The 5U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for 4- to 8-year-olds. The 5U-8U Recreational program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games on Saturdays. The specialized curriculum helps players grow in their technical skills and learn the rules of soccer at a developmentally appropriate level for their age. Players will receive a solid foundation of coaching needed to continue into the 9U-10U level and onward.

  • Teams are coached by parent volunteer coaches
  • Practice is held once a week for for 5U&6U, twice a week for 7U&8U
  • 5U-7U Games are played in Castle Rock on Saturdays
  • 8U Games are played in Castle Rock, Aurora and South Denver on Saturdays
  • Teams play 7-8 games each season
Small-Sided Game ModelGoalkeeperTeam SizeBall SizePractices a WeekGames in a Season
5U (2019 birth years)3v3No5-7 players317-8
6U (2018 birth years)3v3No5-7 players317-8
7U (2017 birth years)5v5Yes7-10 players327-8
8U (2016 birth years)5v5Yes7-10 players327-8

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 Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (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.

What is The Rapids Way?

The Rapids Way embodies everything we are and stand for as a soccer club. The Rapids Way is much more than just what we do and how we do it. The Club’s mission and vision shape a philosophy, methodology, and culture that provide a framework for us to work in these key areas.

The Rapids Way is defined by the experience each individual player has from the time they enter the Club to the time they graduate. Using the Whole-Part-Whole teaching model we are able to build a Long-Term Development Plan that drives each player’s experiences in the four key pillars of the game: technical, tactical, physical and psycho-social.

The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW) 

WPW is 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 will put players in realistic situations, that should always include decision-making elements.

We have a saying in the Club, “Prepare your child for the path, not the path for your child.” This is the Rapids Way.

  • Registration Opens – May 1
  • Registration Deadline – When teams are full
  • Registration Late Fee – August 1
  • Training Starts – Last Week of August
  • First Game Kicks Off – Saturday After Labor Day
  • Registration Opens – November 1
  • Registration Closes – When Teams are full 
  • Registration Late Fee – February 6
  • Training Starts – Week of March 11
  • First Game Kicks Off – March 30
Katie  BeaudoinSoccer Start-9U Recreation Director - Castle Rock[email protected]719.357.7584
Jennifer  GarceauRecreational Administrator - Castle Rock[email protected]303.578.2758
Overview

The 5U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for 4- to 8-year-olds. The 5U-8U Recreational program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games on Saturdays. The specialized curriculum helps players grow in their technical skills and learn the rules of soccer at a developmentally appropriate level for their age. Players will receive a solid foundation of coaching needed to continue into the 9U-10U level and onward.

  • Teams are coached by parent volunteer coaches
  • Practice is held once a week for for 5U&6U, twice a week for 7U&8U
  • 5U-7U Games are played in Castle Rock on Saturdays
  • 8U Games are played in Castle Rock, Aurora and South Denver on Saturdays
  • Teams play 7-8 games each season
Small-Sided Game ModelGoalkeeperTeam SizeBall SizePractices a WeekGames in a Season
5U (2019 birth years)3v3No5-7 players317-8
6U (2018 birth years)3v3No5-7 players317-8
7U (2017 birth years)5v5Yes7-10 players327-8
8U (2016 birth years)5v5Yes7-10 players327-8
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, players, and members can interact, creating a living and growing classroom. By connecting the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (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.

The Rapids Way

What is The Rapids Way?

The Rapids Way embodies everything we are and stand for as a soccer club. The Rapids Way is much more than just what we do and how we do it. The Club’s mission and vision shape a philosophy, methodology, and culture that provide a framework for us to work in these key areas.

The Rapids Way is defined by the experience each individual player has from the time they enter the Club to the time they graduate. Using the Whole-Part-Whole teaching model we are able to build a Long-Term Development Plan that drives each player’s experiences in the four key pillars of the game: technical, tactical, physical and psycho-social.

The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW) 

WPW is 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 will put players in realistic situations, that should always include decision-making elements.

We have a saying in the Club, “Prepare your child for the path, not the path for your child.” This is the Rapids Way.

Fall Dates
  • Registration Opens – May 1
  • Registration Deadline – When teams are full
  • Registration Late Fee – August 1
  • Training Starts – Last Week of August
  • First Game Kicks Off – Saturday After Labor Day
Spring Dates
  • Registration Opens – November 1
  • Registration Closes – When Teams are full 
  • Registration Late Fee – February 6
  • Training Starts – Week of March 11
  • First Game Kicks Off – March 30
Contact
Katie  BeaudoinSoccer Start-9U Recreation Director - Castle Rock[email protected]719.357.7584
Jennifer  GarceauRecreational Administrator - Castle Rock[email protected]303.578.2758

Castle Rock 5U Recreational League

Age Groups: 5U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall
$150Per Season
  • 8-9 Week Season
  • 7-8 Games
  • Practice 1x per Week
  • Proven Curriculum
  • Uniform Separate
  • Volunteer Coaches
  • Locations across Castle Rock

Castle Rock 6U Recreational League

Age Groups: 6U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall
$150Per Season
  • 8-9 Week Season
  • 7-8 Games
  • Practice 1x per Week
  • Proven Curriculum
  • Uniform Separate
  • Volunteer Coaches
  • Locations across Castle Rock

Castle Rock 7U Recreational Leagues

Age Groups: 7U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall
$170Per Season
  • 8-9 Week Season
  • 7-8 Games
  • Practice 2x per Week
  • Proven Curriculum
  • Uniform Separate
  • Volunteer Coaches
  • Locations across Castle Rock

Castle Rock 8U Recreational Leagues

Age Groups: 8U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall
$190Per Season
  • 8-9 Week Season
  • 7-8 Games
  • Practice 2x per Week
  • Proven Curriculum
  • Uniform Separate
  • Volunteer Coaches
  • Locations across Castle Rock
  • Games in Castle Rock, Aurora, South Denver
First Spring Games Kickoff In…
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Uniforms

Rapids Youth Soccer partners with Soccer.com for all uniform needs. All CRYSC recreational players are required to purchase the uniform kit (white top, burgundy top, black shorts, and black socks) before the first game. We recommend ordering at least three weeks prior to their first game to ensure they have it in time for game day. Players are required to wear the official CRYSC jersey combo for games. This uniform kit is usable throughout all recreational programs.

It is important to note that uniforms are NOT included in registration costs. Additionally, uniforms are unavailable to purchase on-site at any CRYSC office – they must be purchased online via Soccer.com.

Rapids Youth Soccer =

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
  • Update PlayMetrics with practice schedule and other team events

Coach Education Opportunities

  • Rapids Youth provides coaching sessions for all coaches throughout the season.
  • Our RISE platform has additional 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

  • Work with the coach to communicate with the team about practices and games in PlayMetrics.
  • Set up a snack rotation for the season.
  • Set up an end-of-season party for the team.

Club Support for Team Managers

  • One-on-one support from your Program Director if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Educational opportunities at meetings and in-person about next steps for the team.
  • An administrator to provide any support you need.

Game Facilitator Expectations

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.

  • 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.
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
  • Update PlayMetrics with practice schedule and other team events

Coach Education Opportunities

  • Rapids Youth provides coaching sessions for all coaches throughout the season.
  • Our RISE platform has additional 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 coach’s plate, teams are requested to have a team manager volunteer to organize the team for the season.

Team Manager Responsibilities

  • Work with the coach to communicate with the team about practices and games in PlayMetrics.
  • Set up a snack rotation for the season.
  • Set up an end-of-season party for the team.

Club Support for Team Managers

  • One-on-one support from your Program Director if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Educational opportunities at meetings and in-person about next steps for the team.
  • An administrator to provide any support you need.
Game Facilitator

Game Facilitator Expectations

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.

  • 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.

Understanding Your Time in the 6U-8U Recreational League

The 5U-8U recreational league is the first time players will begin having practices during the week and games on the weekend. It’s important for parents to understand what is available to their child during their time in the 5U-8U program including any supplemental programs and what to expect as players move into the 9U league. Parent Volunteer Coaches decide when and where to practice for the season. Practices are held at local parks across Castle Rock. All 5U-8U recreational teams are given one-half of a field to practice. Team schedules can be found on your PlayMetrics calendar.

Rapids Youth Soccer posts all our game schedules on PlayMetrics two weeks before the first scheduled game. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to your PlayMetrics account.

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer in Action

⭐️🏅⭐️ CONGRATS to Izzie Harrison on winning our January 2024 @uchealth Player of the Month Award! Read more about Izzie 👉 cry.sc/Jan24-POTM

Are you the next @uchealth PotM? Nominate yourself, your player, or any athlete at CRYSC for a chance to be selected for next month’s award! 👉 cry.sc/PotM  #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCPotM
📰‼️📰 The CRYSC January Newsletter is OUT NOW, featuring 2024 spring rec, summer soccer camps, new additions to the CRYSC technical staff, 2024 spring tournaments series, CSA Coach of the Year winners & more! Check it out 👉 cry.sc/January-24

#OneClubOneCommunity
📚⚽️📚 Last week, CRYSC technical & admin staff from across our regions came together for our annual State of the Club meeting at @regisuniversity!! We’re pumped for the spring season & look forward to offering our membership the best youth soccer experience in Colorado throughout 2024!  #OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsEducate
‼️⚽️‼️ We’re excited to introduce Joe McNab as our new Castle Rock Regional Technical Director!! Joe joins CRYSC with years of experience as a player, technical director, & coach developer! 

#OneClubOneCommunity
‼️👉 cry.sc/zac-crawford 👈‼️  We’re excited to introduce Zac Crawford as our new Chief Technical Director!! Joining CRYSC from @ussoccer, Zac brings a wealth of experience at the grassroots & national levels to our club & the state of Colorado! Read more about his journey to CRYSC through the link ⬆️

#OneClubOneCommunity
🪄⚽️🪄 DISNEY MAGIC! CONGRATS to our Rapids North 09G ECNL-RL team for winning the Disney Girls Soccer Showcase 2-0 against Real Colorado Olympico ECNL-RL in Florida!  #OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsSuccess #CRYSCElite

Helpful Links: What’s Next For Your Player

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9U-10U RECREATIONAL

After our 6U-8U leagues, players move into the 9U-10U recreational league, where they'll have designated practice and games. Get more info now.

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SOCCER CAMPS

Rapids Youth Soccer offers a variety of camps to help players continue their development year-round. Check out the full Camps page to see how your player can continue to play after their last game!

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REC HOME PAGE

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.

Yes, uniforms are required for players to play. Our vendor is Soccer.com, click here to be brought to the recreational order page. Do NOT select a team, simply scroll to “Collection” and select “Rec Kit.” You can click on the item picture for youth sizing with dimensions to ensure the right fit for your child.

Players need shin guards, socks, and cleats, a size 3 soccer ball, water, and weather appropriate clothing.

Absolutely, we hope players are able to play with their friends as long as they were born in the same year. Please request this when registering your child for soccer. We’ll do our best to make it happen.

Yes, you can do this when registering. We’ll do our best to make it happen.

The Fall season is from August – November and the Spring season is from March – May.

We offer camps in the Summer (June – July) and Winter (November – February) as well.

For the Recreational Program, practice days, times, and locations are determined by the Parent Volunteer Coach. Practices are held at local Castle Rock parks.

Games will be played on Saturdays and Sundays (as needed) and games will be played at local Castle Rock parks for 5U-7U. 8U will also play in Aurora and South Denver. Game times will vary each weekend with games starting as early as 9:00am or as late as 4:00pm.

Simply put, the more touches on the ball a player gets, the better the player skill set becomes.  In a 3v3 environment, with 6 players on the field, players get more opportunities to touch the ball than if they played 11v11, with 22 players on the field. Additionally, soccer is a game of triangles. Having small-sided games at the younger ages not only increases their skill level but also allows the player to see the field.  The player is able to conceptualize time and space with the support of a triangle formation. We slowly progress to 5v5, 7v7, and 9v9 for the same reasons.

Research has shown that having each team attack two goals and defend two goals increases players’ opportunities to score and positively impacts their decision-making. All this elevates game enjoyment. Having an extra goal per team will not only help players score more often, but it can also help prevent ‘clogging up’ in the middle of the field. With two additional goals introduced, it is important to be patient as the players learn the new game format.

Makeup games due to weather cancellations will automatically be rescheduled for the following Sunday (8 days later); however, coaches may coordinate another date for make up games.

For our current field conditions and weather policies, please visit our Weather Policy page.