The Girls ECNL was founded in 2009. The goal of this program is to strengthen the developmental experience for elite female soccer players in the United States through:

  • Developing player-centered programming model
  • Fostering one of the most competitive environments in youth soccer, through national events and leagues with multiple flights
  • Improving the daily training environment for member clubs by providing best practices, and guidelines, while also giving each club freedom to decide what is best for their players

The Rapids Youth Soccer Club is one of 93 ECNL Member Clubs and has six participating teams, offering placement for the 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, and 18U/19U age groups. CRYSC is a part of the Northwest Conference, which comprises 24 total clubs with Colorado Rapids participating in the Mountain division.

ECNL placement involves both regular season conference games and cross-conference events, with qualifying teams advancing to post-season playoffs. Rapids Girls elite programming offers player identification, training and development opportunities for top players within each conference and coaching development programs.

Girls are welcome to participate in spring high school soccer, as ECNL conference competition typically takes place outside the high school season. Training will occur a minimum of 3 times per week. Travel is required for both conference competition and National Event competition. Qualifying teams will also attend the ECNL National Playoff Event in June.

The selection process for the CRYSC Girls ECNL teams is an ongoing process, but invite only. The coaching staff will select a full-time roster mid May for the 13U-18U/19U age groups. ECNL girls teams offer players the opportunity to play at the highest level of youth soccer competition in the US, therefore will require a very high commitment to training and additional player development.  

Rapids Girls ECNL offers placement for 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, and 18U/19U. ECNL placement involves both regular season conference games and cross-conference events, with qualifying teams advancing to post-season playoffs. Rapids Girls elite programming offers player identification, training, and development opportunities for top players within each conference and coaching development programs.

These teams will train 10 months out of the year, at least three days per week during the season and one to two days per week throughout winter (Jan-Feb) weather permitting. In addition to training there will be weekend games. The game schedules for these age groups will include ECNL league games along with various ECNL National Events and other tournaments that are selected by the Girls Elite Program Director. ECNL teams will play in 1-3 ECNL National Events per year depending on the age of the team. Out-of-state travel should be expected for ECNL teams. Fees associated with ECNL National Events and other tournaments are paid separately and directly to the team’s treasurer.  These fees can include items such as event registration costs, airfare, lodging, coaches expenses, rental cars, meals and other various travel related costs.

All Girls ECNL teams will also participate in the Elite program’s preseason event which usually takes place at the beginning of August.

Preseason Event

  • When: Early August
  • Who: All rostered CRYSC Girls ECNL players

General Season Dates

  • Training: 3x per week
  • ECNL League Games: Start late August, three to four league travel trips throughout the season
  • ECNL National Playoffs: Late June
  • ECNL National Finals: July

Tournaments and Events

  • Arsenal Cup: Beginning of August
  • ECNL National Events: (All events are out of state)
    • 13U/14U – 1 Optional National Event
    • 15U – 2 Mandatory National Events
    • 16U/17U – 3 Mandatory National Events
    • 18U/19U – 1 Mandatory National Event and 1 Optional National Event

Players and their families can expect the below travel depending on the age group:

  • 18U/19U: Two National Events (6 games), 3 travel conference trips (6 games), and playoffs if they qualify (3-4)
  • 16U/17U: Three National Events (9 games), 3 travel conference trips (6 games), and playoffs if they qualify (3-4)
  • 14U/15U: Two National Events (6 games), 3 travel conference trips (6 games), and playoffs if they qualify (3)
  • U13: One National Event (6 games), 3 travel conference trips (6 games), and playoffs if they qualify (3)

Note: U13 and 14 do not play CSA league games in the spring.

Travel expenses for events can range from $800-$2,300 depending on the event location and the length of the event. Estimate costs are:

  • League Travel: $800 – $1,000 per trip
  • National Event Travel: $1,200 to $1,400 per trip
  • Playoff Travel: $2,000 to $2,300 per trip
  • National Event Registration Fee: $1,600 per event (National Event registration fee is split evenly among all full-time players)
  • Home Referee Fees: $140 to $175 per game (Referee fees are split evenly among players who play in the game)

We follow traditional team travel for our ECNL teams. This means teams will travel, stay and participate together for the entire event.  The entire event is classified as when the player arrives at the home airport to when the player returns to the baggage claim at the home airport. We feel group travel is important for many reasons.  Some of these benefits are (but not limited to):

  • Reduces costs for the majority of families not having to travel with their child
  • Deepens player relationships both on and off the field.
  • Efficiency of traveling with everyone together and being on the same schedule/itinerary.
  • Our teams represent the Club and State of Colorado on a national level and it teaches them the responsibility of representing more than just themselves.

It is not always easy to get flights and hotel arrangements for large groups and of course, it is always our goal to make these trips as cost-efficient as possible for all our families. When airfare is purchased, the cost of the tickets is averaged among all traveling teams so that teams are not penalized for having specific flight requirements. When purchasing a group ticket, we are ensuring that each player pays the same price, not that the first players to book pay the cheapest and the last players to book pay the most. Many times we have to purchase flights at different times because of the number of available seats.

Families may find a less expensive ticket when they are buying one or two tickets at a time or when choosing a different airline. We choose to fly on airlines that allow for the teams and coaches to check additional luggage/balls/cameras, etc. without incurring additional fees, airlines who don’t charge an additional fee for seat selection and airlines that allow for name changes close to departure dates at no extra charge. Our tickets also come with special assistance should a team get stranded and need assistance with flight cancellation, rebooking, hotel, etc.

Below is a list of the team fees players are responsible for:

  • Airfare, hotel, rental car(s), gas, meals/snacks, coach and chaperone(s) airfare, coach and chaperone(s) hotel, chaperone meals w/team, coach per diem and National Event registration fee (when applicable).
  • Airfare, hotel and per diem for the Boys Elite Program Director and the Elite Director of Goalkeeping when they travel.  This expense is equally shared by all teams who are traveling with them.

After a player commits to a team, and completes the registration, the player is considered registered to the club. Each player is bound to the club for the entire seasonal year, which runs from August 1 to July 31. Families have the option of paying in full or choosing a payment plan which requires an initial payment and the remaining balance is divided equally into four or eight installments. Each family is obligated to the full financial commitment, regardless of the choice made.

If there is movement between divisions during the calendar year which results in a change in fee, the player’s fees will be adjusted accordingly. A refund will be processed by the club or a payment will be made to the club to complete the transfer process.

Please note: Travel expenses for flights, hotels, transportation and more, as well as uniforms, and other additional expenses will be required throughout the season.

Registration fees may be offset through need-based financial assistance and team fees may be offset through Club-sponsored fundraising including grocery rebate and bingo programs.

Colorado Youth Soccer Club Fees Cover:

  • Complete Administrative Support
  • ECNL League Registration (Player Fee and Team Fee)
  • Elite Performance Center (turf fields, match-fit grass field, indoor futsal courts, classrooms)
  • Part- and full-time head coaches; Part-time assistant coaches
  • Individual Player Development Plans
  • HUDL / Veo game videos (Team and player video analysis)
  • Sports Performance (in-season and off-season training/fitness program, support in areas of athletic performance, injury prevention, rehabilitation from injury)
  • Baseline Athletic Performance Testing
  • College placement support
  • Mental performance coach
  • Sports medicine support
  • Specialized player training
  • Travel Company
  • Referee Assignor Fees
  • Team Training Fund (Team and Goalkeeper Equipment)

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club Elite programming follows a strict no-refund policy. Once you and your player accept an invitation for a Rapids Elite 11U/12U, ECNL, EDS, or Futsal team, and make a payment, all registrations are non-refundable. The refund policy is in place for a reason. It allows us to budget appropriately and provides coaches, facilities, administration, and additional resources that are necessary to run a non-profit youth sports organization.

If your player tries out and is invited to join a United Futsal team, and is later placed on a training team only, you may opt not to participate in the program and receive a refund of your initial registration fee. 

The club may, however, in its sole discretion, consider refund requests under the following: (1) a player moves more than 50 miles from a Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club region prior to the start of the season, (2) a player becomes injured or ill and can no longer participate in the season, or (3) any other exigent circumstances the club deems necessary or appropriate. Please note that in order for refund requests to be considered due to injury, such requests must be made within two weeks of the player’s injury/illness and must include a physician’s note for verification. No refunds will be provided for any reason after the third scheduled game of the season. All refunds, if granted, are subject to a processing fee.

Any travel expenses, including plane tickets, transportation, accommodations, coaches’ travel expenses, and coaches’ per diems purchased for team travel are non-refundable.

Thank you for your interest in the Rapids Girls ECNL program! If you would like to be contacted by the club with more information about the program please submit your information in the interest form below. We look forward to communicating with you.

Overview

The Girls ECNL was founded in 2009. The goal of this program is to strengthen the developmental experience for elite female soccer players in the United States through:

  • Developing player-centered programming model
  • Fostering one of the most competitive environments in youth soccer, through national events and leagues with multiple flights
  • Improving the daily training environment for member clubs by providing best practices, and guidelines, while also giving each club freedom to decide what is best for their players

The Rapids Youth Soccer Club is one of 93 ECNL Member Clubs and has six participating teams, offering placement for the 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, and 18U/19U age groups. CRYSC is a part of the Northwest Conference, which comprises 24 total clubs with Colorado Rapids participating in the Mountain division.

ECNL placement involves both regular season conference games and cross-conference events, with qualifying teams advancing to post-season playoffs. Rapids Girls elite programming offers player identification, training and development opportunities for top players within each conference and coaching development programs.

Girls are welcome to participate in spring high school soccer, as ECNL conference competition typically takes place outside the high school season. Training will occur a minimum of 3 times per week. Travel is required for both conference competition and National Event competition. Qualifying teams will also attend the ECNL National Playoff Event in June.

Selection Process

The selection process for the CRYSC Girls ECNL teams is an ongoing process, but invite only. The coaching staff will select a full-time roster mid May for the 13U-18U/19U age groups. ECNL girls teams offer players the opportunity to play at the highest level of youth soccer competition in the US, therefore will require a very high commitment to training and additional player development.  

Rapids Girls ECNL offers placement for 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, and 18U/19U. ECNL placement involves both regular season conference games and cross-conference events, with qualifying teams advancing to post-season playoffs. Rapids Girls elite programming offers player identification, training, and development opportunities for top players within each conference and coaching development programs.

These teams will train 10 months out of the year, at least three days per week during the season and one to two days per week throughout winter (Jan-Feb) weather permitting. In addition to training there will be weekend games. The game schedules for these age groups will include ECNL league games along with various ECNL National Events and other tournaments that are selected by the Girls Elite Program Director. ECNL teams will play in 1-3 ECNL National Events per year depending on the age of the team. Out-of-state travel should be expected for ECNL teams. Fees associated with ECNL National Events and other tournaments are paid separately and directly to the team’s treasurer.  These fees can include items such as event registration costs, airfare, lodging, coaches expenses, rental cars, meals and other various travel related costs.

All Girls ECNL teams will also participate in the Elite program’s preseason event which usually takes place at the beginning of August.

Dates & Deadlines

Preseason Event

  • When: Early August
  • Who: All rostered CRYSC Girls ECNL players

General Season Dates

  • Training: 3x per week
  • ECNL League Games: Start late August, three to four league travel trips throughout the season
  • ECNL National Playoffs: Late June
  • ECNL National Finals: July

Tournaments and Events

  • Arsenal Cup: Beginning of August
  • ECNL National Events: (All events are out of state)
    • 13U/14U – 1 Optional National Event
    • 15U – 2 Mandatory National Events
    • 16U/17U – 3 Mandatory National Events
    • 18U/19U – 1 Mandatory National Event and 1 Optional National Event
Travel Costs

Players and their families can expect the below travel depending on the age group:

  • 18U/19U: Two National Events (6 games), 3 travel conference trips (6 games), and playoffs if they qualify (3-4)
  • 16U/17U: Three National Events (9 games), 3 travel conference trips (6 games), and playoffs if they qualify (3-4)
  • 14U/15U: Two National Events (6 games), 3 travel conference trips (6 games), and playoffs if they qualify (3)
  • U13: One National Event (6 games), 3 travel conference trips (6 games), and playoffs if they qualify (3)

Note: U13 and 14 do not play CSA league games in the spring.

Travel expenses for events can range from $800-$2,300 depending on the event location and the length of the event. Estimate costs are:

  • League Travel: $800 – $1,000 per trip
  • National Event Travel: $1,200 to $1,400 per trip
  • Playoff Travel: $2,000 to $2,300 per trip
  • National Event Registration Fee: $1,600 per event (National Event registration fee is split evenly among all full-time players)
  • Home Referee Fees: $140 to $175 per game (Referee fees are split evenly among players who play in the game)
Travel Policy

We follow traditional team travel for our ECNL teams. This means teams will travel, stay and participate together for the entire event.  The entire event is classified as when the player arrives at the home airport to when the player returns to the baggage claim at the home airport. We feel group travel is important for many reasons.  Some of these benefits are (but not limited to):

  • Reduces costs for the majority of families not having to travel with their child
  • Deepens player relationships both on and off the field.
  • Efficiency of traveling with everyone together and being on the same schedule/itinerary.
  • Our teams represent the Club and State of Colorado on a national level and it teaches them the responsibility of representing more than just themselves.

It is not always easy to get flights and hotel arrangements for large groups and of course, it is always our goal to make these trips as cost-efficient as possible for all our families. When airfare is purchased, the cost of the tickets is averaged among all traveling teams so that teams are not penalized for having specific flight requirements. When purchasing a group ticket, we are ensuring that each player pays the same price, not that the first players to book pay the cheapest and the last players to book pay the most. Many times we have to purchase flights at different times because of the number of available seats.

Families may find a less expensive ticket when they are buying one or two tickets at a time or when choosing a different airline. We choose to fly on airlines that allow for the teams and coaches to check additional luggage/balls/cameras, etc. without incurring additional fees, airlines who don’t charge an additional fee for seat selection and airlines that allow for name changes close to departure dates at no extra charge. Our tickets also come with special assistance should a team get stranded and need assistance with flight cancellation, rebooking, hotel, etc.

Below is a list of the team fees players are responsible for:

  • Airfare, hotel, rental car(s), gas, meals/snacks, coach and chaperone(s) airfare, coach and chaperone(s) hotel, chaperone meals w/team, coach per diem and National Event registration fee (when applicable).
  • Airfare, hotel and per diem for the Boys Elite Program Director and the Elite Director of Goalkeeping when they travel.  This expense is equally shared by all teams who are traveling with them.
Registration Fees

After a player commits to a team, and completes the registration, the player is considered registered to the club. Each player is bound to the club for the entire seasonal year, which runs from August 1 to July 31. Families have the option of paying in full or choosing a payment plan which requires an initial payment and the remaining balance is divided equally into four or eight installments. Each family is obligated to the full financial commitment, regardless of the choice made.

If there is movement between divisions during the calendar year which results in a change in fee, the player’s fees will be adjusted accordingly. A refund will be processed by the club or a payment will be made to the club to complete the transfer process.

Please note: Travel expenses for flights, hotels, transportation and more, as well as uniforms, and other additional expenses will be required throughout the season.

Registration fees may be offset through need-based financial assistance and team fees may be offset through Club-sponsored fundraising including grocery rebate and bingo programs.

Colorado Youth Soccer Club Fees Cover:

  • Complete Administrative Support
  • ECNL League Registration (Player Fee and Team Fee)
  • Elite Performance Center (turf fields, match-fit grass field, indoor futsal courts, classrooms)
  • Part- and full-time head coaches; Part-time assistant coaches
  • Individual Player Development Plans
  • HUDL / Veo game videos (Team and player video analysis)
  • Sports Performance (in-season and off-season training/fitness program, support in areas of athletic performance, injury prevention, rehabilitation from injury)
  • Baseline Athletic Performance Testing
  • College placement support
  • Mental performance coach
  • Sports medicine support
  • Specialized player training
  • Travel Company
  • Referee Assignor Fees
  • Team Training Fund (Team and Goalkeeper Equipment)
Refund Policy

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club Elite programming follows a strict no-refund policy. Once you and your player accept an invitation for a Rapids Elite 11U/12U, ECNL, EDS, or Futsal team, and make a payment, all registrations are non-refundable. The refund policy is in place for a reason. It allows us to budget appropriately and provides coaches, facilities, administration, and additional resources that are necessary to run a non-profit youth sports organization.

If your player tries out and is invited to join a United Futsal team, and is later placed on a training team only, you may opt not to participate in the program and receive a refund of your initial registration fee. 

The club may, however, in its sole discretion, consider refund requests under the following: (1) a player moves more than 50 miles from a Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club region prior to the start of the season, (2) a player becomes injured or ill and can no longer participate in the season, or (3) any other exigent circumstances the club deems necessary or appropriate. Please note that in order for refund requests to be considered due to injury, such requests must be made within two weeks of the player’s injury/illness and must include a physician’s note for verification. No refunds will be provided for any reason after the third scheduled game of the season. All refunds, if granted, are subject to a processing fee.

Any travel expenses, including plane tickets, transportation, accommodations, coaches’ travel expenses, and coaches’ per diems purchased for team travel are non-refundable.

ECNL Interest Form

Thank you for your interest in the Rapids Girls ECNL program! If you would like to be contacted by the club with more information about the program please submit your information in the interest form below. We look forward to communicating with you.

Season Overview

Regular Season:

Each Girls ECNL team will play both Northwestern Conference competition and ECNL National Event competition.

Here is the full year-long schedule:

  • Segment 1 | August 1 – December 10
  • Winter Break | December 13 – January 2
  • Segment 2 | January 3 – March 20
  • Segment 3 | May 16 – June 30
  • Summer Break | July 1 – July 31

Post-Season Overview

Qualifiers: After all ECNL regular season games have been played, teams shall be placed in playoff groups for the ECNL Playoffs based upon the Regular Season Standings according to the ECNL post-season qualifications. Teams can qualify for Champions League Playoffs, North American Cup, Showcase Cup or ECNL Open Cup.

ECNL Girls Registration Fees

$3945 / $2945 13U-14U | 15U-19U
  • Aug – Nov | Feb – June

  • Train 3/Week at Regis University

  • Video of all Local Games (Hudl)

  • ECNL League Fees

  • Pre-Season Event

  • Futsal Facility at Regis University

  • Outdoor Winter Training (weather permitting)

Rapids Youth Soccer =

ECNL Girls Staff

Staff Member

Title

Contact

¿Habla
Español?

Jen Metz

Elite Programming Administrator

[email protected]
719.357.9747

No

Jen  Metz

Elite Programming Administrator

Jen is a Colorado native who grew up playing soccer. She graduated from Colorado State University with a BS in Business. She has worked in youth soccer for eight years and has been with CRYSC since 2019, primarily as an administrator. Since 2020 Jen has also served as the conference delegate for the Mountain Conference of the WPSL League, which the Colorado Rapids Women are part of. In 2021 the Colorado Rapids Women were crowned Mountain Conference champions and were also awarded with Franchise of the Year honors. She enjoys getting to work with such a great group of directors and coaches and for having the opportunity to create a positive experience for our members!

Habla Español?: No

Sebastian Giraldo

Regional Technical Director / Interim Girls ECNL Director - Elite

[email protected]
719.301.0742

Sebastian  Giraldo

Regional Technical Director / Interim Girls ECNL Director - Elite

Sebastian is originally from Pamplona, Colombia and has spent time with soccer clubs in Michigan, Texas, and Tennessee. He holds a Ph.D. in Elite Athlete Development from the University of Texas-Austin and a US Soccer A License. He also works with US Soccer Coach Education and is involved with several research initiatives examining elite youth soccer athletes and coach education.
Sebastian comes to Rapids Youth Soccer from US Soccer where he operated as a Coach Education Instructor on USSF Licenses and Grassroots Courses across the country. Additionally, he brings a wealth of experience from club-level, where he has held multiple positions in education and coaching methodology at San Antonio City SC and South Texas FC. Sebastian’s high-quality coaching background includes time spent in the ECNL, GA, ODP, and as Head Coach of USL League Two club Corpus Christi FC. At CRYSC, he will be using his experience and understanding of the youth soccer landscape to enhance and support the development of Central staff, coaches, and players.

Habla Español?:

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・・・
🙌⚽️🙌 WIN! Our Rapids 06G ECNL team is MOVING ON to the next round at the ecnlgirls Ntl. Finals! They play again tomorrow at 6AM MT! LET’S GOOOOO! 

#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCgirlsECNL #EliteYouthSoccer #NationalFinals #SoccerChampionship
😮🇺🇸😮 6 players on the Rapids 14U ECNL team have been invited to attend next month’s U-14 Girl’s US National Team ID Camp!! Congrats to Bella, Sam, Adi, Lexi, Alysiah, & Jamuna on this awesome accomplishment! Good luck in California, girls 🤜🤛 #OneClub #CRYSCGirlsECNL
⚽️🏅Congratulations to the 2005 Girls ECNL Ragin’ Rapids for winning the Westminister 3v3 Gold Division. Well done ladies and good luck in the Vail 3v3 later this month! #OneClub #CRYSCGirlsECNL
⚽☝️This weekend the 00/01 Rapids Girls ECNL team played in the South Carolina ECNL Showcase. Check out Elle Gill's quality finish from Drew Baty's cross.
🎥 Daneda Parker
🏆 Elite Clubs National League (ECNL)
#OneClub #CRYSCGirlsECNL #CRYSCPlayoftheSeason
⚽✊ Congratulations to Cori Dyke of the 19U ECNL team for being called into the U-18 Women's National Team. This is Cori's 31st US Youth National Team Camp. Have a great camp and good luck! #OneClub #CRYSCGirlsECNL
⭐️‼️⭐️ @orlpride BOUND! CONGRATS to #CRYSCgirlsECNL & @corapidswomen alumna @coriana_dyke on being selected in the 2nd round of the @nwsl draft! 

#OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsSuccess #CRYSCElite @ecnlgirls @coloradosoccerassociation @pennstatewsoc @wpsl