
The 6U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for 5- to 8-year-olds. The 6U-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 60 minutes and games are played at a centralized location on Saturdays.
- Teams play 7-8 games each season
Small-Sided Game Model | Goalkeeper | Team Size | Ball Size | |
6U (2017 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 6-7 players | 3 |
7U (2016 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 6-7 players | 3 |
8U (2015 birth years) | 5v5 | Yes | 8-10 players | 3 |
8U Rising Rapids (2015 birth years) | 5v5 and 7v7 | Yes | 8-10 players | 3 |
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
Fall Registration Opens: May 1st
Fall Priority Deadline for Returning Players: June 30th
Fall Late Fee Begins: July 25th
Fall Waitlist Begins: August 8th
Fall Registration Closes: August 8th
In House Fall Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather and/or COVID-19 they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules can take place on Sundays as needed.
September 2022
Game Day 1: September 10th
Game Day 2: September 17th
Game Day 3: September 24th
October 2022
Game Day 4: October 1st
Game Day 5: October 8th
Game Day 6: October 15th
Game Day 7: October 22nd
Game Day 8: October 29th
Spring registration opens: Week of November 1st
Spring Priority Deadline for Returning Players: January 12th
Spring Late Fee Begins: February 21st
Spring Waitlist Begins: March 7th
Spring Registration Closes: March 7th
Practices Begin: Week of March 28th
Spring Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.
April 2022
Game Day 1: April 9th
Game Day 2: April 10th
Game Day 3: April 16th
Game Day 4: April 23rd
Game Day 5: April 30th
May 2022
Game Day 6: May 7th
Game Day 7: May 14th
Game Day 8: May 21st
Nate Flax
Recreational Administrator
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 210
Allie Molnar
Soccer Start – 7U Recreational Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 201
Brian Sheehan
8U-10U Program Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 213
Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Rec and Competitive programs. To learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid click here to be brought to our scholarship page. There you can view specific recreational scholarship information under the ‘Recreational Application Process’ tab.
- Overview
-
The 6U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for 5- to 8-year-olds. The 6U-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 60 minutes and games are played at a centralized location on Saturdays.
- Teams play 7-8 games each season
Small-Sided Game Model Goalkeeper Team Size Ball Size 6U (2017 birth years) 3v3 No 6-7 players 3 7U (2016 birth years) 3v3 No 6-7 players 3 8U (2015 birth years) 5v5 Yes 8-10 players 3 8U Rising Rapids (2015 birth years) 5v5 and 7v7 Yes 8-10 players 3 - 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
- Fall Dates
-
Fall Registration Opens: May 1st
Fall Priority Deadline for Returning Players: June 30th
Fall Late Fee Begins: July 25th
Fall Waitlist Begins: August 8th
Fall Registration Closes: August 8th
In House Fall Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather and/or COVID-19 they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules can take place on Sundays as needed.
September 2022
Game Day 1: September 10th
Game Day 2: September 17th
Game Day 3: September 24thOctober 2022
Game Day 4: October 1st
Game Day 5: October 8th
Game Day 6: October 15th
Game Day 7: October 22nd
Game Day 8: October 29th - Spring Dates
-
Spring registration opens: Week of November 1st
Spring Priority Deadline for Returning Players: January 12th
Spring Late Fee Begins: February 21st
Spring Waitlist Begins: March 7th
Spring Registration Closes: March 7th
Practices Begin: Week of March 28th
Spring Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.
April 2022
Game Day 1: April 9th
Game Day 2: April 10th
Game Day 3: April 16th
Game Day 4: April 23rd
Game Day 5: April 30thMay 2022
Game Day 6: May 7th
Game Day 7: May 14th
Game Day 8: May 21st - Contact
-
Nate Flax
Recreational Administrator
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 210Allie Molnar
Soccer Start – 7U Recreational Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 201Brian Sheehan
8U-10U Program Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 213 - Scholarships
-
Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Rec and Competitive programs. To learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid click here to be brought to our scholarship page. There you can view specific recreational scholarship information under the ‘Recreational Application Process’ tab.
6U Recreational League
Beginner to Advanced
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Denver/Aurora
7U Recreational League
Beginner to Advanced
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Denver/Aurora
8U Recreational League
Beginner to Advanced
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Denver/Aurora
8U Rising Rapids - Invite Only
Intermediate to Advanced
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Intermediate/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Rapids Staff Coach
- Locations across Denver/Aurora
$10 Early Bird Discount Ends In…

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 =
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
- Turn in player tracking document at the end of every season
- Update LeagueApps with the practice schedule and other team events
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.
- Work with Coach Volunteer to make sure LeagueApps is updated.
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.
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
- Turn in player tracking document at the end of every season
- Update LeagueApps with the practice schedule and other team events
Coach Education Opportunities
GO TO RISE- 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
-
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.
- Work with Coach Volunteer to make sure LeagueApps is updated.
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.
- 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.
GAME FACILITATOR CARD- 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 6U-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 6U-8U program including any supplemental programs and what to expect as players move into the 9U league. Parent Volunteer Coaches decide with the input of other parents on the team when and where to practice for the season. Practices are held at local parks across Denver and Aurora. All 6U-8U recreational teams are given approximately 20 yards by 30 yards to practice. Team schedules can be found on your LeagueApps account.
Rapids Youth Soccer posts all our game schedules on LeagueApps two weeks before the first scheduled game. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to your LeagueApps account.
☀️⛺️☀️ This summer, our elite preseason campers had an absolute blast!! It was an awesome 5 days of action-filled fun in the sun at @RegisUniversity! Swipe for a surprise🤣 #OneClubOneCommunity

🏠 Our women’s and men’s teams both play their final home games of the regular gcpl_soccer season, this week, at Trione Park!
🔴 On Tuesday, our women’s team kicks off against cajun_rush at 5:15pm, at Trione, with That’s My Dogg food truck serving up dinner and Eastern Shore Inflatables providing fun for the young ones.
🔵 On Wednesday, our men’s side hosts neighbors mobileunitedfc, kicking off at 7:15pm. Chew Chew Food Truck will be on location, as well as Eastern Shore Inflatables!
Free admission for public service workers and educators!
#RangersWay #OneClubOneCommunity 🔵⚪️🔴

💪🏆💪 Congrats to our very own Coach Sebastian Giraldo on winning ‘22 wpsl Mtn Conf. Rockies Div. COACH OF THE YEAR 💥 Coach Giraldo & his coaching staff had an outstanding season, taking our team on its deepest playoff run in program history! #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCWPSL

A class act from Whitchurch Alport in tidying up the away team dressing room and leaving us a good luck message for the season 👍🏼
Our First Team lost 4-1 on the night to a very good side, but some important miles in the legs for the lads to start their pre season fixtures.
Wishing Whitchurch Alport all the best for the coming season ⚽️
#buildingpartnerships
#OneClubOneCommunity
#UTA
🔴⚪️⚽️⚪️🔴

Massive thanks to all who attended our Summer Camp the last 3 days !! Special mention to Deirdre Harris who organised us all !!
To our special guests
Kildare Under 14 girls and all Ireland Champions Katie & Amy🏆🏆
Kildare Under 16 and All Ireland Champions Abi & Aine 🏆🏆
Kildare Minors and Leinster Champions Erin, Siofra, Niamh and Eimear🏆
Kildare Senior Ladies Leinster Champions Fiona & Nessa🏆
All our fantastic trainers, mentors, chefs, cleaners, photographers, toilet runners who all helped out over the 3 days.
Thank you all for taking the time to come to our Summer camp, pretty sure the happy faces in the video say it all.
Also thanks to our sponsors Brendan Harris Auto Repairs, Mark Fanning Carpentry, Eddie Roycroft ERCL. Thanks to Nelligan Sports for the wind breakers and Lidl Ireland for the donations of fruit and juice that kept us going all week !!
💚🏐
Don't forget we have football for all ages in Castlemitchell. Boys and girls teams from under 6s right up to senior so please do get in touch for training times and dates 💚🏐
Kildare LGFA really_unofficial_kildare_gaa_
Video & Photos by Aisling Hyland Photography
#castlemitchellgaa #healthyclub #oneclub #OneClubOneCommunity #kildare #serioussupport #summercamp

🙌🏻💪🙌🏻 RAPIDS WIN!!!! Rapids advance to tomorrow’s 10AM game in a 1-0 finish vs Salvo! Thanks everyone for coming out and tuning in! #CRYSCWPSL #OneClubOneCommunity rapidsyouthsoccer

Another goal from Mia Preston & Danni Wyatt along with a goal from 16 year old striker Nashya Paz on her first start for the yellows gave us a comfortable 3-0 victory over a spirited Budleigh Salterton team last night. Thats 2 games done this week with one more on Sunday against Barry Town FC in this demanding week of pre season..🔥.#tufc #tuwfc #OneClubOneCommunity #yellowarmy #StrongerTogether💙💛💪

🏟🙌🏟 Thank you to the @sandiegoloyal front office for inviting our Rapids 07B ECNL team to tour the club & attend a @uslchampionship match while they visited San Diego for the #ECNLPlayoffs!! It was an awesome experience for our athletes! #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCBoysECNL

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
Soccer has two seasons, one in the fall and one in the spring. The beginning of the soccer year is in the fall with the remainder of the year taking place in the spring. Most recreational registrations are season-by-season, with some recreational and competitive leagues a full-year registration. During the summer and winter off-season we offer a variety of camps for players to continue to improve upon their skills.
Yes, uniforms are required for players to play. Members can click here to be brought to the CRYSC uniforms page. This page details the ordering process for each program with specific program links to order uniforms.
- Required: Players are required to wear shin guards and soccer cleats. Only Soccer Start players can opt for athletic shoes instead of cleats.
- Recommended: Players should bring their own water and wear appropriate athletic clothing to practices. Players should have their own soccer balls which should also be brought to each practice (see below).
- Soccer Start through 8U need a size 3 ball
- 9U – 12U need a size 4 ball
- 13U – 18U need a size 5 ball
Definitely! We will do our best to place your child according to your request. However, we cannot guarantee special placement. The best way to ensure your child plays on the team or with the teammate you want is to register early.
- We work hard to ensure that all children that wish to play soccer are given an opportunity to play regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
- Each year, the club provides need-based grants to players that would not be able to play without financial assistance. Annual grants range in amount depending on available resources, and range from 10% of registration fees to 50% of registration fees. Grant amounts are awarded based on demonstrated financial need.
- Any player interested in obtaining financial assistance must complete a financial aid application. Click here for more information.
- Application fees are 10% of the recreational fees for rec players and the first deposit for competitive players
- Families that wish to ensure that all children are able to participate in Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club programming may make tax-deductible contributions to our grant program by contacting Eric Fehr ([email protected]).