CRYSC 9U-10U programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the Soccer Start and 6U-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. 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.

RecreationalRec+ Training & Interbranch League9U-10U Select
Player AttributesChild 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.
SeasonSeparate Fall & Spring seasons that are 7-8 weeks long. Suggested 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. 2X practice per week. Practice schedule is set by the Program Director, expect a potential Monday or Friday time.8-10 month commitment (Fall & Spring)
CoachingParent volunteer coachParent volunteer coach and staff trainer for practicesProfessional, licensed staff coach
League PlayRecreational in-house league on Saturdays in the Denver Metro AreaCRYSC Rec+ Interbranch League on Saturdays in Denver Metro, Denver South, and Castle Rock areasWeekend games across the Front Range with 2-4 local tournaments
Playing Format7v77v77v7
Goalkeeper TrainingIntroductory opportunitiesIntroductory opportunitiesIncluded 1x/week
Team Size10-12 players10-12 players10-12 players
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 can explore content, develop an understanding for the clubs coaching ‘language’ and create their own sessions. As the club continues to update and add new drills and practices, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for coaches, offer a more rewarding CRYSC experience for members, and ultimately enhance the level and consistency of soccer being played across the Club.

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

  • Registration Opens – May 1
  • Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – August 1
  • Registration Late Fee – August 1
  • Registration Last Minute Fee –  August 15
  • Training Starts – Last Week of August
  • First Game Kicks Off – Saturday After Labor Day

 

In House Fall Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules may take place on Sundays as needed. 

September 2023

Game Day 1: September 9th
Game Day 2: September 16th
Game Day 3: September 23rd
Game Day 4: September 30th

October 2023

Game Day 5: October 7th
Game Day 6: October 14th
Game Day 7: October 21st
Game Day 8: October 28th

Potential Make Up dates: October 22nd, 29th, November 5th

  • Registration Opens – November 1
  • Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – March 6
  • Registration Late Fee – February 6
  • Registration Last Minute Fee –  March 18
  • Training Starts – March 18th
  • First Game Kicks Off – March 30th

 

Spring Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.

March/April 2024

Game Day 1: March 30th
Game Day 2: April 6th
Game Day 3: April 13th
Game Day 4: April 20th
Game Day 5: April 21st
Game Day 6: April 27th

May 2024

Game Day 7: May 4th
Game Day 8: May 11th

Potential Make Up dates: April 28th, May 5th, May 12th

Rock Cup Tournament: May 17th-19th (optional for an additional fee)

Alaina  BrothersAssistant Recreational Coordinator - Central [email protected]719.394.8096
Brian Sheehan8U-10U Recreational Director - Central[email protected]719.368.4903
Ingrid  AlvarezRecreational Coordinator - Central[email protected]719.362.0524

Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Recreational and Competitive league programs. Check out our Scholarships page to learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid. There, you can view specific recreational scholarship information and deadlines under the ‘Recreational Application Process’ tab.

It is critical to apply by the deadlines listed on the scholarship page for players to be fully considered for a financial aid package. 

Overview

CRYSC 9U-10U programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the Soccer Start and 6U-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. 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.

RecreationalRec+ Training & Interbranch League9U-10U Select
Player AttributesChild 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.
SeasonSeparate Fall & Spring seasons that are 7-8 weeks long. Suggested 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. 2X practice per week. Practice schedule is set by the Program Director, expect a potential Monday or Friday time.8-10 month commitment (Fall & Spring)
CoachingParent volunteer coachParent volunteer coach and staff trainer for practicesProfessional, licensed staff coach
League PlayRecreational in-house league on Saturdays in the Denver Metro AreaCRYSC Rec+ Interbranch League on Saturdays in Denver Metro, Denver South, and Castle Rock areasWeekend games across the Front Range with 2-4 local tournaments
Playing Format7v77v77v7
Goalkeeper TrainingIntroductory opportunitiesIntroductory opportunitiesIncluded 1x/week
Team Size10-12 players10-12 players10-12 players
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 can explore content, develop an understanding for the clubs coaching ‘language’ and create their own sessions. As the club continues to update and add new drills and practices, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for 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
  • Registration Opens – May 1
  • Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – August 1
  • Registration Late Fee – August 1
  • Registration Last Minute Fee –  August 15
  • Training Starts – Last Week of August
  • First Game Kicks Off – Saturday After Labor Day

 

In House Fall Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules may take place on Sundays as needed. 

September 2023

Game Day 1: September 9th
Game Day 2: September 16th
Game Day 3: September 23rd
Game Day 4: September 30th

October 2023

Game Day 5: October 7th
Game Day 6: October 14th
Game Day 7: October 21st
Game Day 8: October 28th

Potential Make Up dates: October 22nd, 29th, November 5th

Spring Dates
  • Registration Opens – November 1
  • Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – March 6
  • Registration Late Fee – February 6
  • Registration Last Minute Fee –  March 18
  • Training Starts – March 18th
  • First Game Kicks Off – March 30th

 

Spring Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.

March/April 2024

Game Day 1: March 30th
Game Day 2: April 6th
Game Day 3: April 13th
Game Day 4: April 20th
Game Day 5: April 21st
Game Day 6: April 27th

May 2024

Game Day 7: May 4th
Game Day 8: May 11th

Potential Make Up dates: April 28th, May 5th, May 12th

Rock Cup Tournament: May 17th-19th (optional for an additional fee)

Contact
Alaina  BrothersAssistant Recreational Coordinator - Central [email protected]719.394.8096
Brian Sheehan8U-10U Recreational Director - Central[email protected]719.368.4903
Ingrid  AlvarezRecreational Coordinator - Central[email protected]719.362.0524
Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Recreational and Competitive league programs. Check out our Scholarships page to learn more about the process and to apply for financial aid. There, you can view specific recreational scholarship information and deadlines under the ‘Recreational Application Process’ tab.

It is critical to apply by the deadlines listed on the scholarship page for players to be fully considered for a financial aid package. 

Central 9U-10U Rec Plus

Age Groups: 9U, 10U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall
$345Per Season
  • Practice Twice/Week
  • Convenient Local Practices/Games
  • Volunteer Parent Coach/Staff Trainer
  • Recreational Uniform Kit
  • Team Formed by Registration

Central 9U-10U Rec

Age Groups: 9U, 10U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall
$230Per Season
  • Practice Twice/Week
  • Convenient Local Practices/Games
  • Volunteer Parent Coach
  • Recreational Uniform Kit
  • Team Formed by Registration
First Spring Games Kickoff In…
00
months
01
weeks
03
days
18
hours
55
minutes
52
seconds

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.

9U – 10U Recreational

The 9U and 10U Recreational in-house league builds on the philosophy of the 6U-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. These teams are coached by parent-volunteers who follow a curriculum provided by Program Directors to run training sessions. Teams practice twice per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Saturdays in our in-house league. Teams play 7-8 games each season.

Each team gets 7-8 games each season during the 9-10 week season. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. This will eliminate the need for makeup games on weeknights and Sundays, maximizing the soccer experience and family time.

The Fall season runs from September through the first week of November, and the Spring season from March through May.

9U – 10U Rec+ Training

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 across Denver and Aurora. 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.

The 9U and 10U Recreational in-house league builds on the philosophy of the 6U-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. These teams are coached by parent volunteers who follow a curriculum provided by Program Directors to run training sessions. Teams practice twice per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Saturdays in our in-house league. Teams play 7-8 games each season.

Each team gets 7-8 games each season during the 9-10 week season. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. This will eliminate the need for makeup games on weeknights and Sundays, maximizing the soccer experience and family time.

The Fall season runs from September through the first week of November, and the Spring season from March through May.

9U – 10U Select

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.

9U - 10U Recreational

9U – 10U Recreational

The 9U and 10U Recreational in-house league builds on the philosophy of the 6U-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. These teams are coached by parent-volunteers who follow a curriculum provided by Program Directors to run training sessions. Teams practice twice per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Saturdays in our in-house league. Teams play 7-8 games each season.

Each team gets 7-8 games each season during the 9-10 week season. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. This will eliminate the need for makeup games on weeknights and Sundays, maximizing the soccer experience and family time.

The Fall season runs from September through the first week of November, and the Spring season from March through May.

9U - 10U Rec+ Training

9U – 10U Rec+ Training

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 across Denver and Aurora. 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.

The 9U and 10U Recreational in-house league builds on the philosophy of the 6U-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. These teams are coached by parent volunteers who follow a curriculum provided by Program Directors to run training sessions. Teams practice twice per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Saturdays in our in-house league. Teams play 7-8 games each season.

Each team gets 7-8 games each season during the 9-10 week season. Some weekends may consist of double-header games with a small break in-between games. This will eliminate the need for makeup games on weeknights and Sundays, maximizing the soccer experience and family time.

The Fall season runs from September through the first week of November, and the Spring season from March through May.

9U - 10U Select

9U – 10U Select

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=

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.

Coach Expectations

  • Lead every practice session of find a substitute if they cannot be present.
  • Coach every game of find a substitute if they cannot be at the game.
  • Find a practice location and time that works for them and their team.
  • Communicate clearly with the team throughout the season.

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.

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.

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 Expectations

  • 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

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.

Coach Expectations

  • Lead every practice session of find a substitute if they cannot be present.
  • Coach every game of find a substitute if they cannot be at the game.
  • Find a practice location and time that works for them and their team.
  • Communicate clearly with the team throughout the season.

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 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.

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

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 Expectations

  • 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.

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

Understanding Your Time in the 9U-10U Leagues

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.

Volunteers

Parent-volunteer notes are collected throughout the season.

Staff

Staff-coach forms are submitted at the end of all staff-led programs.

Field Coordinators

Forms are submitted weekly to the program DOC.

Kick-Arounds

Kick-rounds are held during the spring.

Tournaments

Recreational teams often participate in tournaments where staff can observe them.

Tryouts

Tryouts are held in late May, early June every year.

Preparing for Tryouts

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.

  • Parent-Volunteers | Parent-volunteer notes are collected throughout the season.
  • Staff-Coaches | Staff-coach forms are submitted at the end of all staff-led programs.
  • Kick-Arounds | Kick-rounds are held during the Spring Season.
  • Tournaments | Many recreational teams participate in tournaments where staff are able to observe them.
  • Tryouts | Tryouts are held in late May, early June every year and are the final piece to the Player Placement process.

Helpful Links: What’s Next For Your Player

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9U-10U SELECT

The 9U-10U Select program is by invitation only. Go to the program page to understand more and find contact information if you're interested in learning more.

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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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11U COMPETITIVE

After our 9U-10U leagues, players are eligible to tryout for our 11U Competitive Programs. Get more information on CRYSC Competitive teams here.

The difference between the two programs, is that the Recreational program is led by a parent volunteer and the Rec Plus program has a staff coach for the 2 weekly training sessions and game day is led by a parent volunteer. Both programs follow the same curriculum.

Participation in the Select Program is by invitation only.  Rapids staff will select players based upon staff observations throughout the year during training, games, kick-arounds, Premier Training, parent coach evaluations and Soccerfest with final approval from the Age-Group Directors of Coaching.

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]).