Serving players from: Castle Rock • Castle Pines • Highland Ranch • Larkspur • Lone Tree • Monument • Parker • Colorado Springs • Elizabeth • Franktown
CRYSC 9U-10U programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the Soccer Start and 5U-8U programs and builds on the Colorado Rapids curriculum. Program offerings cover the spectrum of player pathways, from beginner to pre-competitive leagues, that offer the highest level of competition in the State.
Training and games are held at convenient, centralized, community locations in the Denver metro area (practices will be in Castle Rock). The game format is played in line with US Soccer Directives for small-sided games, which is 7v7 with goalkeepers. Team sizes of 10-12 players ensure plenty of game time to apply the skills and techniques that are presented in the twice (Rec and Rec+) weekly curriculum-based training.
While any family can elect to participate in the Recreational or Rec+ Programs, players must be invited to join the Select Program. Our Rapids Youth Soccer Staff works directly with volunteer coaches, players, and parents throughout the year to evaluate and place players in the most developmentally-appropriate environment. It is our intention to provide a place for every player to play at 9U/10U, no matter what their playing ability might be or their desired level of competition.
| 9U-10U Recreational | 9U-10U Rec+ Training | 9U-10U Rising Rapids | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | Child has a passion for soccer and practices at home without being prompted. Thrives in a structured/disciplined environment. | ||
| Season | Separate Fall & Spring seasons that are 8-9 weeks long. Practice 2X practice per week. Practice schedule set by volunteer coach in collaboration with CRYSC admin. | Separate Fall & Spring seasons that are 7-8 weeks long. Practice 2X per week. Practice schedule is set by the Program Director, expect a potential Monday or Friday time. | 8-10 month commitment (Fall & Spring) | ||
| Coaching | Parent volunteer coach | Parent volunteer coach and staff trainer for practices | Professional, licensed staff coach | ||
| League Play | Recreational CRYSC Interbranch League on Saturdays in the Denver Metro Area (Castle Rock, Aurora, South Denver) | Recreational CRYSC Interbranch League on Saturdays in the Denver Metro Area (Castle Rock, Aurora, South Denver) | Weekend games across the Front Range with 2-4 local tournaments | ||
| Playing Format | 7v7 | 7v7 | 7v7 | ||
| Goalkeeper Training | Introductory opportunities | Introductory opportunities | Included 1x/week | ||
| Team Size | 10-12 players | 10-12 players | 10-12 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
CRYSC 9U-10U programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the Soccer Start and 5U-8U programs and builds on the Colorado Rapids curriculum. Program offerings cover the spectrum of player pathways, from beginner to pre-competitive leagues, that offer the highest level of competition in the State.
Training and games are held at convenient, centralized, community locations in the Denver metro area (practices will be in Castle Rock). The game format is played in line with US Soccer Directives for small-sided games, which is 7v7 with goalkeepers. Team sizes of 10-12 players ensure plenty of game time to apply the skills and techniques that are presented in the twice (Rec and Rec+) weekly curriculum-based training.
While any family can elect to participate in the Recreational or Rec+ Programs, players must be invited to join the Select Program. Our Rapids Youth Soccer Staff works directly with volunteer coaches, players, and parents throughout the year to evaluate and place players in the most developmentally-appropriate environment. It is our intention to provide a place for every player to play at 9U/10U, no matter what their playing ability might be or their desired level of competition.
| 9U-10U Recreational | 9U-10U Rec+ Training | 9U-10U Rising Rapids | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | Child has a passion for soccer and practices at home without being prompted. Thrives in a structured/disciplined environment. | ||
| Season | Separate Fall & Spring seasons that are 8-9 weeks long. Practice 2X practice per week. Practice schedule set by volunteer coach in collaboration with CRYSC admin. | Separate Fall & Spring seasons that are 7-8 weeks long. Practice 2X per week. Practice schedule is set by the Program Director, expect a potential Monday or Friday time. | 8-10 month commitment (Fall & Spring) | ||
| Coaching | Parent volunteer coach | Parent volunteer coach and staff trainer for practices | Professional, licensed staff coach | ||
| League Play | Recreational CRYSC Interbranch League on Saturdays in the Denver Metro Area (Castle Rock, Aurora, South Denver) | Recreational CRYSC Interbranch League on Saturdays in the Denver Metro Area (Castle Rock, Aurora, South Denver) | Weekend games across the Front Range with 2-4 local tournaments | ||
| Playing Format | 7v7 | 7v7 | 7v7 | ||
| Goalkeeper Training | Introductory opportunities | Introductory opportunities | Included 1x/week | ||
| Team Size | 10-12 players | 10-12 players | 10-12 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
The 9U and 10U Recreational interbranch league builds on the philosophy of the 5U-8U program by providing an environment where players find both success and challenges. Teams play small-sided games with goalkeepers (7v7), emphasizing the development of the individual player in a fun and rewarding environment. Teams are placed in divisions with other teams of likeability based on coach surveys and previous season performance.
Teams generally consist of 10-12 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 at convenient locations in Castle Rock.
Each team plays 7-8 games in our Interbranch League with games in Castle Rock, Aurora and South Denver. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. There are also potential makeup dates on Sundays (please see the Dates tabs).
The Fall season runs from September through the last week of October, and the Spring season from March through May.
The 9U and 10U Recreational+ interbranch league builds on the philosophy of the 5U-8U program by providing an environment where players find both success and challenges. Teams play small-sided games with goalkeepers (7v7) with emphasis on the development of the individual player in a fun and rewarding environment. Teams are placed in divisions with other teams of like ability based on coach surveys and previous season performance.
Teams generally consist of 10-12 players. The 9U-10U 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 in Castle Rock. 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.
Each team plays 7-8 games in our Interbranch League with games in Castle Rock, Aurora and South Denver. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. There are also potential makeup dates on Sundays (please see the Dates tabs).
The Fall season runs from September through the last week of October, and the Spring season from March through May.
Participants in the Select Program represent an elite standard within each age group and are expected to demonstrate a higher commitment to training for the purpose of development. Each age group is comprised of tiered teams, all led by licensed staff coaches. Participation in the Select Program is by invitation only. Rapids staff select players based upon staff observations throughout the year during training, games, kick-arounds, Rapids Development Centers, Rec parent coach evaluations and any tournaments with final approval from the Director of the Select Program.
The 9U and 10U Recreational interbranch league builds on the philosophy of the 5U-8U program by providing an environment where players find both success and challenges. Teams play small-sided games with goalkeepers (7v7), emphasizing the development of the individual player in a fun and rewarding environment. Teams are placed in divisions with other teams of likeability based on coach surveys and previous season performance.
Teams generally consist of 10-12 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 at convenient locations in Castle Rock.
Each team plays 7-8 games in our Interbranch League with games in Castle Rock, Aurora and South Denver. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. There are also potential makeup dates on Sundays (please see the Dates tabs).
The Fall season runs from September through the last week of October, and the Spring season from March through May.
The 9U and 10U Recreational+ interbranch league builds on the philosophy of the 5U-8U program by providing an environment where players find both success and challenges. Teams play small-sided games with goalkeepers (7v7) with emphasis on the development of the individual player in a fun and rewarding environment. Teams are placed in divisions with other teams of like ability based on coach surveys and previous season performance.
Teams generally consist of 10-12 players. The 9U-10U 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 in Castle Rock. 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.
Each team plays 7-8 games in our Interbranch League with games in Castle Rock, Aurora and South Denver. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. There are also potential makeup dates on Sundays (please see the Dates tabs).
The Fall season runs from September through the last week of October, and the Spring season from March through May.
Participants in the Select Program represent an elite standard within each age group and are expected to demonstrate a higher commitment to training for the purpose of development. Each age group is comprised of tiered teams, all led by licensed staff coaches. Participation in the Select Program is by invitation only. Rapids staff select players based upon staff observations throughout the year during training, games, kick-arounds, Rapids Development Centers, Rec parent coach evaluations and any tournaments with final approval from the Director of the Select Program.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
The 9U-10U 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 9U-10U programs, including any supplemental programs and what to expect as players move into the 11U league.
The entire player placement process from 10U to 11U takes place during a player’s 10U year. Tryouts are the final step in a year-long evaluation process.
It truly takes a village to create a great soccer program and to provide proper placement for the appropriate development of every player. Below you will find how a player is evaluated throughout their 10U year with Rapids Youth Soccer.
⚽ @coloradorapids & @toyotausa rolled up to our rec games at Central Park to give away a Tundra truck full of CRYSC + Toyota balls generously donated by Your Front Range Toyota Stores! Shout out to Rapids legend @drewmoor03 & #RapidMan for helping us distribute 250+ balls to our Rapids Youth Soccer community!! #RecSoccer
⚽️🇺🇸⚽️ @ussoccer Talent ID Center Roster Announcement! CONGRATS to the 🔟 #CRYSCElite 07/08/09/10G players who have been selected to attend the ID center on May 1 at @coloradoschoolofmines!
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCgirlsECNL
🚨 CRYSC x @dp_league 🚨
We’re excited to announce the addition of the Development Player League (DPL) to our Castle Rock region girls player pathway!! Starting this fall, 13U-19U girls players will be eligible to join a DPL team competing in the Mountain West Open Division!
READ MORE: cry.sc/DPL
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCElite #CRYSCDPL
🚨 CRYSC x @nationalpremierleagues 🚨
We’re excited to reveal that the Rapids Central region will be the new home for National Premier Leagues (NPL) 12U-19U girls elite programming starting this fall!! The Rapids Fort Collins region will also gain 2 NPL boys & 2 NPL girls teams in 2024!
READ MORE: cry.sc/NPL-24
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCElite #CRYSCNPL
🔥👏🔥 TEXAS BOUND! CONGRATS & GOOD LUCK to Cole Wearner (07B ECNL) playing Friday in the @ecnlboys TX event Ntl. Selection Game! 💪
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCBoysECNL #CRYSCElite
🧹⚽️🧹CLEAN SWEEP!! Shout out to our #CRYSCBoysECNLRL 11B-05/06B teams for going undefeated against B-Elite with 6️⃣ wins last weekend!
#HeartBehindTheCrest
#OneClubOneCommunity
#CRYSCBoysECNL
#CRYSCElite
@ecnlboys
🚨 CRYSC x @eliteacademyleague 🚨
We’re excited to announce the addition of the Elite Academy League (EAL) to our Castle Rock region boys player pathway!! Starting this fall, 13U-19U boys players will be eligible to join an EAL team competing in the Southwest Desert Conference!
READ MORE: cry.sc/EAL
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCElite #CRYSCEAL
🏃♀️🇺🇸🏋🏻♀️ USA! USA! CRYSC Next Wave hosted its first @uswnt Watch Party this past weekend at @alphacharlies! A big shout out to the 85+ players, parents, & coaches who came together to watch a USA victory against Japan in the SheBelieves Cup!
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCNextWave #SheBelieves
8U-10U Rising Rapids
Rising Rapids is for players that have outgrow their normal soccer environment. This program is designed for self-motivated players who love the game and want more soccer!
11U-14U Competitive
After our 9U-10U leagues, players are eligible to tryout for our 11U-14U Competitive Programs. Get more information here.
11U-19U Recreational
11U-19U programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the 4U-10U programs and builds on the Colorado Rapids curriculum.
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!
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 do this when registering under “coach request” or “teammate request.” We cannot 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. We offer camps in the Summer (June – July) and Winter (November – February) as well.
Participation in the Select Program is by invitation only. Rapids staff will select players based upon staff observations throughout the year during training, games, and other club events with final approval from the Age-Group Directors of Coaching.
Teams are formed by birth year, gender, and previous team placement. We allow teams to stay together for as long as they like. Returning players take priority to return to the previous team when registered and paid in full by January 15th for the Spring season and July 15th for the Fall season. Players may request to play with specific teammates or friends as long as they are in the same birth year. Players wishing to join an existing team will be placed in order of registration date. For players having no specific requests, we try to place them on a team that practices as close to their home as possible. We do not place players by skill in the recreational program. Everyone is welcome!
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. Small-sided games at the younger ages improves their skill level but also allows the player to see the field. The player can conceptualize time and space with the support of a triangle formation. We slowly progress to 5v5, 7v7, and 9v9 for the same reasons.
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. Game times will vary each weekend with games starting as early as 9:00am or as late as 4:00pm.
For teams playing in 9U or older, half of the games will be at home (local Castle Rock parks) and half will be away. Away games will be at parks within 50 mile radius of Castle Rock.
Absolutely! Soccer is a universal sport in which a player must manipulate the ball with their feet. This aspect alone levels the playing field for a new player with an existing player.
If one player dominates the game, we ask that player to expand on their skill set. It may be that we ask for non-dominant foot shots only. This allows the more experienced player to continue to develop while allowing the less experienced players to develop at their own pace.
Additionally, we believe that every player is important and their developmental trajectory is theirs and theirs alone. One of the benefits of playing team sports is the diversity in player abilities and skills. Some players on the team may be talented with dribbling, some are talented at bringing a positive attitude to the team. Every child on a team is valuable, regardless of “soccer skill.”
