
Soccer Start is a Whole Child Development program introduction to soccer for 3 to 5 year old players. This innovative program focuses on physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development through fun, creative, and imaginative programming. Our staff and volunteer coaches are taught formative systems to engage children of different stages to captivate attention and understanding. The program’s curriculum is designed to build a foundation for developing players to improve their physical literacy skills, technical soccer skills, and instill a love of soccer and being active.
Players are placed in small groups with a staff coach and parent volunteer leading the group’s session every week. Sessions will last 50 minutes. Groups will remain the same throughout the season unless players need a different environment to develop throughout the season.
Results of the program should demonstrate growth and development of players socially and physically with a solid foundation of soccer skills to move on to a more structured recreational soccer program in our 6U – 8U programs.
Soccer Start is a developmental pathway for beginner soccer players to grow and develop within the Rapids Youth Soccer organization. Following a specific whole-child development curriculum, each week the children will use their imaginations as they go on Adventures. Using creativity, curiosity, discovery, and social integration techniques, all while integrating soccer and physical fitness..
Physical
- Balance and Coordination
- Gross Motor
- Sensory
Cognitive
- Curiosity and Discovery
- Imagination and Creativity
- Think and Problem Solving
- Positive/Negative Behaviors
Social/Emotional
- Sharing/Cooperation
- Listening/Communication
- Self-Expression/Confidence
- Happiness

Charlie Bacha (Main Point of Contact)
Soccer Start – 7U Recreational Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 236
Registration Opens: November 1st, 2022
Registration Closes: March 27th, 2023
Waitlist Closes: April 1st, 2023
Team Rosters Released: March 27th, 2023
Start Date: Week of April 1st, 2023
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire five-week season.
Programming June – July 2022
Deadline to Register: May 30th, 2022
Start Date: Monday, June 6th, 2022
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire seven-week season.
Programming August – October 2022
Deadline to Register: August 22nd, 2022
Start Date: Monday, August 29th, 2022
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire seven-week season.
- Overview
-
Soccer Start is a Whole Child Development program introduction to soccer for 3 to 5 year old players. This innovative program focuses on physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development through fun, creative, and imaginative programming. Our staff and volunteer coaches are taught formative systems to engage children of different stages to captivate attention and understanding. The program’s curriculum is designed to build a foundation for developing players to improve their physical literacy skills, technical soccer skills, and instill a love of soccer and being active.
Players are placed in small groups with a staff coach and parent volunteer leading the group’s session every week. Sessions will last 50 minutes. Groups will remain the same throughout the season unless players need a different environment to develop throughout the season.
Results of the program should demonstrate growth and development of players socially and physically with a solid foundation of soccer skills to move on to a more structured recreational soccer program in our 6U – 8U programs.
- Curriculum
-
Soccer Start is a developmental pathway for beginner soccer players to grow and develop within the Rapids Youth Soccer organization. Following a specific whole-child development curriculum, each week the children will use their imaginations as they go on Adventures. Using creativity, curiosity, discovery, and social integration techniques, all while integrating soccer and physical fitness..
- Learning Skills
-
Physical
- Balance and Coordination
- Gross Motor
- Sensory
Cognitive
- Curiosity and Discovery
- Imagination and Creativity
- Think and Problem Solving
- Positive/Negative Behaviors
Social/Emotional
- Sharing/Cooperation
- Listening/Communication
- Self-Expression/Confidence
- Happiness
- Child Development
-
- Contact
-
Charlie Bacha (Main Point of Contact)
Soccer Start – 7U Recreational Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 236 - Spring Dates
-
Registration Opens: November 1st, 2022
Registration Closes: March 27th, 2023
Waitlist Closes: April 1st, 2023
Team Rosters Released: March 27th, 2023
Start Date: Week of April 1st, 2023
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire five-week season.
- Summer Dates
-
Programming June – July 2022
Deadline to Register: May 30th, 2022
Start Date: Monday, June 6th, 2022
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire seven-week season.
- Fall Dates
-
Programming August – October 2022
Deadline to Register: August 22nd, 2022
Start Date: Monday, August 29th, 2022
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire six-week season.
- Winter Dates
-
Parents choose one day and time when registering. Players will then attend the same day and time during the entire seven-week season.
Soccer Start
For Preschoolers and Toddlers
- 6 Week Season
- 50-Minute Sessions Each Week
- Paid/Volunteer Coaches
- Proven Curriculum for Fun
- Uniform Included
- Locations across Denver/Aurora
$10 Early-Bird Discount Ends In…
Spring
Programs
April – May 2022
Gates North | 5:10-6:00PM | April 4, 11, 18, 25 & May 2, 9
Gates North | 5:10-6:00PM | April 5, 12, 19, 26 & May 3, 10
Foxridge | 5:10-6:00PM | April 6, 13, 20, 27 & May 4, 11
Parker Area | 5:10-6:00PM | April 6, 13, 20, 27 & May 4, 11
Gates North | 5:10-6:00PM | April 7, 14, 21, 28 & May 5, 12
Gates North | 9:00-9:50AM | April 9, 16, 23, 30 & May 7, 14
Gates North | 10:00-10:50AM | April 9, 16, 23, 30 & May 7, 14
Foxridge | 9:00-9:50AM | April 9, 16, 23, 30 & May 7, 14
Foxridge | 10:00-10:50AM | April 9, 16, 23, 30 & May 7, 14
Summer
Programs
June – July 2022
Gates North | 9:00-9:50AM | June 6, 13, 20, 27, & July 11, 18
Gates North | 5:00-5:50PM | June 7, 14, 21, 28, & July 12, 19
Foxridge | 5:10-6:00PM | June 8, 15, 22, 29, & July 13, 20
Parker Area | 5:10-6:00PM | June 8, 15, 22, 29, & July 13, 20
Gates North | 5:00-5:50PM | June 9, 16, 23, 30, & July 14, 21
Gates North | 9:00-9:50AM | June 11, 18, 25, & July 2, 6, 23
Gates North | 10:00-10:50AM | June 11, 18, 25, & July 2, 6, 23
Foxridge | 9:00-9:50AM | June 11, 18, 25, & July 2, 6, 23
Foxridge | 10:00-10:50AM | June 11, 18, 25, & July 2, 6, 23
Parker Area | 9:00-9:50AM | June 11, 18, 25, & July 2, 6, 23
Parker Area | 10:00-10:50AM | June 11, 18, 25, & July 2, 6, 23
Fall
Programs
August – October 2022
Gates North | 5:10-6:00PM | August 29, September 12, 19, 26, & October 3, 10
Gates North | 5:10-6:00PM | August 30, September 6, 13, 20, 27, & October 4
Foxridge | 5:10-6:00PM | August 31, September 7, 14, 21, 28, & October 5
O’Brien Park | 5:10-6:00PM | August 31, September 7, 14, 21, 28, & October 5
Gates North | 5:10-6:00PM | September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, & October 6
Gates North | 9:00-9:50AM | September 10, 17, 24, & October 1, 8, 15
Gates North | 10:00-10:50AM | September 10, 17, 24, & October 1, 8, 15
Foxridge | 9:00-9:50AM | September 10, 17, 24, & October 1, 8, 15
Foxridge | 10:00-10:50AM | September 10, 17, 24, & October 1, 8, 15
O’Brien Park | 9:00-9:50AM | September 10, 17, 24, & October 1, 8, 15
O’Brien Park | 10:00-10:50AM | September 10, 17, 24, & October 1, 8, 15
Winter
Programs
Winter sessions will be held in the Central Regions locations.
Winter I
- 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM (11/7, 11/14, 11/28, 12/5)
- 5:00 PM – 5:50 PM (11/7, 11/14, 11/28, 12/5)
Winter II
- 5:00 PM – 5:50 PM (12/12, 12/26, 1/2, 1/9)
Winter III
- 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM (1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6)
Winter I
- 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM (11/8, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6)
Winter III
- 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM (1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7)
Winter I
- 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM (11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7)
- 5:00 PM – 5:50 PM (11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7)
Winter III
- 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM (1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8)
Winter II
- 5:00 PM – 5:50 PM (12/15, 12/29, 1/5, 1/12)
Winter I
- 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM (11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8)
- 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM (11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8)
🙋♂️⚽️🙋♀️ Raise your hand if you’re excited to be back playing soccer @ CRYSC summer camps this week!! A few more spots have opened for 3-5 year old players in our FREE Soccer Start camps! If you’re interested, please contact 👉 [email protected] 👈 #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCCamps #CRYSCSoccerStart

🧒⚽️👧 Hey @coloradorapids & @corapidswomen - here comes the next generation!! #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart

🦸♀️🤩🦸♀️ The #SoccerStart Orange Lions having a super time during superhero week!! #OneClubOneCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart

👧🐵🧒 A fun Soccer Start session yesterday with Coach Charlie @ McGlone Academy!! Sign up your 3-5 y/o player for CRYSC Soccer Start this winter:
Central/South ➡️ bit.ly/2nCpZDg
Fort Collins ➡️ bit.ly/2lW8Eos
Castle Rock ➡️ bit.ly/2lW2iFD
#CRYSCSoccerStart

⚽️⚽️ #SoccerStart Director & Coach, Charlie Bacha, stopped by Molholm Elementary this week and organized soccer games at recess. Looks like fun! #CRYSCInTheCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart

👧⚽️🧒 Soccer Start’s Coach Melissa visited Montebello Branch Library last week to talk soccer & kick around with the little ones! Find more info on the #CRYSCSoccerStart program & register in your region today! 👉 Central - cry.sc/CSSF19
👉 South - cry.sc/SSSF19
👉 North - cry.sc/NSSF19
👉 Fort Collins - cry.sc/FCSSF19
👉 Castle Rock - cry.sc/CRSSF19
#CRYSCintheCommunity #OneClub

🧒⚽️👦 Coach Charlie & Brett visited Graland County Day School this week for an afternoon of fun & soccer with the 5-6 year olds! #OneClub #CRYSCInTheCommunity #CRYSCSoccerStart

Volunteer to Coach
Coaching in the Soccer Start program provides a proper introduction to volunteer coaching through appropriate educational support with on- and off-field education to prepare all coaches for a fun and rewarding session and season.
All teams will be led by a parent volunteer coach with a provided Rapids curriculum. There will also be a knowledgeable site director and staff coach at each location to support and assist for the season. Rapids staff provides all curriculum, equipment, and communication necessary for the season.
All parent volunteer coaches must complete a background check with the Colorado State Association and read through our volunteer handbook before the first session of the season.
If you are interested in being a volunteer coach, check out this list to see what is expected of you throughout the season.
- Communicate clearly with your team’s families and players about when practice and events will be throughout the season.
- Use the curriculum that is designed by the Rapids staff for each of your sessions
- Help every player on your team succeed on and off the field
- Arrive 15 minutes before your session to set and start the session on time
Rapids Youth Soccer provides all volunteer coaches the resources they need to be successful on and off the field with players. Coaching this age can be so rewarding and the start to a long-term volunteer role as a youth soccer coach for your child’s team.
Sessions plans will be available to all coaches on a weekly basis outlining exactly what to do, how to do it, and how to communicate it effectively.
The Rapids Youth Soccer professional staff will be on site and integrated with every team to make sure all volunteer coaches are set up for success and supported in their role.
- Overview
-
Coaching in the Soccer Start program provides a proper introduction to volunteer coaching through appropriate educational support with on- and off-field education to prepare all coaches for a fun and rewarding session and season.
All teams will be led by a parent volunteer coach with a provided Rapids curriculum. There will also be a knowledgeable site director and staff coach at each location to support and assist for the season. Rapids staff provides all curriculum, equipment, and communication necessary for the season.
All parent volunteer coaches must complete a background check with the Colorado State Association and read through our volunteer handbook before the first session of the season.
- Expectations
-
If you are interested in being a volunteer coach, check out this list to see what is expected of you throughout the season.
- Communicate clearly with your team’s families and players about when practice and events will be throughout the season.
- Use the curriculum that is designed by the Rapids staff for each of your sessions
- Help every player on your team succeed on and off the field
- Arrive 15 minutes before your session to set and start the session on time
- Education/Support
-
Rapids Youth Soccer provides all volunteer coaches the resources they need to be successful on and off the field with players. Coaching this age can be so rewarding and the start to a long-term volunteer role as a youth soccer coach for your child’s team.
Sessions plans will be available to all coaches on a weekly basis outlining exactly what to do, how to do it, and how to communicate it effectively.
The Rapids Youth Soccer professional staff will be on site and integrated with every team to make sure all volunteer coaches are set up for success and supported in their role.
Uniforms and Equipment
All players will be provided a T-shirt at the first session, and should wear that T-shirt for every session. This t-shirt will help distinguish the players team each week.
Players should wear shin guards, socks, and athletic cloths that are appropriate for the weather at the time of the session. We recommend that players also wear cleats to every session because they provide more secure footing for players as they are learning the game. However, cleats are not required to participate in the program.
All players should bring a water bottle and soccer ball to every session.
- Uniforms
-
All players will be provided a T-shirt at the first session, and should wear that T-shirt for every session. This t-shirt will help distinguish the players team each week.
- Equipment
-
Players should wear shin guards, socks, and athletic cloths that are appropriate for the weather at the time of the session. We recommend that players also wear cleats to every session because they provide more secure footing for players as they are learning the game. However, cleats are not required to participate in the program.
All players should bring a water bottle and soccer ball to every session.
Rapids Youth Soccer =
Steps to a Great Season
We will take extra precaution with this age group when it comes to playable temperatures. It is our policy to not cancel practices if fields are open for play, but Rapids Youth Soccer will make that determination based on case-by-case basis.
Weather in Colorado can be interesting to say the least. There are many times that it will be raining in one part of the city and not five miles away. Each decision will be made on a case-by-case basis, based on what we believe to be in the best interest of the kids and the program.
If there is lightening within 10 miles, practice will be delayed for 30 minutes. If there is no lightening and the fields are open, the session will take place.
We will do our best to reschedule canceled sessions, but sometimes the Colorado weather does not corporate. We can only guarantee 6 sessions and will do our best to get all 7 sessions in throughout the season.
Soccer balls, jerseys, and all other equipment will be provided by the Rapids Youth Soccer organization.
You should wear weather appropriate clothing and be prepared for any change in weather. Please bring water.
All players need shin guards with socks that cover the shin guards.
Cleats are recommended, but not required.
At the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club, we believe that if a player is engaged and having fun with an activity, they will learn and understand more than if they are disengaged and bored during a drill. We believe that we should design our curriculum in a way to excite and engage our players, so that they are excited and ready to learn throughout the whole session.
It is our goal to keep kids constantly moving and not standing around.
Once practice locations are finalized, you will receive an email with a map and location. You can also use the map on our website to find all of the Soccer Start locations.