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 staff coach and parent volunteer leading the group’s session every week. Sessions will last 50 minutes. Groups will remain the same throughout the season unless players need a different environment to develop throughout the season.

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 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 Registration Dates

  • Spring Registration Opens: November 1st
  • Summer Registration Opens: December 15th
  • Fall Registration Opens: May 1st
  • Winter Registration Opens: September 1st

 

Registration Close Dates: Registration closes one week before kick-off or when groups are full

Season Play Dates: Continue scrolling to see the full program play dates and the associated parks

 

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

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-player-development-graphic
Alaina  BrothersAssistant Recreational Coordinator - Central [email protected]719.394.8096
Ingrid  AlvarezRecreational Coordinator - Central[email protected]719.362.0524
Alana ChubbSoccer Start - 7U Director - Central [email protected]720-260-4703
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 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 staff coach and parent volunteer leading the group’s session every week. Sessions will last 50 minutes. Groups will remain the same throughout the season unless players need a different environment to develop throughout the season.

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.

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.

General Dates

Soccer Start Registration Dates

  • Spring Registration Opens: November 1st
  • Summer Registration Opens: December 15th
  • Fall Registration Opens: May 1st
  • Winter Registration Opens: September 1st

 

Registration Close Dates: Registration closes one week before kick-off or when groups are full

Season Play Dates: Continue scrolling to see the full program play dates and the associated parks

 

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

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
Child Development
soccer-start-player-development-graphic
Contact
Alaina  BrothersAssistant Recreational Coordinator - Central [email protected]719.394.8096
Ingrid  AlvarezRecreational Coordinator - Central[email protected]719.362.0524
Alana ChubbSoccer Start - 7U Director - Central [email protected]720-260-4703

Central Soccer Start

Age Groups: Soccer Start
Levels: Beginner
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
$90Per Season
  • 6-7 Week Season
  • 50-Minute Sessions Each Week
  • Paid/Volunteer Coaches
  • Proven Curriculum for Fun
  • T-Shirt Included
  • Locations across Denver/Aurora

Soccer Start Days, Times, & Locations

Summer 2024 Coming Soon!

Mondays

Central Park Area I 5:10-6:00PM

Crestmoor/Lowry Area I 5:10-6:00PM

Tuesdays

The Eddy I 5:10-6:00PM

Central Park Area I 5:10-6:00PM

Wednesdays

Crestmoor/Lowry Area I 5:10-6:00PM

NW Denver Area I 5:10-6:00PM

Thursdays

Central Park Area I 5:10-6:00PM

Saturdays

Central Park Area I 9:00-9:50AM

Crestmoor/Lowry Area I 9:00-9:50AM

Central Park Area I 10:00-10:50AM

Crestmoor/Lowry Area I 10:00-10:50AM

Mondays

Winter I: Nov. 27th – Dec. 18th, 2023

The Eddy I 5:00-5:50PM

The Eddy I 6:00-6:50PM

Winter II: Jan. 1 – 22nd, 2024

The Eddy I 5:00-5:50PM

Winter III: Jan. 29th – Feb. 19th, 2024

The Eddy I 5:00-5:50PM

Tuesdays

Winter I: Nov. 28th – Dec. 19th, 2023

The Eddy I 9:00-9:50AM

The Eddy I 5:00-5:50PM

Winter II: Jan. 2 – 23rd, 2024

The Eddy I 9:00-9:50AM

The Eddy I 5:00-5:50PM

Wednesdays

Winter I: Nov. 29th – Dec. 20th, 2023

The Eddy I 5:00-5:50PM

Winter II: Jan. 3rd – 24th, 2024

The Eddy I 5:00-5:50PM

Mondays

Central Park Area I Apr 1st – May 6th I  5:10-6:00PM

Crestmoor/Lowry Area I Apr 1st – May 6th I 5:10-6:00PM

Tuesdays

The Eddy I Apr 2nd – May 7th I 5:10-6:00PM

Central Park Area I Apr 2nd – May 7th I 5:10-6:00PM

Wednesdays

Crestmoor/Lowry Area I Apr 3rd – May 8th I 5:10-6:00PM

NW Denver Area I Apr 3rd – May 8th I 5:10-6:00PM

Thursdays

Central Park Area I Apr 4th – May 9th I 5:10-6:00PM

Saturdays

Central Park Area I Apr 6th – May 11th I 9:00-9:50AM

Crestmoor/Lowry Area I Apr 6th – May 11th I 9:00-9:50AM

Central Park Area I Apr 6th – May 11th I 10:00-10:50AM

Crestmoor/Lowry Area I Apr 6th – May 11th I 10:00-10:50AM

Greenvalley Ranch/Montbello Area I Apr 6th – May 11th I 10:00-10:50AM

First Spring Games Kickoff In…
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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 State 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.

Overivew

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 State 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 session. We recommend that players also wear cleats to every session because they provide a 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 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 session. We recommend that players also wear cleats to every session because they provide a 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 to every session.

Rapids Youth Soccer =

🧒⚽️👧 Hey @coloradorapids & @corapidswomen - here comes the next generation!! #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart
Have you heard of our unique introductory soccer program for 3- to 5-year-old players? Soccer Start is a great way to build a foundation for your child's physical, emotional, social and cognitive success! #SoccerStart #Soccer #ColoradoRapids #Denver #toddlerfun #CRYSCSoccerStart
⭐️🎼⭐️ Coach Kati led our little Soccer Start Castle Rock players in singing Twinkle Twinkle Soccer Star & performing a rain dance during last night’s weather delay! #OneClub #CRYSCSoccerStart
😍 Soccer Start Saturday 😍 #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart #CRYSCCamps
Do you know an energetic toddler or preschooler? 👶 Introduce your child to Soccer Start, our specially designed program for 3 to 5 year olds! We use interactive games to capture the attention of this unique age group while teaching basic soccer skills alongside balance, coordination, sensory, and gross motor skills. Register at the link in our bio! #CRYSCSoccerStart
Even our youngest #SoccerStart players learn from a supported curriculum and specially trained coaches. Take an in-depth look at our introductory program on our website! Link in bio. #CRYSC #Soccer #RapidsYouthSoccer #CRYSCSoccerStart

Steps to a Great Season

Find Your Desired Park Location

Rapids Youth Soccer offers locations across Denver and Aurora. Find a program close to home, gather friends, and build a neighborhood team.

Get Registered

Getting registered is quick and easy. During the registration process you’ll be able to identify your preferred park and request friends and coaches.

Volunteer to Coach

Soccer Start is a great time to get involved with your child. Many of our older recreational programs require coaches, so take this time to get acquainted with the Rapids curriculum and educational support system. The Soccer Start program will help train volunteer coach by pairing them with a staff coach to help them coach throughout the Fall and Spring season.

Get the Right Equipment

The only piece of equipment this program requires is shin guards. Make sure to have weather appropriate sports clothing and water. Cleats are optional. A training top is included with your registration fee.

Wait for Information from Us

We’ll be in touch with you about which team your child is on, your team’s schedule, who your coach is, which park you’ll participate at, what to bring, and anything else you need to know to have an amazing season.
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MEET OUR STAFF

Rapids Youth Soccer hires some of the nation's best youth soccer minds to prepare our kids for a long-term career in soccer.

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WHAT'S NEXT

After Soccer Start, players move in to the U6 - U8 recreational league where they'll have designated practice and games. Get more info now.

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RAPIDS TICKETS

All CRYSC members receive a discount to cheer on our MLS team out a DICK's Stadium!

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.

Each season we have specific dates for rescheduling. If your session is canceled we will reschedule your session to one of those dates so you can get all of your sessions in.

Players should wear shin guards, socks, and athletic clothes that are appropriate for the weather at the time of the session. We recommend that players also wear cleats to every session because they provide a 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 to every session.

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.