Serving players from: Centennial • Aurora • Cherry Hills • Parker • Denver • Englewood • Golden • Greenwood Village • Highlands Ranch • Lakewood • Littleton • Lone Tree
CRYSC 11U-19U programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the 4U-10U programs and builds on the Colorado Rapids curriculum. Program offerings provide recreational options for all ages 11U through 19U.
Trainings are held at convenient, centralized, community locations in the South Denver and Aurora metro areas. The game format is played in a 9v9 format from 11U-14U, though 13U-14U plays on a larger field. Team sizes of 12-15 players ensure plenty of game time to apply the skills and techniques that are presented in the twice-weekly curriculum-based training.
11U-14U teams participate in our Rapids Interbranch League. All games are held on Saturdays unless there is a need for a makeup that can fall on a Sunday or during the week. Home games are based out of Rapids South fields, with away games across our Central and Castle Rock regions. All schedules are communicated to the Volunteer Parent Coaches and Team Managers, who load them into PlayMetrics. Please refer to your PlayMetrics app for a calendar.
15U+ Rapids teams participate in the Front Range League with the Colorado Soccer Association. All games are held on Saturdays unless there is a need for a makeup that can fall on a Sunday or during the week. Home games are based out of Rapids South fields, with away games across the Front Range depending on the opposing team’s home location. All schedules are communicated to the Volunteer Parent Coaches and Team Managers, who load them into PlayMetrics. Please refer to your PlayMetrics app for a calendar.
| 11U-19U Recreational | 11U-19U Rec+ Training | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player Attributes | Child enjoys soccer, especially for the fun and social atmosphere but needs motivating to practice at home. | Child loves soccer and practices at home when prompted. Child gets excited about practice and skill development. | |||
| Season | 8-9 week-long seasons | 8-9 week-long seasons | |||
| Coaching | Parent volunteer coach | Parent volunteer coach and staff training coach | |||
| League Play | 11U-14U: Rapids Interbranch League 15U and older: CSA Front Range League | 11U-14U: Rapids Interbranch League 15U and older: CSA Front Range League | |||
| Playing Format | 9v9 | 9v9 | |||
| Team Size | 12-15 players | 12-15 players |
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
**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. Teams participating in CSA Front Range League games will begin on a date TBD.
Game Day 1: September 7th
Game Day 2: September 14th
Game Day 3: September 21st
Game Day 4: September 28th
Game Day 5: October 5th
Game Day 6: October 12th
Game Day 7: October 19th
Game Day 8: October 26th
Potential Make Up dates: October 20th, 27th, November 3rd
**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.
Game Day 1: March 29th
Game Day 2: April 5th
Game Day 3: April 12th
Game Day 4: April 13th
Game Day 5: April 19th
Game Day 6: April 26th
Game Day 7: May 3rd
Game Day 8: May 10th
Potential Make Up Dates:
April 27th – Spring makeup date #1
May 4th – Spring makeup date #2
May 11th– Spring makeup date #3
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.
CRYSC 11U-19U programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the 4U-10U programs and builds on the Colorado Rapids curriculum. Program offerings provide recreational options for all ages 11U through 19U.
Trainings are held at convenient, centralized, community locations in the South Denver and Aurora metro areas. The game format is played in a 9v9 format from 11U-14U, though 13U-14U plays on a larger field. Team sizes of 12-15 players ensure plenty of game time to apply the skills and techniques that are presented in the twice-weekly curriculum-based training.
11U-14U teams participate in our Rapids Interbranch League. All games are held on Saturdays unless there is a need for a makeup that can fall on a Sunday or during the week. Home games are based out of Rapids South fields, with away games across our Central and Castle Rock regions. All schedules are communicated to the Volunteer Parent Coaches and Team Managers, who load them into PlayMetrics. Please refer to your PlayMetrics app for a calendar.
15U+ Rapids teams participate in the Front Range League with the Colorado Soccer Association. All games are held on Saturdays unless there is a need for a makeup that can fall on a Sunday or during the week. Home games are based out of Rapids South fields, with away games across the Front Range depending on the opposing team’s home location. All schedules are communicated to the Volunteer Parent Coaches and Team Managers, who load them into PlayMetrics. Please refer to your PlayMetrics app for a calendar.
| 11U-19U Recreational | 11U-19U Rec+ Training | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player Attributes | Child enjoys soccer, especially for the fun and social atmosphere but needs motivating to practice at home. | Child loves soccer and practices at home when prompted. Child gets excited about practice and skill development. | |||
| Season | 8-9 week-long seasons | 8-9 week-long seasons | |||
| Coaching | Parent volunteer coach | Parent volunteer coach and staff training coach | |||
| League Play | 11U-14U: Rapids Interbranch League 15U and older: CSA Front Range League | 11U-14U: Rapids Interbranch League 15U and older: CSA Front Range League | |||
| Playing Format | 9v9 | 9v9 | |||
| Team Size | 12-15 players | 12-15 players |
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
**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. Teams participating in CSA Front Range League games will begin on a date TBD.
Game Day 1: September 7th
Game Day 2: September 14th
Game Day 3: September 21st
Game Day 4: September 28th
Game Day 5: October 5th
Game Day 6: October 12th
Game Day 7: October 19th
Game Day 8: October 26th
Potential Make Up dates: October 20th, 27th, November 3rd
**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.
Game Day 1: March 29th
Game Day 2: April 5th
Game Day 3: April 12th
Game Day 4: April 13th
Game Day 5: April 19th
Game Day 6: April 26th
Game Day 7: May 3rd
Game Day 8: May 10th
Potential Make Up Dates:
April 27th – Spring makeup date #1
May 4th – Spring makeup date #2
May 11th– Spring makeup date #3
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.
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.
The 11U-19U Recreational league builds on the philosophy of the 9U-10U program by providing an environment where players find both success and challenges. Teams play 9v9 in the CSA Front Range League. Teams are placed in divisions based on coach feedback and historic game information from CSA.
Teams generally consist of 12-15 players. These teams are coached by parent-volunteers who follow a curriculum provided by Program Directors to run training sessions. Teams practice twice per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Saturdays in the Front Range League which requires travel for away games. Teams play 8-9 games each season.
Each team gets 8-9 games each season during the 9-10 week season. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. This will eliminate the need for makeup games on weeknights and Sundays, maximizing the soccer experience and family time.
The Fall season runs from September through the first week of November, and the Spring season from March through May.
The 11U-19U Rec+ Training program builds off the Recreational program with a Rapids Youth staff coach training the teams during the week. Teams still train at centralized locations across Denver. The staff trainer will work with teams twice per week following the age group curriculum provided by the Program Director. A parent volunteer leads the team during the Saturday games.
Teams generally consist of 12-15 players. These teams are coached by parent-volunteers who follow a curriculum provided by Program Directors to run training sessions. Teams practice twice per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Saturdays in the Front Range League which requires travel for away games. Teams play 8-9 games each season.
Each team gets 8-9 games each season during the 9-10 week season. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. This will eliminate the need for makeup games on weeknights and Sundays, maximizing the soccer experience and family time.
The Fall season runs from September through the first week of November, and the Spring season from March through May.
The 11U-19U Recreational league builds on the philosophy of the 9U-10U program by providing an environment where players find both success and challenges. Teams play 9v9 in the CSA Front Range League. Teams are placed in divisions based on coach feedback and historic game information from CSA.
Teams generally consist of 12-15 players. These teams are coached by parent-volunteers who follow a curriculum provided by Program Directors to run training sessions. Teams practice twice per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Saturdays in the Front Range League which requires travel for away games. Teams play 8-9 games each season.
Each team gets 8-9 games each season during the 9-10 week season. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. This will eliminate the need for makeup games on weeknights and Sundays, maximizing the soccer experience and family time.
The Fall season runs from September through the first week of November, and the Spring season from March through May.
The 11U-19U Rec+ Training program builds off the Recreational program with a Rapids Youth staff coach training the teams during the week. Teams still train at centralized locations across Denver. The staff trainer will work with teams twice per week following the age group curriculum provided by the Program Director. A parent volunteer leads the team during the Saturday games.
Teams generally consist of 12-15 players. These teams are coached by parent-volunteers who follow a curriculum provided by Program Directors to run training sessions. Teams practice twice per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Saturdays in the Front Range League which requires travel for away games. Teams play 8-9 games each season.
Each team gets 8-9 games each season during the 9-10 week season. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. This will eliminate the need for makeup games on weeknights and Sundays, maximizing the soccer experience and family time.
The Fall season runs from September through the first week of November, and the Spring season from March through May.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Players participating in the 11U-19U 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.
🎓⚽🎓 Graduate Spotlight: Ally O’Hara
A standout GK from South 06/07G ECNL-RL, Ally O’Hara has been a force on the field since age 4 with Colorado Fusion. She’s now headed to Rice University, where she’ll double major in economics & mathematics—a true student-athlete!
Her soccer journey includes a quarterfinal finish at E64 Nationals (2023) and being named MVP of the Colorado President’s Cup as a sophomore. Guided by dedicated Rapids Youth coaches, Ally’s developed into a leader both on and off the field. She plans to continue playing at the club level while tackling her academic goals. Big things ahead for this rising star!
#Classof2025 #SeniorSeason
❄️⚽️❄️ Snow, snow go away, we’ve got spring soccer to play!! Just last weekend we were soaking up the sunshine & cheering on our Rapids teams from the sidelines - what a difference a few days can make 🥶 Bundle up & stay warm this weekend!
#OneClubOneCommunity
🚨 North, Central, & South ECNL-RL Girls 2025/26 COACHING STAFF 🚨
North ECNL-RL Girls
U18/19 (07/08G): Ryan Rombach
U17 (09G): Nic Ryan
U16 (10G): TBD
U15 (11G): Brad Homeyer
U14 (12G): Dannelle Lewandowski
U13 (13G): Ryan Rombach
Central ECNL-RL Girls
U18/19 (07/08B): Lexi Rudolph
U17 (09G): Jack Laurie
U16 (10G): Daniel Nestor
U15 (11G): Daniel Nestor
U14 (12G): Olivia Kearse-Thomas
U13 (13G): Jack Humphray
South ECNL-RL Girls
U18/19 (07/08G): Julia Kendrick
U17 (09G): Deco Costa
U16 (10G): Nicole Nickerson
U15 (11G): Deco Costa
U14 (12G): Julia Kendrick
U13 (13G): TBD
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCGirlsECNLRL #DevelopingRemarkableCoaches
🇺🇸⚽️💪 CONGRATS to Claire Allen (11G ECNL) & Kennedy Early (11G ECNL) on being selected to attend the @ussoccer U-14 Girls’ Central Region Talent ID Mini-Camp in Austin, TX this week! Claire & Kennedy join 80 players from across the central US!
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCElite #RapidsSuccess #CRYSCgirlsECNL
🚨 Castle Rock DPL/EAL Girls & Boys 2025/26 COACHING STAFF 🚨
Castle Rock DPL
U18/19 (07/08B): Nate Billings
U17 (09G): Dan Fearnhead
U16 (10G): Sara Sheets
U15 (11G): Aaron Manahan
U14 (12G): Aaron Manahan
U13 (13G): Dmytro Chepura
Castle Rock EAL
U18/19 (07/08B): Dmytro Chepura
U17 (09B): Kyle Wilson-Kjellberg
U16 (10B): Jordan Brumley
U15 (11B): Tyler Amerman
U14 (12B): Tyler Amerman
U13 (13B): Julian Roberts
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCDPL #CRYSCEAL #DevelopingRemarkableCoaches
🎓⚽🎓 Graduate Spotlight: Jonathan Grattet
A natural leader both on & off the pitch! This dedicated athlete from our South 07/08 Select has consistently stepped up, proudly serving as a three-time club captain & a two-time high school captain. His soccer journey began at the young age of 5, laying the foundation for the accomplished player he is today. Now, Jonathan is embarking on an exciting new chapter at Anderson University, where he’ll be pursuing a degree in Music Business while continuing to play the sport he loves!
His growth mindset has shaped him into not only a skilled player but also someone who understands the importance of being competitive while remaining caring. Jonathan’s journey is a testament to holistic development, proving that you can excel in athletics & academics while cultivating strong leadership qualities. His advice to fellow athletes? “Love yourself, your opponents, & your teammates. Learn, be respectful, & grow.” We’re excited to see Jonathan’s leadership & passion shine at Anderson University!
#Classof2025 #SeniorSeason #CollegeCommitment
🚨 Elite @ecnlboys & Central ECNL Boys 2025/26 COACHING STAFF 🚨
Elite ECNL Boys:
Elite ECNL Boys Director: Daniel Agnew
U18/19 (07/08B): Danny Bills
U17 (09B): Michael Lind
U16 (10B): Sean Baumann
U15 (11B): Jay Needham
U14 (12B): Bobby Hensley
U13 (13B): Sean Baumann
Central ECNL Boys:
Central ECNL Boys Director: Daniel Nestor
U18/19 (07/08B): Jack Laurie/Jack Humphray
U17 (09B): Alex Agne
U16 (10B): Saul Maldanodo
U15 (11B): Peter Pak
U14 (12B): Jack Laurie
U13 (13B): Etzael Gonzalez
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCElite #CRYSCBoysECNL #DevelopingRemarkableCoaches
⭐️🏔️⚽️ #CRYSCAlumni doing BIG things! SHOUT OUT to Denver’s own @darrenyapi_ on getting his first @coloradorapids start & scoring his first goal of the season! 💪
#OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsSuccess
11U-14U Competitive
After our 9U-10U leagues, players are eligible to tryout for our 11U-14U Competitive Programs. Get more information here.
15U-19U Competitive
The Competitive Program builds on the foundation players have learned throughout their time with Rapids Youth Soccer, including philosophy, the Rapids curriculum, and The Rapids Way.
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!
Recreational Home
Curious about what other programming takes place in CRYSC's recreational programming? Check out the Rec Home page for more information across different age groups.
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.
Soccer Stop has two convenient locations in the South Denver area:
Soccer Stop Englewood can be reached at 720.283.8215 or visit them at 15055 E Hinsdale Dr, Englewood, CO 80112.
Soccer Stop Highlands Ranch can be reached at 303.740.9300 or visit them at 8130 S University Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80122.
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.
