The 6U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for kids ages 5 – 8. We design our recreational program to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games on Saturdays. Our specialized curriculum helps players advance their technical skills and learn the rules of soccer at an age-appropriate level.
- Small-sided games focus on improving each player’s technical ability with the soccer ball
- Parent Volunteer Coaches for all teams.
- Games played at a centralized location on Saturdays
- Teams play 7-8 games each season
| 6U | 7U | 8U | |
|
Birth year
|
Players born in 2017 | Players born in 2016 | Players born in 2015 |
| Practices | 1x/week (60 min) | 2x/week (60 min each) | 2x/week (60 min each) |
| Additional Training | No | Age Group Trainings with Director | Age Group Trainings with Director |
| Playing Format | 3v3 | 3v3 | 5v5 |
| Goalkeepers? | No | No | Yes |
| Team Size | 5-6 players | 5-6 players | 8-9 players |
| League Play | In-house Douglas County Fairgrounds | In-house Douglas County Fairgrounds | In-house with South at Founders & Gates |
6U Recreational League
Beginner to Advanced
$145
Per Season
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Castle Rock
7U Recreational Leagues
Beginner to Advanced
$165
Per Season
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Castle Rock
8U Recreational Leagues
Beginner to Advanced
$185
Per Season
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Castle Rock
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, players, and members can interact, creating a living and growing classroom. By connecting the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) community online, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for players and coaches, offer a more rewarding CRYSC experience for members, and ultimately enhance the level and consistency of soccer being played across the Club.
What is The Rapids Way?
The Rapids Way embodies everything we are and stand for as a soccer club. The Rapids Way is much more than just what we do and how we do it. The Club’s mission and vision shape a philosophy, methodology, and culture that provide a framework for us to work in these key areas.
The Rapids Way is defined by the experience each individual player has from the time they enter the Club to the time they graduate. Using the Whole-Part-Whole teaching model we are able to build a Long-Term Development Plan that drives each player’s experiences in the four key pillars of the game: technical, tactical, physical and psycho-social.
The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW)
WPW is 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 will put players in realistic situations, that should always include decision-making elements.
We have a saying in the Club, “Prepare your child for the path, not the path for your child.” This is the Rapids Way.
Fall Registration Opens: May 1st
Fall Priority Deadline for Returning Players: June 30th
Players registered after June 30th will be placed on teams in the date order of registration based on availability.
Fall $20 Late Fee Begins: July 25th
Fall Registration Closes: When Teams Are full
In House Fall Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days.
Winter 1 Camps
November – December, 2022
Winter 2 Camps
January – February, 2023
Fall 2022
August to November
**Dates are subject to change
- Game Day: September 10th
- Game Day: September 17th
- Game Day: September 24th
- Game Day: October 1st
- Game Day: October 2nd
- Game Day: October 8th
- Game Day: October 22nd
- Game Day: October 29th
- Make-up Dates (if needed): October 23rd, October 30th
Summer 2022 Camps
June 13 – July 29, 2022
Fall 2023
March to May
**Dates are subject to change
- Game 1: TBD
- Game 2: TBD
- Game 3: TBD
- Game 4: TBD
- Game 5: TBD
- Game 6: TBD
- Game 7: TBD
- Game 8: TBD
- Make-up dates (if needed): TBD
Kati Dugan
Director of Soccer Start – 7U Recreational
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 131
Katie Beaudoin
8U – 18U Recreational Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 231
- 6U-8U Overview
-
The 6U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for kids ages 5 – 8. We design our recreational program to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games on Saturdays. Our specialized curriculum helps players advance their technical skills and learn the rules of soccer at an age-appropriate level.
- Small-sided games focus on improving each player’s technical ability with the soccer ball
- Parent Volunteer Coaches for all teams.
- Games played at a centralized location on Saturdays
- Teams play 7-8 games each season
6U 7U 8U Birth yearPlayers born in 2017 Players born in 2016 Players born in 2015 Practices 1x/week (60 min) 2x/week (60 min each) 2x/week (60 min each) Additional Training No Age Group Trainings with Director Age Group Trainings with Director Playing Format 3v3 3v3 5v5 Goalkeepers? No No Yes Team Size 5-6 players 5-6 players 8-9 players League Play In-house Douglas County Fairgrounds In-house Douglas County Fairgrounds In-house with South at Founders & Gates 6U Recreational League
Beginner to Advanced
$145 Per Season- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Castle Rock
7U Recreational Leagues
Beginner to Advanced
$165 Per Season- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Castle Rock
8U Recreational Leagues
Beginner to Advanced
$185 Per Season- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Castle Rock
- 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, players, and members can interact, creating a living and growing classroom. By connecting the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) community online, RISE will open up new educational opportunities for players and coaches, offer a more rewarding CRYSC experience for members, and ultimately enhance the level and consistency of soccer being played across the Club.
- The Rapids Way
-
What is The Rapids Way?
The Rapids Way embodies everything we are and stand for as a soccer club. The Rapids Way is much more than just what we do and how we do it. The Club’s mission and vision shape a philosophy, methodology, and culture that provide a framework for us to work in these key areas.
The Rapids Way is defined by the experience each individual player has from the time they enter the Club to the time they graduate. Using the Whole-Part-Whole teaching model we are able to build a Long-Term Development Plan that drives each player’s experiences in the four key pillars of the game: technical, tactical, physical and psycho-social.
The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW)
WPW is 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 will put players in realistic situations, that should always include decision-making elements.
We have a saying in the Club, “Prepare your child for the path, not the path for your child.” This is the Rapids Way.
- Fall 2022 Dates
-
Fall Registration Opens: May 1st
Fall Priority Deadline for Returning Players: June 30th
Players registered after June 30th will be placed on teams in the date order of registration based on availability.
Fall $20 Late Fee Begins: July 25th
Fall Registration Closes: When Teams Are full
In House Fall Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days.
Winter 1 Camps
November – December, 2022
Winter 2 Camps
January – February, 2023
Fall 2022
August to November
**Dates are subject to change
- Game Day: September 10th
- Game Day: September 17th
- Game Day: September 24th
- Game Day: October 1st
- Game Day: October 2nd
- Game Day: October 8th
- Game Day: October 22nd
- Game Day: October 29th
- Make-up Dates (if needed): October 23rd, October 30th
Summer 2022 Camps
June 13 – July 29, 2022
Fall 2023
March to May
**Dates are subject to change
- Game 1: TBD
- Game 2: TBD
- Game 3: TBD
- Game 4: TBD
- Game 5: TBD
- Game 6: TBD
- Game 7: TBD
- Game 8: TBD
- Make-up dates (if needed): TBD
- Contact
-
Kati Dugan
Director of Soccer Start – 7U Recreational
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 131Katie Beaudoin
8U – 18U Recreational Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 231
$20 Late Registration Fee Starts In…
2022/07/25 00:00:00
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 ensure they have it in time. Players are required to wear the official CRYSC jersey combo for games. This uniform kit is usable throughout all recreational programs.
Recreational members can click here to be brought to the CRYSC uniforms page. This page details the ordering process for each program with specific links and a FAQ section to help answer the most common uniform questions. If your player already has a recreational uniform they do not need to order a new one until they have outgrown it.
It is important to note that uniforms are NOT included in registration costs.
Rapids Youth Soccer =
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 opposing coach before every game
- Provide a game facilitator for half of each game
- Update PlayMetrics with practice schedule and other team events
Coach Education Opportunities
- Rapids Youth provides coaching sessions for all coaches throughout the season.
- Our RISE platform has additional 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
- Work with the coach to communicate with the team about practices and games in PlayMetrics.
- Set up a snack rotation for the season.
- Set up an end-of-season party for the team.
Club Support for Team Managers
- One-on-one support from your Program Director if you have any questions or concerns.
- Educational opportunities at meetings and in-person about next steps for the team.
- An administrator 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 opposing coach before every game
- Provide a game facilitator for half of each game
- Update PlayMetrics with practice schedule and other team events
Coach Education Opportunities
- Rapids Youth provides coaching sessions for all coaches throughout the season.
- Our RISE platform has additional 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
- Work with the coach to communicate with the team about practices and games in PlayMetrics.
- Set up a snack rotation for the season.
- Set up an end-of-season party for the team.
Club Support for Team Managers
- One-on-one support from your Program Director if you have any questions or concerns.
- Educational opportunities at meetings and in-person about next steps for the team.
- An administrator 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 6U-8U Recreational League
The 6U-8U recreational league is the first time players will begin having practices during the week and games on the weekend. It’s important for parents to understand what is available to their child during their time in the 6U-8U program including any supplemental programs and what to expect as players move into the 9U league. Parent Volunteer Coaches decide when and where to practice for the season. Practices are held at local parks across Castle Rock. All 6U-8U recreational teams are given approximately 20 yards by 30 yards to practice. Team schedules can be found on your PlayMetrics calendar.
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.
Player Centered Success Model
The Player Centered Success model puts the best interests of the player first. This is done by understanding each and every players definition of success and helping them achieve it. Every player at every level of their soccer career has different levels of success.
Rapids Youth
Provides operations and oversight for kids to have a great soccer experience.
Rapids Pro
Provides curriculum and educational resources for players.
Parents
Work in conjunction with Rapids Youth to support kids’ desires.
Coaches
Educate, inspire, and help all children excel at the level they desire.
Referees
Keep the game safe and fun for kids at all levels.
Yes, uniforms are required for players to play. Our vendor is Soccer.com, click here to be brought to the recreational order page. Do NOT select a team, simply scroll to “Collection” and select “Rec Kit.” You can click on the item picture for youth sizing with dimensions to ensure the right fit for your child.
Players need shin guards, socks, and cleats, a size 3 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 from March – May.
We offer camps in the Summer (June – July) and Winter (November – February) as well.
For the Recreational Program, practice days, times, and locations are determined by the Parent Volunteer Coach. Practices are held at local Castle Rock parks.
Games will be played on Saturdays and Sundays (as needed) and games will be played at local Castle Rock parks. Game times will vary each weekend with games starting as early as 9:00am or as late as 4:00pm.
Simply put, the more touches on the ball a player gets, the better the player skill set becomes. In a 3v3 environment, with 6 players on the field, players get more opportunities to touch the ball than if they played 11v11, with 22 players on the field. Additionally, soccer is a game of triangles. Having small-sided games at the younger ages not only increases their skill level but also allows the player to see the field. The player is able to conceptualize time and space with the support of a triangle formation. We slowly progress to 5v5, 7v7, and 9v9 for the same reasons.
Makeup games due to weather cancellations will automatically be rescheduled for the following Sunday (8 days later); however, coaches may coordinate another date for make up games.
For our current field conditions and weather policies, please visit our Weather Policy page.
