Serving players from: Thornton • Westminster • Northglenn • Broomfield • Brighton • Arvada • Longmont • Louisville
The 5U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for 4- to 8-year-olds. The 5U-8U Recreational program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games. The specialized curriculum helps players grow in their technical skills and learn the rules of soccer at a developmentally appropriate level for their age. Players will receive a solid foundation of coaching needed to continue into the 9U-10U level and onward.
| Small-Sided Game Model | Goalkeeper | Team Size | Ball Size | Practices a Week | Games in a Season | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5U (2020 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 5-6 players | 3 | 1 | 7-8 |
| 6U (2019 birth years) | 3v3 or 4v4 | No | 6-8 players | 3 | 1 | 8-16 |
| 7U (2018 birth years) | 4v4 | No | 6-8 players | 3 | 1 | 8-16 |
| 8U (2017 birth years) | 4v4 | No | 6-8 players | 3 | 1 | 8-16 |
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
5U – One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching. We call this Age Group Training. We have 2 locations to select from: Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos. Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Wednesday nights at 5:00 pm. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Thursday nights at 5:00 p.m. Games are Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
6U – One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach & Director of Coaching. This is referred to as Age Group Training. We have 2 locations to select from: Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos. Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Monday at 5:00 p.m. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. There will be two games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday. Trail Winds weeknight game is Wednesday at 5 pm. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Thursday at 5:00 p.m. If you select either the Trail Winds or Northwest Open Spaces location, both have games Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
7U/8U Girls – One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching. This is referred to as Age Group Training. We have 2 locations to select from: Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos. Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Monday at 6:15 p.m. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. They then have 2 games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday. Trail Winds weeknight game is Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Thursday at 6:15 p.m. If you select either the Trail Winds or Northwest Open Spaces location, both have games Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
7U/8U Boys – One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching. This is referred to as Age Group Training. We have 2 locations to select from: Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos. Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Thursday at 6:15 p.m. They then have 2 games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday. Trail Winds weeknight game is Monday at 6:15 p.m. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. If you select either the Trail Winds or Northwest Open Spaces location, both have games Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules may take place on Sundays as needed.
Game Day 1: September 7th
Game Day 2: September 14th
Game Day 3: September 21st
Game Day 4: September 28th
Game Day 5: October 5th
Game Day 6: October 12th
Game Day 7: October 19th
Game Day 8: October 26th
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.
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.
The 5U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for 4- to 8-year-olds. The 5U-8U Recreational program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games. The specialized curriculum helps players grow in their technical skills and learn the rules of soccer at a developmentally appropriate level for their age. Players will receive a solid foundation of coaching needed to continue into the 9U-10U level and onward.
| Small-Sided Game Model | Goalkeeper | Team Size | Ball Size | Practices a Week | Games in a Season | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5U (2020 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 5-6 players | 3 | 1 | 7-8 |
| 6U (2019 birth years) | 3v3 or 4v4 | No | 6-8 players | 3 | 1 | 8-16 |
| 7U (2018 birth years) | 4v4 | No | 6-8 players | 3 | 1 | 8-16 |
| 8U (2017 birth years) | 4v4 | No | 6-8 players | 3 | 1 | 8-16 |
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
5U – One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching. We call this Age Group Training. We have 2 locations to select from: Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos. Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Wednesday nights at 5:00 pm. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Thursday nights at 5:00 p.m. Games are Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
6U – One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach & Director of Coaching. This is referred to as Age Group Training. We have 2 locations to select from: Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos. Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Monday at 5:00 p.m. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. There will be two games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday. Trail Winds weeknight game is Wednesday at 5 pm. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Thursday at 5:00 p.m. If you select either the Trail Winds or Northwest Open Spaces location, both have games Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
7U/8U Girls – One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching. This is referred to as Age Group Training. We have 2 locations to select from: Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos. Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Monday at 6:15 p.m. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. They then have 2 games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday. Trail Winds weeknight game is Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Thursday at 6:15 p.m. If you select either the Trail Winds or Northwest Open Spaces location, both have games Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
7U/8U Boys – One practice a week. This practice is with their volunteer coach and the Director of Coaching. This is referred to as Age Group Training. We have 2 locations to select from: Trail Winds in Thornton off 136th and Holly or Northwest Open Spaces in Northglenn off 112th and Pecos. Trail Winds has Age Group Training on Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. Northwest Open Spaces has Age Group Training on Thursday at 6:15 p.m. They then have 2 games per week, one weeknight and one Saturday. Trail Winds weeknight game is Monday at 6:15 p.m. Northwest Open Spaces weeknight game is Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. If you select either the Trail Winds or Northwest Open Spaces location, both have games Saturdays at Northwest Open Spaces usually between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules may take place on Sundays as needed.
Game Day 1: September 7th
Game Day 2: September 14th
Game Day 3: September 21st
Game Day 4: September 28th
Game Day 5: October 5th
Game Day 6: October 12th
Game Day 7: October 19th
Game Day 8: October 26th
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.
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.
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.
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.
Every team is required to provide a game facilitator for half of every game. The game facilitator will act as the referee for the game, and should referee in a way to help the players learn and understand the rules.
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.
Every team is required to provide a game facilitator for half of every game. The game facilitator will act as the referee for the game, and should referee in a way to help the players learn and understand the rules.
The 5U-8U recreational league is the first time players will begin having practices during the week and games on the weekend. Rapids Youth Soccer posts all our game schedules on PlayMetrics two weeks before the first scheduled game. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to your PlayMetrics account.
It’s important for parents to understand what is available to their child during their time in the 5U-8U program including any supplemental programs and what to expect as players move into the 9U league.
🚨💖🚨 CALLING ALL CRYSC TEAMS: #WearItPink out on the fields starting next Friday, October 18th, & throughout the weekend in support of #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth! Send in pics of your team to [email protected] to feature on our social pages!
#OneClubOneCommunity @uchealth
WE ❤️ SOCCER START!!
Rapids 3U-5U players across the Front Range are making friends, having fun, & learning to love the beautiful game this fall! The journey starts with Soccer Start! 👧⚽️🧒
#CRYSCSoccerStart #OneClubOneCommunity
🍂🎥⚽️ Sights, sounds, celebrations, & fun from the 2024 #CRYSCFallFootieFest!! THANK YOU to the coaches, families, & rec players who joined us for an amazing day on the fields & in the classroom!
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCTournaments
🍂📸⚽️ Check out all of the fun in the sun & tournament action from this weekend’s first-ever #CRYSCFallFootieFest (formerly Big Wave Jamboree) featuring rec soccer & coaches education at DSGP!! 👉 cry.sc/FFF-24
#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCTournaments #YouthSoccerTournament #ColoradoYouthSoccer
💪⚽️🥅 #CRYSCECNL10 putting in the work on the counter-attack at Weidner Field against Switchbacks FC 2 last weekend! Two superb goals for our @mountainpl_ squad!👏
#OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsSuccess #CRYSCElite
⭐️🏅⭐️ CONGRATS to Sergiu Farca on winning our September 2024 @uchealth Player of the Month Award! Read more about Sergiu 👉 cry.sc/Sep24-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
👏💪⚽️ CONGRATS to our 5 Rapids #CRYSCElite girls players who were selected to participate in the @ussoccer Talent ID Center at Highland Heritage Regional Park on October 9!
#OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsSuccess
👏💪⚽️ CONGRATS to our 8 Rapids #CRYSCElite boys players who were selected to participate in the @ussoccer Talent ID Center at DSGP on October 2!
#OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsSuccess
8U-10U Rising Rapids
Rising Rapids is for players that have outgrow their normal soccer environment. This program is designed for self-motivated players who love the game and want more soccer!
9U-10U Recreational
After our 5U-8U leagues, players move into the 9U-10U recreational league, where they'll have designated practice and games. Get more info now.
Soccer Camps
Rapids Youth Soccer offers a variety of camps to help players continue their growth and development year-round. Check out the full Camps page to see how your player can continue to play after their last game!
Recreational Home
Curious about what other programming takes place in CRYSC's recreational programming? Check out the Rec Home page for more information across different age groups.
Yes, uniforms are required for players to play.
www.soccer.com
Players need shin guards, socks, and cleats, a size three soccer ball, water, and weather appropriate clothing.
Absolutely, we hope players are able to play with their friends. Please request this when registering your child for soccer.
Yes, you can do this when registering. We’ll do our best to make it happen.
The Fall season is from August-November and the Spring season is form March-May
