
Soccer Start is a Whole Child Development program introduction to soccer for 3 to 5 year old players. This innovative program focuses on physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development through fun, creative, and imaginative programming. Our Staff and Parent Volunteer Coaches are taught formative systems to engage children of different stages to captivate attention and understanding. The program’s curriculum is designed to build a foundation for developing players to improve their physical literacy skills, technical soccer skills, and instill a love of soccer and being active.
Soccer Start (Players born in 2018 & 2019):
Players are placed in small groups with a Staff Coach leading the group’s session every week. Sessions will last 45 minutes, and we offer sessions Mondays – Fridays at different morning/afternoon/evening times and locations throughout Castle Rock. Groups will have up to 8 players and will remain the same throughout the season. Soccer Start runs for 6 weeks in the Fall and in the Spring, with the first 3 sessions focusing on players learning the basics of soccer and the last 3 weeks allowing the players to experience the game format.
Results of the program should demonstrate growth and development of players socially and physically with a solid foundation of soccer skills to move on to a more structured recreational soccer program in our 6U – 8U programs.
Soccer Start PLUS (Players born in 2018):
If your player is ready for more, Soccer Start PLUS offers a Saturday game on top of the weekly training session. Practices and games will be run by Parent Volunteer Coaches who also get to choose the practice time and location. Games will be on Saturdays in Castle Rock.

Castle Rock Soccer Start PLUS
Physical
- Balance and Coordination
- Gross Motor
- Sensory
Cognitive
- Curiosity and Discovery
- Imagination and Creativity
- Think and Problem Solving
- Positive/Negative Behaviors
Social/Emotional
- Sharing/Cooperation
- Listening/Communication
- Self-Expression/Confidence
- Happiness
Soccer Start is a developmental pathway for beginner soccer players to grow and develop within the Rapids Youth Soccer organization. Following a specific whole-child development curriculum, each week the children will use their imaginations as they go on adventures. Using creativity, curiosity, discovery, and social integration techniques, all while integrating soccer and physical fitness.
Soccer Start Programming Spring 2023 (Players born in 2018 & 2019)
Registration Opens: November 1
$20 Early Bird Discount Ends: November 30
$10 Early Bird Discount Ends: January 2, 9:00 am
Registration Closes: When Sessions are full
Start Date: Week of March 20
End Date: Week of April 24
Make-Up Sessions (if needed): Weeks of May 1 and 8
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
Soccer Start PLUS Spring 2023 (Players born in 2018)
Registration Opens: November 1
$20 Early Bird Discount Ends: November 30
$10 Early Bird Discount Ends: January 2, 9:00 am
$20 Late Fee Begins: February 6
Registration Closes: When Teams are full
Training Dates: February 27 – April 28
In-House Soccer Start PLUS Schedule:
** 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
- Make-Up Dates (if needed): May 6 and 13
- Overview
-
Soccer Start is a Whole Child Development program introduction to soccer for 3 to 5 year old players. This innovative program focuses on physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development through fun, creative, and imaginative programming. Our Staff and Parent Volunteer Coaches are taught formative systems to engage children of different stages to captivate attention and understanding. The program’s curriculum is designed to build a foundation for developing players to improve their physical literacy skills, technical soccer skills, and instill a love of soccer and being active.
Soccer Start (Players born in 2018 & 2019):
Players are placed in small groups with a Staff Coach leading the group’s session every week. Sessions will last 45 minutes, and we offer sessions Mondays – Fridays at different morning/afternoon/evening times and locations throughout Castle Rock. Groups will have up to 8 players and will remain the same throughout the season. Soccer Start runs for 6 weeks in the Fall and in the Spring, with the first 3 sessions focusing on players learning the basics of soccer and the last 3 weeks allowing the players to experience the game format.
Results of the program should demonstrate growth and development of players socially and physically with a solid foundation of soccer skills to move on to a more structured recreational soccer program in our 6U – 8U programs.
Soccer Start PLUS (Players born in 2018):
If your player is ready for more, Soccer Start PLUS offers a Saturday game on top of the weekly training session. Practices and games will be run by Parent Volunteer Coaches who also get to choose the practice time and location. Games will be on Saturdays in Castle Rock.
- Child Development
-
- Contact
-
Castle Rock Soccer Start PLUS
- Learning Skills
-
Physical
- Balance and Coordination
- Gross Motor
- Sensory
Cognitive
- Curiosity and Discovery
- Imagination and Creativity
- Think and Problem Solving
- Positive/Negative Behaviors
Social/Emotional
- Sharing/Cooperation
- Listening/Communication
- Self-Expression/Confidence
- Happiness
- Curriculum
-
Soccer Start is a developmental pathway for beginner soccer players to grow and develop within the Rapids Youth Soccer organization. Following a specific whole-child development curriculum, each week the children will use their imaginations as they go on adventures. Using creativity, curiosity, discovery, and social integration techniques, all while integrating soccer and physical fitness.
- Soccer Start Dates
-
Soccer Start Programming Spring 2023 (Players born in 2018 & 2019)
Registration Opens: November 1
$20 Early Bird Discount Ends: November 30
$10 Early Bird Discount Ends: January 2, 9:00 am
Registration Closes: When Sessions are full
Start Date: Week of March 20
End Date: Week of April 24
Make-Up Sessions (if needed): Weeks of May 1 and 8
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
- Soccer Start PLUS Dates
-
Soccer Start PLUS Spring 2023 (Players born in 2018)
Registration Opens: November 1
$20 Early Bird Discount Ends: November 30
$10 Early Bird Discount Ends: January 2, 9:00 am
$20 Late Fee Begins: February 6
Registration Closes: When Teams are full
Training Dates: February 27 – April 28
In-House Soccer Start PLUS Schedule:
** 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
- Make-Up Dates (if needed): May 6 and 13
Soccer Start
For Preschoolers and Toddlers
- Players born in 2018 & 2019
- 6 Week Season
- 1 Session (45 min) each Week
- NEW: Morning & Afternoon/Evening Sessions
- Session Time and Location chosen at Registration
- Mixed Groups of Boys and Girls
- Staff Coaches
- Proven Curriculum for Fun
- T-Shirt Included
- Locations across Castle Rock
Soccer Start PLUS
For Preschoolers and Toddlers
- Players born in 2018
- 9 Week Season
- Practice 1x per Week (45 min)
- 6 Games per Season
- Practice Time and Location chosen by Volunteer Coach
- Separate Boys and Girls Teams
- Parent Volunteer Coaches
- Proven Curriculum for Fun
- T-Shirt Included
- Locations across Castle Rock
$10 Early Bird Discount Ends in…
🙋♂️⚽️🙋♀️ Raise your hand if you’re excited to be back playing soccer @ CRYSC summer camps this week!! A few more spots have opened for 3-5 year old players in our FREE Soccer Start camps! If you’re interested, please contact 👉 [email protected] 👈 #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCCamps #CRYSCSoccerStart

🧒⚽️👧 Hey @coloradorapids & @corapidswomen - here comes the next generation!! #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart

🦸♀️🤩🦸♀️ The #SoccerStart Orange Lions having a super time during superhero week!! #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart

👧🐵🧒 A fun Soccer Start session yesterday with Coach Charlie @ McGlone Academy!! Sign up your 3-5 y/o player for CRYSC Soccer Start this winter:
Central/South ➡️ bit.ly/2nCpZDg
Fort Collins ➡️ bit.ly/2lW8Eos
Castle Rock ➡️ bit.ly/2lW2iFD
#CRYSCSoccerStart

⚽️⚽️ #SoccerStart Director & Coach, Charlie Bacha, stopped by Molholm Elementary this week and organized soccer games at recess. Looks like fun! #CRYSCInTheCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart

👧⚽️🧒 Soccer Start’s Coach Melissa visited Montebello Branch Library last week to talk soccer & kick around with the little ones! Find more info on the #CRYSCSoccerStart program & register in your region today! 👉 Central - cry.sc/CSSF19
👉 South - cry.sc/SSSF19
👉 North - cry.sc/NSSF19
👉 Fort Collins - cry.sc/FCSSF19
👉 Castle Rock - cry.sc/CRSSF19
#CRYSCintheCommunity #OneClub

🧒⚽️👦 Coach Charlie & Brett visited Graland County Day School this week for an afternoon of fun & soccer with the 5-6 year olds! #OneClub #CRYSCInTheCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart

Fall Programs
Early September – Late October 2022
Paintbrush Park | 9/12-10/17 | 5:00pm-5:45pm
Founders Park | 9/6-10/11 | 5:00pm-5:45pm
Paintbrush Park | 9/7-10/12 | 5:00pm-5:45pm
Founders Park | 9/8-10/13 | 5:00pm-5:45pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds | 9/10-10/15 | 9:00am-9:45am
Spring Programs
March through May 2022
Paintbrush Park | 5:15-6:00pm | March 28 – May 2
Founders Park | 5:15-6:00pm | March 29 – May 3
Paintbrush Park | 5:15-6:00pm | March 30 – May 4
Founders Park | 5:15-6:00pm | March 31 – May 5
Douglas County Fairgrounds | 9:00-9:45am | April 2 – May 7
Volunteer to Coach
Coaching in the Soccer Start program provides a proper introduction to volunteer coaching through appropriate educational support with on- and off-field education to prepare all coaches for a fun and rewarding session and season.
All teams will be led by a parent volunteer coach with a provided Rapids curriculum. There will also be a knowledgeable site director and staff coach at each location to support and assist for the season. Rapids staff provides all curriculum, equipment, and communication necessary for the season.
All parent volunteer coaches must complete a background check with the Colorado Soccer Association and read through our volunteer handbook before the first session of the season.
If you are interested in being a volunteer coach, check out this list to see what is expected of you throughout the season.
- Communicate clearly with your team’s families and players about when practice and events will be throughout the season.
- Use the curriculum that is designed by the Rapids staff for each of your sessions
- Help every player on your team succeed on and off the field
- Arrive 15 minutes before your session to set and start the session on time
Rapids Youth Soccer provides all volunteer coaches the resources they need to be successful on and off the field with players. Coaching this age can be so rewarding and the start to a long-term volunteer role as a youth soccer coach for your child’s team.
Sessions plans will be available to all coaches on a weekly basis outlining exactly what to do, how to do it, and how to communicate it effectively.
The Rapids Youth Soccer professional staff will be on site and integrated with every team to make sure all volunteer coaches are set up for success and supported in their role.
- Overview
-
Coaching in the Soccer Start program provides a proper introduction to volunteer coaching through appropriate educational support with on- and off-field education to prepare all coaches for a fun and rewarding session and season.
All teams will be led by a parent volunteer coach with a provided Rapids curriculum. There will also be a knowledgeable site director and staff coach at each location to support and assist for the season. Rapids staff provides all curriculum, equipment, and communication necessary for the season.
All parent volunteer coaches must complete a background check with the Colorado Soccer Association and read through our volunteer handbook before the first session of the season.
- Expectations
-
If you are interested in being a volunteer coach, check out this list to see what is expected of you throughout the season.
- Communicate clearly with your team’s families and players about when practice and events will be throughout the season.
- Use the curriculum that is designed by the Rapids staff for each of your sessions
- Help every player on your team succeed on and off the field
- Arrive 15 minutes before your session to set and start the session on time
- Education/Support
-
Rapids Youth Soccer provides all volunteer coaches the resources they need to be successful on and off the field with players. Coaching this age can be so rewarding and the start to a long-term volunteer role as a youth soccer coach for your child’s team.
Sessions plans will be available to all coaches on a weekly basis outlining exactly what to do, how to do it, and how to communicate it effectively.
The Rapids Youth Soccer professional staff will be on site and integrated with every team to make sure all volunteer coaches are set up for success and supported in their role.
Uniforms and Equipment
All players will be provided a T-shirt at the first session, and should wear that T-shirt for every session. This t-shirt will help distinguish the players team each week.
Players should wear shin guards, socks, and athletic clothes that are appropriate for the weather at the time of the season. We recommend that players also wear cleats to every session because they provide more secure footing for players as they are learning the game. However, cleats are not required to participate in the program.
All players should bring a water bottle and soccer ball to every session.
- Uniforms
-
All players will be provided a T-shirt at the first session, and should wear that T-shirt for every session. This t-shirt will help distinguish the players team each week.
- Equipment
-
Players should wear shin guards, socks, and athletic clothes that are appropriate for the weather at the time of the season. We recommend that players also wear cleats to every session because they provide more secure footing for players as they are learning the game. However, cleats are not required to participate in the program.
All players should bring a water bottle and soccer ball to every session.
Rapids Youth Soccer =
Steps to a Great Season
We will take extra precaution with this age group when it comes to playable temperatures. It is our policy to not cancel practices if fields are open for play, but Rapids Youth Soccer will make that determination based on case-by-case basis.
Weather in Colorado can be interesting to say the least. There are many times that it will be raining in one part of the city and not five miles away. Each decision will be made on a case-by-case basis, based on what we believe to be in the best interest of the kids and the program.
If there is lightening within 10 miles, practice will be delayed for 30 minutes. If there is no lightening and the fields are open, the session will take place.
We will do our best to reschedule canceled sessions, but sometimes the Colorado weather does not corporate. We can only guarantee 6 sessions and will do our best to get all 7 sessions in throughout the season.
Soccer balls, jerseys, and all other equipment will be provided by the Rapids Youth Soccer organization.
You should wear weather appropriate clothing and be prepared for any change in weather. Please bring water.
All players need shin guards with socks that cover the shin guards.
Cleats are recommended, but not required.
At the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club, we believe that if a player is engaged and having fun with an activity, they will learn and understand more than if they are disengaged and bored during a drill. We believe that we should design our curriculum in a way to excite and engage our players, so that they are excited and ready to learn throughout the whole session.
It is our goal to keep kids constantly moving and not standing around.
Once practice locations are finalized, you will receive an email with a map and location. You can also use the map on our website to find all of the Soccer Start locations.