
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) 11U-18U programming for players born 2005-2012 continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the 6U-10U programs and builds on the CRYSC curriculum. Program offerings provide recreational options for all ages 11U through 18U.
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
Registration Opens: November 1
$20 Early Bird Discount Ends: November 30
$10 Early Bird Discount Ends: January 2, 9:00 am
Priority Deadline for Returning Players: January 15
Players registered after Jan 15 will be placed on teams in the date order of registration based on availability.
$20 Late Fee Begins: February 6
Registration Closes: When Teams are full
Training Dates: February 27 – May 12
Interbranch Schedule for Rec and Rec PLUS:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days.
- Game 1: March 25
- Game 2: April 1
- Game 3: April 8
- Game 4: April 15
- Game 5: April 22
- Game 6: April 29
- Game 7: May 6
- Game 8: May 13
- Make-Up Dates (if needed): Sundays and May 20/21
Team Placement, Program Questions:
Alex Martinez
10U – 18U Recreational Director
[email protected]
719.387.1326
Registration, Payment:
Jenni Garceau
Recreational Administrator
[email protected]
303.578.2758
- Overview
-
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) 11U-18U programming for players born 2005-2012 continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the 6U-10U programs and builds on the CRYSC curriculum. Program offerings provide recreational options for all ages 11U through 18U.
Trainings are held at convenient, centralized locations in the Castle Rock area.Our 11U – 14U teams will play in a Rapids Interbranch League that will include Rapids Central, South, and Castle Rock teams. Games will be played on Saturdays (and some Sundays) in Castle Rock, Aurora, and South Denver. This league is designed to reduce the amount of travel for our families which will allow players more time to explore other interests.The Rapids Interbranch League will allow us to create a player-centered environment that is built off of our Let Us Play methodology and Rapids Core Beliefs.11U – 14U teams will play 9v9. 13U and 14U groups will play in a combined 13U/14U age group. 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.15U – 18U will play 9v9 on an 11v11 field with the Front Range League, organized by the Colorado Soccer Association. - 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, players, and members can interact, creating a living and growing classroom. By connecting the CRYSC community online, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for players and 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
- Dates
-
Registration Opens: November 1
$20 Early Bird Discount Ends: November 30
$10 Early Bird Discount Ends: January 2, 9:00 am
Priority Deadline for Returning Players: January 15
Players registered after Jan 15 will be placed on teams in the date order of registration based on availability.
$20 Late Fee Begins: February 6
Registration Closes: When Teams are full
Training Dates: February 27 – May 12
Interbranch Schedule for Rec and Rec PLUS:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days.
- Game 1: March 25
- Game 2: April 1
- Game 3: April 8
- Game 4: April 15
- Game 5: April 22
- Game 6: April 29
- Game 7: May 6
- Game 8: May 13
- Make-Up Dates (if needed): Sundays and May 20/21
- Contact
-
Team Placement, Program Questions:
Alex Martinez
10U – 18U Recreational Director
[email protected]
719.387.1326Registration, Payment:
Jenni Garceau
Recreational Administrator
[email protected]
303.578.2758
11U-18U Recreational
For Beginner to Intermediate Players
- 10-11 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Practice 2x per Week
- Additional Development Center offered for 11U/12U
- Convenient Local Practices/Games
- Volunteer Parent Coaches
- Recreational Uniform Kit Separate
- Team Formed by Registration
11U-14U Rec PLUS
For Beginner to Intermediate Players born 2009 - 2012
- 10-11 Week Session
- 7-8 Games
- Practice 2x per Week
- Additional Development Center offered for 11U/12U
- Convenient Local Practices/Games
- Staff & Volunteer Parent Coach
- Recreational Uniform Kit Separate
- Team Formed by Registration
11U / 12U Rapids Development Center
Intermediate Players born in 2011 & 2012
- Add-On to regular Practice
- One Session per week (Wed or Thu)
- 6 Week Program
- For Players interested in Select/Competitive
- Led by Recreational Director
- Focus on Individual Skill Development
$10 Early Bird Discount Ends in…

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 ensure they have it in time. Players are required to wear the official CRYSC jersey combo for games. This uniform kit is usable throughout all recreational programs.
Recreational members can click here to be brought to the CRYSC uniforms page. This page details the ordering process for each program with specific links and a FAQ section to help answer the most common uniform questions. If your player already has a recreational uniform they do not need to order a new one until they have outgrown it.
It is important to note that uniforms are NOT included in registration costs.
Rapids Youth Soccer =
Registration Deadline is Coming
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 a snack rotation for the season.
- Setting up pictures with the club’s photographer on picture day.
- 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 a snack rotation for the season.
- Setting up pictures with the club’s photographer on picture day.
- 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.
11U+ Rapids teams participate in the Front Range League with the Colorado Soccer Association. All games are held on Saturdays unless there is need for a makeup that can fall on a Sunday or during the week. Home games are based out of the Castle Rock area 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 the team’s PlayMetrics app. Please refer to PlayMetrics for a calendar.
Practices are held at local parks across Castle Rock. Parent Volunteer coaches coordinate with the other parents on the team to find a centralized park to hold training at twice a week. The days and times are determined by the Parent Volunteer coach based on what parks the Club has permitted that season. This training schedule should be uploaded into the team’s PlayMetrics calendar when days and locations have been agreed upon.
- Game Schedules
-
11U+ Rapids teams participate in the Front Range League with the Colorado Soccer Association. All games are held on Saturdays unless there is need for a makeup that can fall on a Sunday or during the week. Home games are based out of the Castle Rock area 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 the team’s PlayMetrics app. Please refer to PlayMetrics for a calendar.
- Practice Schedules
-
Practices are held at local parks across Castle Rock. Parent Volunteer coaches coordinate with the other parents on the team to find a centralized park to hold training at twice a week. The days and times are determined by the Parent Volunteer coach based on what parks the Club has permitted that season. This training schedule should be uploaded into the team’s PlayMetrics calendar when days and locations have been agreed upon.
Volunteers
Staff
Field Coordinators
Kick-Arounds
In-House Events
Tryouts
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.
Competitive Player Evaluation Process
- Parent-Volunteers | Parent-volunteer forms are collected mid-season and at the end of each 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.
- In-House Events | Seasonal in-house events are used to evaluate players.
- Tryouts | Tryouts are held in late May, early June every year and are the final piece to the Player Placement process.
Player Centered Success Model
The Player Centered Success model puts the best interests of the player first. This is done by understanding each and every players definition of success and helping them achieve it. Every player at every level of their soccer career has different levels of success.
Rapids Youth
Rapids Pro
Parents
Coaches
Referees
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.
All players will need to purchase a uniform prior to the first game if they do not have one already. Our vendor is Soccer.com, click here to be brought the recreational order page.
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.
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