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.

  • Teams are coached by parent volunteer coaches with the guidance and help of the club’s Director
  • Practices and Games are held at a centralized location in the region
Small-Sided Game ModelGoalkeeperTeam SizeBall SizePractices a WeekGames in a Season
5U (2020 birth years)3v3No5-6 players317-8
6U (2019 birth years)3v3 or 4v4No6-8 players318-16
7U (2018 birth years)4v4No6-8 players318-16
8U (2017 birth years)4v4No6-8 players318-16
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.

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.

  • Registration Opens – May 1
  • Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – August 1
  • Registration Late Fee – August 1
  • Registration Last Minute Fee – August 15
  • Training Starts – Last Week of August
  • First Game Kicks Off – Saturday After Labor Day

In House Fall Schedule

**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.

September 2024 

Game Day 1: September 7th

Game Day 2: September 14th

Game Day 3: September 21st

Game Day 4: September 28th

October 2024

Game Day 5: October 5th

Game Day 6: October 12th

Game Day 7: October 19th

Game Day 8: October 26th

  • Registration Opens – May 1
  • Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – August 1
  • Registration Late Fee – August 1
  • Registration Last Minute Fee –  August 15
  • Training Starts – Last Week of August
  • First Game Kicks Off – Saturday After Labor Day

In House Fall Schedule:

**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. 

  • Registration Opens – November 1
  • Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – March 1
  • Registration Late Fee – February 15
  • Training Starts – Second to Last Week of March
  • First Game Kicks Off – March 29

Spring Schedule

** Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.

Clint ShadeSoccer Start - Recreational Director - North[email protected]719.357.8881
Kathryn BalogunAssistant Rec and Camps Director - North[email protected]720-213-8652
Ashley  HeinekampRecreational Program Administrator[email protected]303-578-6799

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

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.

  • Teams are coached by parent volunteer coaches with the guidance and help of the club’s Director
  • Practices and Games are held at a centralized location in the region
Small-Sided Game ModelGoalkeeperTeam SizeBall SizePractices a WeekGames in a Season
5U (2020 birth years)3v3No5-6 players317-8
6U (2019 birth years)3v3 or 4v4No6-8 players318-16
7U (2018 birth years)4v4No6-8 players318-16
8U (2017 birth years)4v4No6-8 players318-16
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.

Logistics

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.

Fall Dates
  • Registration Opens – May 1
  • Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – August 1
  • Registration Late Fee – August 1
  • Registration Last Minute Fee – August 15
  • Training Starts – Last Week of August
  • First Game Kicks Off – Saturday After Labor Day

In House Fall Schedule

**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.

September 2024 

Game Day 1: September 7th

Game Day 2: September 14th

Game Day 3: September 21st

Game Day 4: September 28th

October 2024

Game Day 5: October 5th

Game Day 6: October 12th

Game Day 7: October 19th

Game Day 8: October 26th

  • Registration Opens – May 1
  • Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – August 1
  • Registration Late Fee – August 1
  • Registration Last Minute Fee –  August 15
  • Training Starts – Last Week of August
  • First Game Kicks Off – Saturday After Labor Day

In House Fall Schedule:

**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. 

Spring Dates
  • Registration Opens – November 1
  • Registration Deadline (or when teams are full) – March 1
  • Registration Late Fee – February 15
  • Training Starts – Second to Last Week of March
  • First Game Kicks Off – March 29

Spring Schedule

** Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.

Contact
Clint ShadeSoccer Start - Recreational Director - North[email protected]719.357.8881
Kathryn BalogunAssistant Rec and Camps Director - North[email protected]720-213-8652
Ashley  HeinekampRecreational Program Administrator[email protected]303-578-6799
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. 

North 5U-6U Recreational Leagues

Age Groups: 5U, 6U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall, Winter
$130Per Season
REGISTER NOW
  • 8-9 Week Season
  • 7-14 Games
  • Proven Curriculum
  • Uniform Separate
  • Volunteer Coaches

North 7U-8U Recreational Leagues

Age Groups: 7U, 8U
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Seasons: Spring, Fall, Winter
$150Per Season
REGISTER NOW
  • 8-9 Week Season
  • 12-14 Games
  • Proven Curriculum
  • Uniform Separate
  • Volunteer Coaches

No deadlines found.

Package

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.

CRYSC UNIFORMS PAGE

Rapids Youth Soccer =

REGISTER NOW

Coach Expectations

  • Communicate clearly with the team throughout the season.
  • Lead every practice session or find a substitute if they cannot be present.
  • Coach every game or find a substitute if they cannot be at the game.
  • Find a practice location and time that works for them and their team.
  • Warm-up team and meet the opposing coach before every game.
  • Update LeagueApps with the practice schedule and other team events

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.
  • Work with Coach Volunteer to make sure LeagueApps is updated

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.

Game Facilitator Expectations

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.

  • Tell which team should kick the ball in after it goes out of bounds.
  • Call any fouls that happen during the game and explain to players why it is a foul.
  • Provide education on the game to player during games.
  • Keep players safe and the game under control.
Coach

Coach Expectations

  • Communicate clearly with the team throughout the season.
  • Lead every practice session or find a substitute if they cannot be present.
  • Coach every game or find a substitute if they cannot be at the game.
  • Find a practice location and time that works for them and their team.
  • Warm-up team and meet the opposing coach before every game.
  • Update LeagueApps with the practice schedule and other team events

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.
  • Work with Coach Volunteer to make sure LeagueApps is updated

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.
Game Facilitator

Game Facilitator Expectations

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.

  • Tell which team should kick the ball in after it goes out of bounds.
  • Call any fouls that happen during the game and explain to players why it is a foul.
  • Provide education on the game to player during games.
  • Keep players safe and the game under control.

Understanding Your Time in the 5U-8U Recreational League

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.

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer in Action

🔥 Fort Collins showed up!! A big THANK YOU to @csufutbol and all our campers for making the 2026 CSU x @rapidsyouth_fc winter camp the best one yet! See you next year & GO RAMS! 🐏

#OneClubOneCommunity #CSURams

Open post by rapidsyouthsoccer with ID 18039495068729289
🔥 fort collins showed up!! A big thank you to @csufutbol and all our campers for making the 2026 csu x @rapidsyouth_fc winter camp the best one yet! See you next year & go rams! 🐏 #oneclubonecommunity #csurams

📰 The CRYSC January Newsletter is OUT NOW featuring a last call to register for spring rec, summer camps & leagues, age group transition resources, a recap of CFC 2026, #RapidsSuccess, & much more! Check it out 👉 cry.sc/January-26

#OneClubOneCommunity

Open post by rapidsyouthsoccer with ID 18093276350065783
📰 the crysc january newsletter is out now featuring a last call to register for spring rec, summer camps & leagues, age group transition resources, a recap of cfc 2026, #rapidssuccess, & much more! Check it out 👉 cry. Sc/january-26 #oneclubonecommunity

CLUB UPDATE: Birth Year ➡️ School Year

Starting with the 2026/27 season, we will align with the nationwide shift to School-Year Age Groups (Aug 1–July 31). Change is coming, and we are ready to navigate it together.

See our transition plan—link in bio!

#OneClubOneCommunity

Open post by rapidsyouthsoccer with ID 18062294936311320
Club update: birth year ➡️ school year starting with the 2026/27 season, we will align with the nationwide shift to school-year age groups (aug 1–july 31). Change is coming, and we are ready to navigate it together. See our transition plan—link in bio! #oneclubonecommunity

💥 The Bourne Supremacy! CONGRATS & GOOD LUCK to Bourne Weideman (19U ECNL) in tonight’s @ecnlboys National Selection Game in Las Vegas, NV! 💪

#OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCBoysECNL #CRYSCElite

Open post by rapidsyouthsoccer with ID 18031984655759578
💥 the bourne supremacy! Congrats & good luck to bourne weideman (19u ecnl) in tonight’s @ecnlboys national selection game in las vegas, nv! 💪 #oneclubonecommunity #cryscboysecnl #cryscelite

This is what a #futsal state looks like!

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 129 teams
🇺🇸 25 clubs
🏟️ 292 matches
⚽️ 1,685 goals
🏆 24 champions
💪 3 incredible days of futsal

THANK YOU to the players, families, coaches, referees, & staff who made CFC 2026 unforgettable. It was a legendary weekend, & we cannot wait to host you again next year.

#CRYSCFutsal #ColoradoFutsalChampionships @rapidsyouthfutsal

Open post by rapidsyouthsoccer with ID 18405106771121568
This is what a #futsal state looks like! 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 129 teams 🇺🇸 25 clubs 🏟️ 292 matches ⚽️ 1,685 goals 🏆 24 champions 💪 3 incredible days of futsal thank you to the players, families, coaches, referees, & staff who made cfc 2026 unforgettable. It was a legendary weekend, & we cannot wait to host you again next year. #cryscfutsal #coloradofutsalchampionships @rapidsyouthfutsal

Helpful Links: What’s Next For Your Player

Program FAQs

Are Uniforms Required to Play?

Yes, uniforms are required for players to play.

www.soccer.com

What Does My Player Need for Practices?

Players need shin guards, socks, and cleats, a size three soccer ball, water, and weather appropriate clothing.

Can My Child Play with Their Friends?

Absolutely, we hope players are able to play with their friends. Please request this when registering your child for soccer.

Can I Request a Coach?

Yes, you can do this when registering. We’ll do our best to make it happen.

When Does the Soccer Year Run?

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