CRYSC 9U-10U programming continues to build upon the technical foundation started in the Soccer Start and 5U-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 Fort Collins and Loveland 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 weekly curriculum based training.

 RecreationalSelect Program
Player AttributesChild enjoys soccer, especially for the
fun and social atmosphere but needs
motivating to practice at home.
Child has a passion for soccer and
practices at home without being
prompted. Thrives in a
structured/disciplined environment.
SeasonTwo 7-8 week long seasons8-10 month long season
CoachingParent volunteer coachProfessional, licensed staff
coach
Game DaysIn-house league play on FridaysWeekend games across the Front Range
with 2-4 local tournaments
Playing Format7v77v7
Team Size10-12 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

Fall Registration Opens: May 1, 2023

Fall Late Fee Begins: August 15, 2023

Fall Registration Closes: August 14, 2023

Fall Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled due to weather they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Games for the 9U/10U recreational divisions are played on Fridays. Games for the 9U/10U Select Program divisions are typically played on Saturdays and sometimes on Sundays. 

9U/10U Rec Game Schedule

August – November 2023 (Fridays)

  • Game Day: 9/1

  • Game Day: 9/8

  • Game Day: 9/15

  • Game Day: 9/22

  • Game Day: 9/29

  • Game Day: 10/6

  • Game Day: 10/13

  • Game Day: 10/20

  • Game Day: 10/27 and 11/3 (potential makeup dates)

9U/10U Select Game Schedule

August – November 2023

  • Game Dates: TBA by CSA

2024 In House Spring rec Dates:

Spring Registration opens: November 1, 2024

Spring Registration deadline (or when teams are full): March 1, 2024

Late Registration Fee: March 2, 2024

Anticipated Team Training: The week of March 11th, 2024

Anticipated First Games: The week of March 19th, 2024

Spring Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. Weather-related cancellations will be moved to the end of May.

9U/10U Rec Game Schedule

March – May 2024

  • Game Day: 3/22

  • Game Day: 3/29

  • Game Day: 4/5

  • Game Day: 4/12

  • Game Day: 4/19

  • Game Day: 4/26

  • Game Day: 5/3

  • Game Day: 5/10

  • Game Day: 5/17, 5/24 (potential makeup date)

9U/10U Select Game Schedule

March – May 2024

  • Game Day: 3/23

  • Game Day: 4/30

  • Game Day: 4/6

  • Game Day: 4/13

  • Game Day: 4/20

  • Game Days: 4/27

  • Game Days: 5/4

  • Game Day: 5/11

  • Game Day: 5/18

  • Game Day: 5/19

Kylie WestbrookDirector of Recreational Programming[email protected]970.430.6368

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 5U-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 Fort Collins and Loveland 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 weekly curriculum based training.

 RecreationalSelect Program
Player AttributesChild enjoys soccer, especially for the
fun and social atmosphere but needs
motivating to practice at home.
Child has a passion for soccer and
practices at home without being
prompted. Thrives in a
structured/disciplined environment.
SeasonTwo 7-8 week long seasons8-10 month long season
CoachingParent volunteer coachProfessional, licensed staff
coach
Game DaysIn-house league play on FridaysWeekend games across the Front Range
with 2-4 local tournaments
Playing Format7v77v7
Team Size10-12 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

Fall Registration Opens: May 1, 2023

Fall Late Fee Begins: August 15, 2023

Fall Registration Closes: August 14, 2023

Fall Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled due to weather they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Games for the 9U/10U recreational divisions are played on Fridays. Games for the 9U/10U Select Program divisions are typically played on Saturdays and sometimes on Sundays. 

9U/10U Rec Game Schedule

August – November 2023 (Fridays)

  • Game Day: 9/1

  • Game Day: 9/8

  • Game Day: 9/15

  • Game Day: 9/22

  • Game Day: 9/29

  • Game Day: 10/6

  • Game Day: 10/13

  • Game Day: 10/20

  • Game Day: 10/27 and 11/3 (potential makeup dates)

9U/10U Select Game Schedule

August – November 2023

  • Game Dates: TBA by CSA

Spring Dates

2024 In House Spring rec Dates:

Spring Registration opens: November 1, 2024

Spring Registration deadline (or when teams are full): March 1, 2024

Late Registration Fee: March 2, 2024

Anticipated Team Training: The week of March 11th, 2024

Anticipated First Games: The week of March 19th, 2024

Spring Schedule:

**Please note these are the anticipated game days. Weather-related cancellations will be moved to the end of May.

9U/10U Rec Game Schedule

March – May 2024

  • Game Day: 3/22

  • Game Day: 3/29

  • Game Day: 4/5

  • Game Day: 4/12

  • Game Day: 4/19

  • Game Day: 4/26

  • Game Day: 5/3

  • Game Day: 5/10

  • Game Day: 5/17, 5/24 (potential makeup date)

9U/10U Select Game Schedule

March – May 2024

  • Game Day: 3/23

  • Game Day: 4/30

  • Game Day: 4/6

  • Game Day: 4/13

  • Game Day: 4/20

  • Game Days: 4/27

  • Game Days: 5/4

  • Game Day: 5/11

  • Game Day: 5/18

  • Game Day: 5/19

Contacts
Kylie WestbrookDirector of Recreational Programming[email protected]970.430.6368
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. 

Fort Collins 9U-10U Rec

Age Groups: 9U, 10U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall
$145Per Season
  • Practice 1x-2x/week
  • Convenient Local Practices
  • Volunteer Parent Coach
  • Recreational Uniform Kit
  • Team Formed by Registration
First Spring Games Kickoff In…
00
months
01
weeks
04
days
00
hours
07
minutes
42
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 5U-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 one to two times per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Fridays 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. Two weekends will 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 end of October, 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 5U-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 one to two times per week (60 minutes each) and play games on Fridays 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. Two weekends will 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 end of October, 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.
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.

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 U9-U10 leagues provides opportunities for beginner to advanced players. As players prepare for their future soccer playing experience, It’s important 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 players 10U year. Tryouts is the final step in a the 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 all the ways 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.

All recreational uniforms will need to be ordered through Soccer.com using this link. Please allow for up to 14 days for your uniform to arrive once your order is placed.

Select Program uniform ordering information will be distributed through your team manager.

Yes you can.  We do not guarantee that we can meet all requests, but we will do our best to accommodate them.

The Fall season is from August-November and the Spring season runs from March-May.

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.