CASTLE ROCK
Castle Rock | Castle Pines | Douglas County | Elizabeth | Franktown | Highlands Ranch | Larkspur | Lone Tree | Monument | Parker
CASTLE ROCK
Castle Rock | Castle Pines | Douglas County | Elizabeth | Franktown | Highlands Ranch | Larkspur | Lone Tree | Monument | Parker
SOUTH
Centennial | Cherry Hills | Denver | Englewood | South Aurora | Greenwood Village | Highlands Ranch | Littleton | Lone Tree | Parker
CENTRAL
Denver | Aurora | Commerce City | Glendale | Green Valley | Lakewood | Northfield | Stapleton | Wheat Ridge
NORTH
Thornton | Westminster | Northglenn | Broomfield | Brighton | Arvada | Longmont | Louisville
FORT COLLINS
Fort Collins | Windsor | Greeley | Loveland | Timnath | Severance | Wellington | Laporte | Johnstown | Berthoud | Cheyenne | Laramie
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. CRYSC is Colorado’s premier youth soccer experience and the only club in Colorado to offer opportunities from three-years-old to professional, from beginner to Major League Soccer with year-round youth soccer programs of all levels serving 10,000 children across the Front Range seasonally.
CRYSC provides top-quality leagues, camps, and tournaments that serve beginner- to elite-players locally, regionally, and nationally. As a Top 100 Youth Soccer Club in the U.S. and a consistent winner of Colorado’s Top Youth Soccer Club by Colorado Parent Magazine, CRYSC values holistic child development as ‘The Heart Behind the Crest’ and cultivating remarkable coaches. The club prides itself on supporting players and coaches through a number of other programs such as the nation’s largest college placement program, an integrated relationship with UCHealth Sports Medicine, an online digital education platform that serves players, coaches, and parents, and a fully integrated sports psychology program.
With satellite leagues, camps, and tournaments across Colorado, we are confident we can provide your child a fun and enriching home to play soccer.
Avery plays goalkeeper for our Rapids Castle Rock 09G Select and 09G DPL teams. Her coaches and teammates say she is a player committed to improving her game while regularly demonstrating her exceptional abilities as a leader. Avery strives to succeed on the pitch and in every aspect of her life, whether that’s school, extracurricular activities, or community service. This summer, her Castle Rock 09G Select team won the Rapids Classic tournament after Avery had completed a shut-out in the final, ultimately going to PK’s. In the PK shootout, Avery saved two penalties, securing the win. In addition to playing with her Select team, Avery is a guest on the 09G DPL team, playing tournaments this year in Arizona, South Dakota, and the Player Cup in Boulder. Outside of CRYSC, Avery is a Hope & Health and Bin Blessed volunteer. At school, Avery plays multiple sports, is in the band, and is an honor student.
This November, Avery will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge her achievements. We spoke with Avery to learn a bit more about her. Check out the full interview below!
I started soccer as a preschooler and learned the value of teamwork early. As I developed as a soccer player and became a full-time goalkeeper, I learned the importance of leadership and have continually worked to strengthen those skills. I now use those leadership skills in every aspect of my life, including school, extracurricular activities, and community service.
I believe I was nominated for this award because I am committed and regularly demonstrate a strong ability to balance multiple school, sports, band, community service, and other extracurricular activities at a high level.
I have been fortunate and appreciate that I have had coaches who believed in me, supported my development, and encouraged me to become a stronger player, teammate, and goalkeeper.
I am most proud of saving two penalty kicks as we won the 2024 Rapids Classic championship game against a team that beat us earlier in the tournament.
I am most proud that I maintain a straight “A” average in all of my classes while also being involved in several extracurricular activities and playing competitive soccer and basketball.
A determined and hard working player.
I have played competitive sports for many years and have also been refereeing younger soccer teams for a couple of years. Many times, after games, I am approached by either parents or coaches from opposing teams or associated with the teams I am officiating expressing gratitude toward my efforts, attitude, and sportsmanship.
Alyssa Naeher and the USWNT.
I would like to obtain a degree in meteorology and work for the National Weather Service.
I’m a big Patrick Mahomes fan and am inspired by his sportsmanship, dedication, and leadership both on the field and in his community.
I enjoy traveling with my family as often as possible and hanging out with friends. I like to ski and snowboard in my free time.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
Sergiu Farca plays in midfield for our Rapids ECNL-RL 08B team and is considered by his coaches and teammates to be humble, disciplined, and a technically sound player. He is a versatile midfielder who strives to improve the tactical and technical aspects of his game. Sergiu is the 2024 ECRL Boys All Around Conference Winner. Outside of CRYSC, Sergiu is the captain of his high school Varsity team. At school, he is a member of the National Honors Society (NHS) and the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). Sergiu also founded the weightlifting club, where he is a tutor and a leader to younger students. In his free time, he volunteers at events organized by the Romanian community in Colorado.
This October, Sergiu will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge his achievements. We spoke with Sergiu to learn a bit more about him. Check out the full interview below!
I have been playing soccer since I was three. When I started playing soccer, I used to “pass” corner kicks to myself and then try to score. I’ve always played soccer with a lot of joy and passion. This wonderful sport taught me discipline, focus, and teamwork. I learned to balance sports and academics. I made many friends, met new people, and traveled to cool places.
I believe I was nominated for this award because I am dedicated to improving my technical, tactical, physical parts of my game; at the same time, I am a team player by supporting and uplifting my teammates.
I love my experience at Rapids and the lifelong friends I made. I’ve had numerous Rapids coaches support me which built my character and made me a better player.
My Rapids teammates and I won P1 several times, reached regionals and nationals with my EDS and ECNL-RL teams. I made the ECRL Boys All Around Conference team. I’ve been part of the Varsity team at Lakewood High School since I was a freshman and I am team captain now. When I was a sophomore, my Varsity team beat the no. 1 team in Colorado during playoffs. I trained many summers in Romania and received valuable advice from my coach there; I also trained with a second league team.
I approach school the same way I approach soccer, with a high standard. My academic accolades include memberships to National Honors Society (NHS) and National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). I’m proud of my work in STEM subjects: I plan to finish high school with Calculus III done along with AP Physics and AP Chemistry.
I hope my teammates describe me as a humble, hardworking player, supporting the team. They would probably also say I’m funny, kind, and calm. Their friendship means a lot.
On and off the field, I try to be a role model to my teammates and give them positive advice. My high school coach encourages the Varsity team to play soccer with students with disabilities and so, every season, we play with amazing kids. At my high school, I founded the weightlifting club; I am a tutor and a leader guiding freshmen. I also volunteer to different events organized by the Romanian community in Colorado.
I am a Barcelona and Messi fan. Messi stayed positive, constantly improved his game, and carried his teams towards winning Champions League, World Cup and Copa America. I also admire players like Ronaldinho, Xavi, Modric, Pirlo, Iniesta, Kroos, De Bruyne; their ingenuity and visionary passes improved the sport. As a football fan, I enjoyed touring Camp Nou one summer and attending EURO 2024 in Germany and watching some great matches live. I saw Luka Modric, Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Carvajal, Gvardiol, Mudryk, Dragusin, etc.
A career in STEM. I see myself a scientist, an engineer, or a physicist.
My parents inspire me; they taught me to prioritize academics and find a balance between school and soccer, one that benefits both. Without soccer, I would not be a good student and vice versa. My grandfather encouraged me to play with both feet, with my head up and told me to play “fara frica” (no fear). My coaches, many of them at Rapids, improved my game and helped me grow as a player.
Apart from watching soccer, I enjoy watching basketball and tennis. I enjoy going to high school sports, especially the football games. I like going out with my friends; we play pickleball and tennis and we also go on hikes in the mountains. I spend time with my parents and my brother and I love traveling with my family.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
Since the creation of the CRYSC International Program in 2022, over 600 CRYSC players, families, and staff have joined us to experience trips of a lifetime! Travelers have walked in the footsteps of world-renown footballers at Old Trafford, cheered alongside passionate Athletico Madrid supporters at a Champions League match in Madrid, served local communities in Costa Rica, and immersed themselves in the history, culture, and landscape of countries around the world. To continue providing those opportunities for our membership, we are pleased to announce the first trip destinations and details for 2025. See below for information about those trips and the following steps!
The 2010 & 2009 (current 15U & 16U) Boys & Girls are headed to COSTA RICA for an 8-day tour over MLK Holiday week, from January 17-24, 2025, filled with training, cultural immersion, and natural wonder! Travelers will participate in a trip starting in San Jose, Costa Rica, and then move to the Coastal Puntarenas area to experience the lush jungle/rainforest and the Western coast beaches. This trip will focus on individual/small group skill-building and conditioning as our players prepare for Spring Club or HS season. Included in the soccer content of this trip will be at least four professional clinics with guest coaches, two training sessions facilitated by CRYSC Staff, a tour of Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, a service learning opportunity with Costa Rican children, and professional Costa Rican soccer match (teams TBD). Additionally, we want players & families to enjoy the country’s unique landscape by taking in a guided San Jose city tour, a hike up the Irazu Volcano, a Crocodile Jungle Safari boat tour, and a Zipline excursion.
Our 2011 (current 14U) Boys & Girls and their families have the opportunity to travel to SPAIN for a 9-day tour, from March 7-15, 2025 (boys) / March 14-22, 2025 (girls), to immerse themselves in fútbol history, culture, and tradition. While visiting the two Spanish cities of Barcelona and Madrid, participants will attend a professional match, tour Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (home of Real Madrid), play international friendly matches against local teams, train in CRYSC-led training sessions, and have one professional training clinic with a guest coach from a professional Spanish club academy! Travelers will also take guided Barcelona & Madrid city tours to visit La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, and Las Ramblas and spend some free time exploring areas of interest!
Lastly, the 2013 (current 12U) Boys & Girls and their families have the opportunity to travel to ENGLAND for a 9-day tour, from March 7-15, 2025 (boys) / March 14-22, 2025 (girls), to take in the birthplace of football (soccer) and all the passion, history, and drama that comes with it! On the trip, travelers will have the chance to explore Manchester, Liverpool, and Royal London, attend a professional match in England with thousands of singing fans, visit the National Football Museum, tour EPL Stadiums, play international friendly matches against local teams, have CRYSC lead training sessions and have a professional training clinic with a guest coach from a professional English club academy! Travelers will also take a London City tour, visit the Tower of London, spend some free time in London, and take an excursion to Liverpool.
AGE GROUP | DESTINATION | MEETING INFO | TRAVEL DATES | REGISTRATION DEADLINE |
2013 (12U) Boys | England | LINK | March 7-15, 2025 | Nov 17, 2024 |
2013 (12U) Girls | England | LINK | March 14-22, 2025 | Nov 24, 2024 |
2011 (14U) Boys | Spain | LINK | March 7-15, 2025 | Nov 17, 2024 |
2011 (14U) Girls | Spain | LINK | March 14-22, 2025 | Nov 24, 2024 |
2009-2010 (15-U16U) Boys & Girls | Costa Rica | LINK | January 17-24, 2025 | Sept 19, 2024 |
2008-2006 (17U-19U) Boys & Girls | Portugal | TBC | June 2025 | TBC |
Click on the provided links for your respective trip to access the sample itinerary, cost, and information on how to register.
In addition to these club-wide age-group trips, CRYSC International can also facilitate custom team trips that cater to a team’s schedule and interests. This could include an international tournament, a new destination, an international coach’s “hometown” tour, or any other trip that blends soccer and cultural immersion. Should you be interested, there is still time to plan something for Summer or Fall 2025!
Curious about what happens on a CRYSC International Trip? Click here to read about our 2024 Trips to Costa Rica, Spain, and England.
If you have any questions about these trips or would like more information, please reach out to CRYSC Director of International Travel, Jeff Oleck, at [email protected] or 303.834.7328
Hana plays goalkeeper for our Rapids 10GB NPL team and is considered by her coaches and teammates to be a great team player, always motivating the team with her commitment to her role and her kindness. While being responsible for the energy of the team, Hana prides herself on leading her team, always congratulating her teammates on success as well as giving them constructive feedback after tough matches or losses. Off the field, Hana volunteers at church in the nursery, mountain bikes, and plays basketball. At school, Hana serves as Historian of the National Junior Honor Society, is on the gifted and talented curriculum, and takes stats for basketball games throughout the season.
This September, Hana will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge her achievements. We spoke with Hana to learn a bit more about her. Check out the full interview below!
Soccer has taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to be tough. These things are applied to my life everyday weather it be at school, home, or in my friendships. Soccer is something I get to look forward to at the end of the day, because I get to be with supportive team/coaches, and I have a good way to work out any emotions from the day through training. It plays a huge role in my mental health as well.
I believe I was nominated for the August 2024 UCHelath player of the month award because of the way I listen to my coaches, treat my teammates, and because of my hard work in school and soccer. As a goalie, I not only feel responsible for directing my teammates but also keeping their energy up, weather we are winning or losing. Its harder try to comeback when you are down points, but the energy on the field makes a huge difference. I congratulate my teammates when they do good, and make sure to be respectful when they need to fix something. This past season especially, I have been working hard to be a better goalie for my team and myself. I want to keep getting better and the only way to do that is work hard and stay focused in practice, so I always try to do that. A huge part of getting better is listening to my coaches, so when I am attentive and listening I will know what to do and coaches notice that.
My favorite part of playing for Rapids is the Goalie Program. I not only get to meet people of all ages and teams, but I get to work with people who understand my position and therefor can help me improve. The goalie coaches are especially helpful to me in practice and on the field because they know my habits and how to correct them.
The soccer accomplishment I am most proud of is making the girls 2010 NPL team this past year. I had never played full-time goalie before, and being chosen for my goal keeper skills for this team was a huge honor. I am proud of this because even when times were hard, I made sure to show up to practice and give it my all. A goal I wanted to achieve was to move up form select, so making the team was a big deal for me.
The academic achievement I am most proud of is not only making it into my middle schools National Junior Honor Society for my grades and characteristics, but also becoming Historian of the society. I am proud of this because it took a lot of courage for me to run for the position, and I believe while I was historian I made my fellow members feel included and needed. In this position I got to work in community service, and do things such as plan a fundraiser, read to little kids, and even paint our schools courtyard. Planning and doing all these things made me feel like a good person.
My teammates would describe me as energetic, supportive, kind, tough and unique. I pride myself in bringing good energy before, during, and after practice an games. I try to keep my teammates heads up after a loss, and make sure to get them hype before games. A lot of my teammates would say that my humor brings a lot of energy to the team as well. I always try to be supportive and kind during practices, especially when we have a new player or we all are learning something new. Trying out with a new team can be very scary, but when I was going through this process, I was always grateful for that one person who introduces themselves to you, so I always try to be that person to other people. My teammates can count on me to work my hardest and stay calm when pressures are high, and they will all tell you I will always get up after a hard hit.
A story that shows my character is when I had to fill in for a relay at my district track meet this past May. It was the day of the meet, and my coach pulled me out of class in the middle of the day to ask if I wanted to run the first leg of the 4X100 relay because the girl who was supposed to was injured. I said yes because I knew i was his first ask so therefor he was counting on me. I was super nervous because I didn’t want to let my team down, and the relay team had never lost. I was getting more and more nervous as we got closer to the meet, but I kept trying to focus on just running fast an giving it my all. The time finally came and me and three other girls lined up in our spots. The gun went off and I ran as fast as I could and then handed off my baton. I felt proud because I knew I did my best an our team ended up coming in second.
My favoirte soccer team Is the San Diego Wave and my favorite player is Alyssa Naeher
I hope to be a Physical Therapist or Nutritionist when I grow up.
My old soccer coach (Coach Ashley) Inspires me because she is so hardworking and always has the best advice. She was a D1 soccer player at CU Boulder but now works with Bill Gates for Microsoft, and she not only has taught me where hard work can get you, but also how to have fun along the way. She is someone I will always look up to.
Outside of soccer, I like to mountain bike, run read. I mountain bike competitively and I love to read mystery novels.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
The summer months can typically be an off-season for players, but for coaches, we use this time to continue to learn and grow in our own craft. CRYSC used the summer months of June and July to connect with full-time staff and part-time/volunteer coaches through both formal educational licensing through U.S. Soccer and in-house coach development.
CRYSC believes in providing educational experiences and opportunities for coaches and has built a pool of educators and coach developers that can help deliver on our coaches’ needs. Our club has the most licensed U.S. Soccer Coach Educators of any club in the country and can serve coaches interested in obtaining formal licensing through U.S. Soccer Grassroots, D, C, and B courses. In June and July, over 60 coaches obtained various Grassroots licenses in courses led by CRYSC Next Wave Director Kathryn Balogun and South Region RTD Miguel Rodrigues. CRYSC has two more Grassroots courses on the schedule for August in Castle Rock led by RTD Joe McNabb. Coaches who have earned their Grassroots licenses may be eligible for the upcoming D Course (focused on coaching 8U-12U players) that starts in late August (space still available).
While formal licensing is just one avenue for development, there are other opportunities for coaches to engage in learning through club-hosted events. During the week of July 15-19, we hosted a Summer Symposium Series featuring some pilot tests of workshops featuring newly created club belief structures like the Stages of Development, the Key Qualities of a Self-Regulating player, and our club’s updated Style of Play (or Game Model). External experts Dr. Sara Campbell (Professor of Kinesiology and Sports Studies at the DU Graduate School of Sport Psychology) and Dr. Colin Barnes (Associate Head Coach at the University of North Carolina Wilmington) helped facilitate learning for our directors and coaches on several topics in both the classroom and on the field to observe players in action. Dr. Campbell helped lead sessions with North RTD Michael Balogun on the Key Qualities of a Self-Regulating Player, which coaches will use to help identify and develop players. Players will use them to self-reflect and identify personal goals. Dr. Barnes facilitated workshops alongside Chief Technical Director Zac Crawford on our CRYSC Attacking Game Model with a specific focus on observing principles during live play to begin the process of performance analysis. During these workshops, full-time staff was able to learn alongside some of our recreational and volunteer coaches as we were able to collect feedback on the experiences so that these workshops could be delivered to our regions this fall.
CRYSC will take the learnings from this summer and will be providing regional workshops on the various topics mentioned above so please be on the lookout for opportunities to engage with your directors of coaching. Additionally, CRYSC will host a club-wide coach development session focusing on the role of the goalkeeper in today’s game. The modern goalkeeper is required to do more than just stopping shots and making saves. The modern goalkeeper is also expected to organize and communicate, as well as initiate the attack. Our Goalkeeping Symposium will feature Colorado Rapids 1st Team Assistant Coach and CRYSC Goalkeeping Director Chris Sharpe and the CRYSC Goalkeeping Directors.
During this workshop, Chris Sharpe will offer an overview of our goalkeeping program and services; coaches will be able to interact and ask questions to create a deeper understanding of one of the country’s most unique goalkeeping programs for club soccer. During the on-field portion, our GK Directors will provide three different sessions:
The workshop will be hosted in September (dates TBD), led by the CRYSC GK Directors, and will start in the classroom before heading to the fields to observe players, identify our main principles, and discuss how they can be used to create ONE CLUB/ONE COMMUNITY.
Peter plays central attacking midfield for our Rapids 13B Central Select I and considers soccer a part of his core identity. His coaches and teammates know him to be extremely dedicated to the game, defining his success by his team’s success. While being one of the top goalscorers on his team, Peter prides himself on leading his team in assists, adapting his play based on how his team is performing in front of goal. Off the field, Peter plays violin and was accepted to the Denver School of Arts for his talents. In addition, he plays at the Suzuki Strings of Denver, a group that performs in the community and nursing homes. He is also a mathlete, competing in the Math Olympiad.
This August, Peter will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge his achievements. We spoke with Peter and his family to learn a bit more about him. Check out the full interview below!
It makes him enjoy life as it is life.
I contribute to my team’s success.
The coaches.
Winning 3 tournaments with my team
Getting into Denver School of the Arts
As a passer, giving assists to his teammates.
Peter is a role model for the younger kids in his violin group and helps them with learning new songs.
Messi and Chelsea FC
A career in Soccer
My Grandpa because he’s a kind, generous and hardworking person.
Playing hockey and the violin. He got into DSA to join the orchestra and also plays with Suzuki Strings of Denver.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
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!
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.
Tournaments 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.
College Placement
Check out more information regarding our College Placement Program, including upcoming events where your player can be seen by local and national college coaches of all levels.
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.