
The 6U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for 5- to 8-year-olds. The 6U-8U Recreational program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games on Saturdays. 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
- Practice is held once a week for 60 minutes and games are played at a centralized location on Saturdays.
- Teams play 7-8 games each season
Ā | Small-Sided Game Model | Goalkeeper | Team Size | Ball Size |
6U (2017 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 6-7 players | 3 |
7U (2016 birth years) | 3v3 | No | 6-7 players | 3 |
8U (2015 birth years) | 5v5 | Yes | 8-10 players | 3 |
8U Rising Rapids (2015 birth years) | 5v5 and 7v7 | Yes | 8-10 players | 3 |
The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW)Ā 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 byĀ Malcolm Knowles in 1973 and is used in many learning situations, both practical and theory based. When added to a well-plannedĀ 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 theĀ players are taken from a practice with high game context to a low one, before returning back to the original practice. WhenĀ 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 suchĀ as āDefending in the Direct Game Channelā. What do you do if the individuals or units in your squad donāt understand how toĀ defend 1v1 or 2v2? You break it down.
āWholeā doesnāt necessarily mean a game. Actually in this theory, a āwholeā practice could be a series of complex skills that can beĀ broken down into more discrete skills. The āwholeā element should be as realistic to the game as possible, then the coach looks toĀ pull actions or components of the game and break them down into chunks so the players can understand and digest theĀ 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), ppĀ 43-53.
@coachdanwright. Coachdanwright.blogspot.co.uk
Fall Registration Opens:Ā May 1st
Fall Priority Deadline for Returning Players: June 30th
Fall Late Fee Begins: July 25th
Fall Waitlist Begins:Ā August 8th
Fall Registration Closes: August 22nd
In House Fall Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather and/or COVID-19 they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules can take place on Sundays as needed.Ā
September 2022
Game Day 1: September 10th
Game Day 2: September 17th
October 2022
Game Day 3: October 1st
Game Day 4: October 2nd
Game Day 5: October 8th
Game Day 6: October 15th
Game Day 7: October 22nd
Game Day 8: October 29th
Spring registration opens: Week of November 1st
Spring Priority Deadline for Returning Players: January 12th
Spring Late Fee Begins:Ā February 21st
Spring Waitlist Begins: March 7th
Spring Registration Closes: March 7th
Practices Begin: Week of March 28th
Spring Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.
April 2023
Coming Soon!
May 2023
Coming Soon!
Nate Flax
Recreational Administrator
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 210
Allie Molnar
Soccer Start – 7U Recreational Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 201
Brian Sheehan
8U-10U Program Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 213
Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Rec and Competitive programs. To learn more about the process and to apply for financial aidĀ click hereĀ to be brought to our scholarship page. There you can view specific recreational scholarship information under the āRecreational Application Processā tab.
- Overview
-
The 6U-8U Recreational League provides a fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate soccer environment for 5- to 8-year-olds. The 6U-8U Recreational program is designed to help players continue to grow in the sport of soccer by introducing them to formalized games on Saturdays. 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
- Practice is held once a week for 60 minutes and games are played at a centralized location on Saturdays.
- Teams play 7-8 games each season
Ā Small-Sided Game Model Goalkeeper Team Size Ball Size 6U (2017 birth years) 3v3 No 6-7 players 3 7U (2016 birth years) 3v3 No 6-7 players 3 8U (2015 birth years) 5v5 Yes 8-10 players 3 8U Rising Rapids (2015 birth years) 5v5 and 7v7 Yes 8-10 players 3 - Curriculum
-
RISE (Rapids Integrated System of Excellence)Ā 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 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.
- Philosophy
-
The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW)Ā 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 byĀ Malcolm Knowles in 1973 and is used in many learning situations, both practical and theory based. When added to a well-plannedĀ 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 theĀ players are taken from a practice with high game context to a low one, before returning back to the original practice. WhenĀ 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 suchĀ as āDefending in the Direct Game Channelā. What do you do if the individuals or units in your squad donāt understand how toĀ defend 1v1 or 2v2? You break it down.
āWholeā doesnāt necessarily mean a game. Actually in this theory, a āwholeā practice could be a series of complex skills that can beĀ broken down into more discrete skills. The āwholeā element should be as realistic to the game as possible, then the coach looks toĀ pull actions or components of the game and break them down into chunks so the players can understand and digest theĀ 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), ppĀ 43-53.
@coachdanwright. Coachdanwright.blogspot.co.uk
- Fall Dates
-
Fall Registration Opens:Ā May 1st
Fall Priority Deadline for Returning Players: June 30th
Fall Late Fee Begins: July 25th
Fall Waitlist Begins:Ā August 8th
Fall Registration Closes: August 22nd
In House Fall Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled or delayed due to weather and/or COVID-19 they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Reschedules can take place on Sundays as needed.Ā
September 2022
Game Day 1: September 10th
Game Day 2: September 17thOctober 2022
Game Day 3: October 1st
Game Day 4: October 2nd
Game Day 5: October 8th
Game Day 6: October 15th
Game Day 7: October 22nd
Game Day 8: October 29th - Spring Dates
-
Spring registration opens: Week of November 1st
Spring Priority Deadline for Returning Players: January 12th
Spring Late Fee Begins:Ā February 21st
Spring Waitlist Begins: March 7th
Spring Registration Closes: March 7th
Practices Begin: Week of March 28th
Spring Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. There is one doubleheader weekend currently planned to avoid playing during DPS spring break.
April 2023
Coming Soon!
May 2023
Coming Soon!
- Contact
-
Nate Flax
Recreational Administrator
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 210Allie Molnar
Soccer Start – 7U Recreational Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 201Brian Sheehan
8U-10U Program Director
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 213 - Scholarships
-
Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities are available for all qualifying Rapids players in both our Rec and Competitive programs. To learn more about the process and to apply for financial aidĀ click hereĀ to be brought to our scholarship page. There you can view specific recreational scholarship information under the āRecreational Application Processā tab.
6U Recreational League
Beginner to Advanced
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Denver/Aurora
7U Recreational League
Beginner to Advanced
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Denver/Aurora
8U Recreational League
Beginner to Advanced
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Denver/Aurora
8U Rising Rapids - Invite Only
Intermediate to Advanced
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Intermediate/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Rapids Staff Coach
- Locations across Denver/Aurora
First Games Kick Off In…

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
- Turn in player tracking document at the end of every season
- 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 theĀ 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
- Turn in player tracking document at the end of every season
- Update LeagueApps with the practice schedule and other team events
Coach Education Opportunities
GO TO RISE- 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 theĀ referee for the game, and should referee in a way to help the players learn and understand the rules.
GAME FACILITATOR CARD- 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 with the input of other parents on the team when and where to practice for the season. Practices are held at local parks across Denver and Aurora. All 6U-8U recreational teams are given approximately 20 yards by 30 yards to practice. Team schedules can be found on your LeagueApps account.
Rapids Youth Soccer posts all our game schedules on LeagueApps two weeks before the first scheduled game. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to your LeagueApps account.
It was a fantastic morning at the CrosshavenGAA Juvenile Long Puc, where 70 boys and girls from crosshaven_camogie took to the roads and pucked their way from crosshavenrugby to Crosshaven Church. Some fine hurling and camogie skills were on show !! Well done to everyone who took part.
Massive thanks to:
centra_crosshaven for Sponsoring the event and providing goodies for the kids.
Desmond family for sponsoring all the prizes and the trophy. Your continued support is always greatly appreciated.
crosshavenrugby for the use of their facilities. It is very much appreciated.
Crosshaven Boys Scool for the use of the hall for the prize giving.
All the parents, volunteers and coaches who helped out to make the day a success.
Looking forward to Long Puc 2024 !
#CrosshavenGAA #communityspirit
#oneclubonecommunity

Meet NER Netballās cadet 1s. Like all our netballers theyāre working hard to become the best players - and, more importantly, best team - they can be. Each week they train hard, play hard and keep the intensity until the final buzzer goes. Lucky to be coached by two super experienced, passionate, life-long netballers. #northeppingrangers #oneclubonecommunity

Two of our U10s Blues š
Proud of you both, go smash it Girls do yourselves proud š
#busbygirls
#busbyboys
#oneclubonecommunity
scotwomensfootball
scottishwomeninsport

Don't forget to register for free after school rugby sessions. New players very welcome - #GiveRugbyATry.
Boys & girls P4-P7.
Preston Lodge Pirates
https://eastlothian.bookinglive.com/home/active-schools/active-schools-prestonpans/
#OneClubOneCommunity
#DriveOnPL
#EveryonesGame

All at Audley FC are saddened by the loss this week of Club Legend Garry āFuzzyā Thirlwall.
With many years associated to the club through being a youth player, 1st team player, youth team manager and coach. Remembered as a amazing friend and all round gentleman.
Our thoughts are with his wife Alison, children Henry and Lottie, mum and dad Geoff and Maureen, sister Melanie and extended family.
His contribution to our club and the community was immense over the years. If not playing or coaching he was always one of the first to volunteer to help around the place.
RIP Fuzz
Your memory lives on and you will always be in our hearts ā¤ļø
š“āŖļøā½ļøāŖļøš“
#oneclubonecommunity

Continuing the tradition of presenting the championship trophy from the Kick or Treat tournament back to our club.
#oneclubonecommunity #dusl #dublinunited #2011girlssoccer #kickortreat #traditions

š NEWFA U19 YOUTH CUP CHAMPIONS š
Congratulations to our U19s today, who beat Hawarden Rangers U19s in the final.
The bricky were a man down after 20 mins due to getting a red card early doors. The lads stuck together for 70 mins and lionelspecy to get the winner in 84th for the lads to win 2-1 and come away with the Trophy! šš»
#CHAMPIONS
#UPTHEBRICKYš
#oneclubonecommunity

And itās goneš¤©šš¼šÆ
With a couple of late donations the total made was Ā£849 but, I couldnāt send it like that so an extra pound was chucked into the pot. Ā£850, how the heck did we manage thatš
Iām trying not to be annoying but, thank you all sooooooo much once again. In my mind I thought with the darts teams and on the night we might raise about Ā£300. I would never have imagined to have made Ā£850š«£
That oneās for you Fuzz, always in our hearts and always on our minds. God blessā¤ļø
#oneclubonecommunity

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
Rapids Pro
Parents
Coaches
Referees
Soccer has two seasons, one in the fall and one in the spring. The beginning of the soccer year is in the fall with the remainder of the year taking place in the spring. Most recreational registrations are season-by-season, with some recreational and competitive leagues a full-year registration. During the summer and winter off-season we offer a variety ofĀ campsĀ for players to continue to improve upon their skills.
Yes, uniforms are required for players to play. Members canĀ click hereĀ to be brought to the CRYSC uniforms page. This page details the ordering process for each program with specific program links to order uniforms.
- Required: Players are required to wear shin guards and soccer cleats. Only Soccer Start players can opt for athletic shoes instead of cleats.
- Recommended: Players should bring their own water and wear appropriate athletic clothing to practices. Players should have their own soccer balls which should also be brought to each practice (see below).
- Soccer Start through 8U need a size 3 ball
- 9U ā 12U need a size 4 ball
- 13U ā 18U need a size 5 ball
Definitely! We will do our best to place your child according to your request. However, we cannot guarantee special placement. The best way to ensure your child plays on the team or with the teammate you want is to register early.
- We work hard to ensure that all children that wish to play soccer are given an opportunity to play regardless of their familyās financial circumstances.
- Each year, the club provides need-based grants to players that would not be able to play without financial assistance. Annual grants range in amount depending on available resources, and range from 10% of registration fees to 50% of registration fees. Grant amounts are awarded based on demonstrated financial need.
- Any player interested in obtaining financial assistanceĀ mustĀ complete a financial aid application.Ā Click here for more information.
- Application fees are 10% of the recreational fees for rec players and the first deposit for competitive players
- Families that wish to ensure that all children are able to participate in Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club programming may make tax-deductible contributions to our grant program by contacting Eric Fehr ([email protected]).