day camp is a top of the line experience for players to hone their skills through the summer. This camp is designed for beginner to intermediate level players…
Our Rapids Recreational Camps are for beginner level players. The week-long camp is designed to keep players active and engaged throughout the summer months in a fun, safe and developmentally…
This 3 day Skills Clinic is designed for players looking to remain active during Winter. This clinic will focus on attacking, defending, and transition moments, as well as the playerβs…
During this Thanksgiving event, players who want to improve technical aspects of their game come to train and compete in a fun and developmental environment! This camp is designed to…
During this winter holiday event, players who want to improve technical aspects of their game come to train and compete in a fun, developmental environment! January 2nd-4th Thursday, Friday and…
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.
Colorado’s Biggest Recreational Tournament! Calling all Colorado-based recreational and competitive teams – join us this spring for the annual Rocky Mountain Spring Championship! This tournament is the perfect Denver-based post-season competition to culminate your season for recreational and competitive soccer at the end of the Spring season. Teams are provided weekly updates, tutorial videos, and step-by-step walkthroughs for coaches/managers. Don't miss the go-to event for Colorado soccer teams for Spring postseason soccer.
Bringing Regional & National Competition to the Front Range! Hosted by Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club, the Kelvin Norman Memorial Tournament will welcome teams from NPL, DPL, ECNL/RL, and more, as they prepare for regional and national championships in the summer. This event is a key stop for teams from across the region, including Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Wyoming, and beyond to prepare for post-season success. As the final post-season tournament before playoffs, the Kelvin Norman Memorial Tournament offers the perfect opportunity for a final competitive push.
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 *
* w/ birthday before June 1st
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
Helpful Links
Soccer Camps
Rapids Youth Soccer offers a variety of camps to help players continue their growth and development year-round. Check out the full Camps page to see how your player can continue to play after their last game!
Competitive Home
Fuel your child’s competitive spirit and unlock their full potential with Rapids Youth Soccer’s Competitive programs. Check out the Rapids Youth Competitive and see where passion meets excellence in Youth Soccer!
Personal Training
Rapids Youth Soccer has some of the best coaches in the country! Personal training is an excellent opportunity for players looking to get more individual attention and hone their skills. Check it out here.
Soccer Fields
On this page, you can Search for a Soccer Field near you!
Club News
Check out our blogs about sports medicine, sport psychology, Player of the Month, international trips, and so much more!
Rapids Tickets
All CRYSC members receive a discount to cheer on our MLS team out a DICK's Stadium!
Meet our Staff
Rapids Youth Soccer hires some of the nation's best youth soccer minds to prepare our kids for a long-term career in soccer.
Go To PlayMetrics
PlayMetrics is Rapids' registration system where parents can manage their player's registrations, schedules, and team messages.
Recreational FAQs
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.
Age groups are often denoted with a number and then the letter βUβ in youth soccer. The stands for βUnderβ. 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 βFind a Programβ at the top of the page should help show you the best programs for your child based on their birthday.
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.
- 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
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.
- 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]).
A child must be three-years-old at the start of Soccer Start.
- 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Check our field status webpage for the most up-to-date field conditions. Information is usually available on weekdays at 2:00 pm β 3:00 pm (depending on when we hear from our field partners) and Saturdays by 8:00 am.