Our Partnership with the Colorado Rapids
Posted by: Rebecca Martineau | Director of Marketing and Communications
Rapids Youth Soccer is proud to be the official Youth Club of Colorado’s own MLS team, the Colorado Rapids. Our integration with the Colorado Rapids and Kroenke Sports Entertainment (KSE) equips our programming and membership with a number of exclusive resources and opportunities.
As the only Club in Colorado with opportunities from beginner to professional from three-years-old to adult, Rapids Youth Soccer maintains its independence as a separate business entity while working in partnership with the Colorado Rapids and KSE. This allows us to maintain our nonprofit mission and vision for the best youth soccer experience in Colorado and the Nation.
Rapids Youth Soccer members benefit directly from our Colorado Rapids partnership.
Shared Resources
With increasing expenses to youth soccer clubs across the country, we are able to offset some of the rising costs associated with putting on a great youth soccer experience.
Professional Teaching Curriculum
Our professional teaching curriculum is unique because it offers a long-term player development pipeline from beginner to professional. This curriculum is designed off the training plan of the Colorado Rapids professional team and Development Academy.
Professional Coaching Education
Rapids Youth Soccer offers the state’s top coaching education platform. We pride ourselves on the continuing coach education opportunities we provide not only to our paid staff coaches, but also to our volunteer coaches. All coaching education follows the Colorado Rapids 1st Team coaching curriculum and philosophy, but adjusted for ages and ability levels.
Professional Coaching Directors
Rapids Youth Soccer has some of the nation’s top coaches overseeing our programs. Chris Sharpe, who trains Tim Howard is the Director of Goalkeeping for Rapids Youth Soccer. Danny Stone and Chris Cartlidge, Development Academy coaches, oversee the coaching education within the Rapids Youth Soccer Club.
Premier Facilities
Our Colorado Rapids partnership allows our programming exclusive training opportunities at some of the best facilities in the Denver area, including Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and Aurora Sports Park.
Off-the-Field Benefits
Rapids Youth Soccer has access to MLS professional players and staff for our clinics and events, allowing players to connect with their Colorado Rapids heroes. We also offer exclusive member pricing for Colorado Rapids ticket sales and special events, such as the U.S. Women’s National Team games.
