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 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.

Players are placed in small groups with a parent volunteer leading the group’s session every week. Sessions will last 45 minutes. Groups will remain the same throughout the season unless players need a different environment to develop 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.

Kati Dugan
Director of Soccer Start
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 131

Programming June through July 2021

Join us for a soccer adventure with Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer’s toddler and preschool soccer program, Soccer Start! Program includes age-appropriate programming one day per week in each 6-week season. Players learn the basics of soccer in a team environment full of imaginative games and activities. T-shirt included in registration fee. You get to pick the day/time/location that works best for your family.

Ages: Players born January 2017 – July 2018

Dates & Times & Location:

Mondays | 5:00-5:45pm | Douglas County Fairgrounds | June 7, 14, 21, 28 July 12, 19

Wednesdays | 5:00-5:45pm | Douglas County Fairgrounds | June 9, 16, 23, 30, July 14, 21

Note: No sessions July 5-9 in observance of Independence Day

Make-up sessions: Week of July 26th

Cost: $85

Questions about the Summer Soccer Start program? Please contact Kati Dugan, [email protected]

Programming September 2022 – October 2022

Deadline to Register: August 8th, 2022

Start Date: Week of September 6th, 2022

End Date: Week of Oct 18

Make up sessions (if needed): Week of Oct 25

Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.

Programming March through May 2022

Deadline to Register: March 7

Start Date: Week of March 28

Soccer Start PLUS (2017 birthdates only) games begin: Saturday, April 2

Make up sessions (if needed): Week of May 9

See the full spring schedule

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.

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.

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.