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. 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 ensures 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 Recreational PLUS Programs, players must be invited to join the Select Program. Our Rapids Youth Soccer Staff works directly with volunteer coaches, players, and parents through 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.

	Recreational	Rec PLUS Training & Interbranch League	Select Program
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 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 long season
Coaching	Parent volunteer coach	Parent volunteer coach and staff trainer for practices	Professional, licensed staff coach
League Play	Recreational in-house league on Saturdays in the Denver Metro Area	CRYSC Rec PLUS Interbranch League on Saturdays in Denver Metro, Denver South, and Castle Rock areas	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	9-12 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, 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.

The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW) philosophy is a learning model used by the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club to achieve our long-term player development initiative. 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 puts players in realistic situations, which should always include decision-making elements.

When coaching soccer, WPW can be used in a variety of ways to break down techniques, skills, or tactics. Most commonly the players are taken from practice with high game context to a low one, before returning 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. 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

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.

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 Plus Training

The 9U-10U Rec PLUS 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