
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 on Tuesdays (5U/6U) and Fridays (7U/8U). 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-15U level and onward.
- Teams play small-sided games through the 5U-8U program as we focus on improving each player’s technical ability with the ball.
- Teams are coached by parent volunteer coaches.
- Practices are held once a week.
Small-Sided Game Model | Goalkeeper | Team Size | Game Days | |
5U (2018 Birthdates) |
3v3 |
No |
5-6 Players |
Tuesdays |
6U (2017 Birthdates) |
3v3 |
No |
5-6 Players |
Tuesdays |
7U (2016 Birthdates) |
4v4 |
No |
7-8 Players |
Fridays |
8U (2015 Birthdates) |
5v5 |
Yes |
8-10 Players |
Fridays |
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
Rapids Youth Soccer’s curriculum focuses on small-sided games. The more touches a player gets on the ball the quicker they will improve and the more fun they’ll have.
At this age, consistency is key and thus players will keep the same format from 5U through 8U.

Fall Registration Opens: May 2, 2022
Fall Priority Registration Closes: June 30, 2022
Fall Late Fee Begins: July 18, 2022
Fall Registration Closes: August 17, 2022
Fall Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled due to weather they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Games for the 5U/6U age group are played on Tuesdays and games for the 7U/8U age group are played on Fridays.
5U/6U Game Schedule
August – November 2022 (Tuesdays)
Game Day: 9/6
Game Day: 9/13
Game Day: 9/20
Game Day: 9/27
Game Day: 10/4
Game Day: 10/11
Game Day: 10/18
Game Day: 10/25
Game Day: 11/1 and 11/8 (potential makeup dates)
7U/8U Game Schedule
August – November 2022 (Fridays)
Game Day: 9/9
Game Day: 9/16
Game Day: 9/23
Game Day: 9/30
Game Day: 10/7
Game Day: 10/14
Game Day: 10/21
Game Day: 10/28
Game Day: 11/4 and 11/11 (potential makeup dates)
Spring registration opens: Week of November 1, 2021
Spring Priority Registration Closes: January 22, 2022
Spring Late Fee Begins: January 23, 2022
Spring Registration Closes: February 22, 2022
Spring Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. Weather-related cancellations will be moved to the end of May.
5U/6U Game Schedule
March – May 2022 (Tuesdays)
Game Day: 3/22
Game Day: 3/29
Game Day: 4/5
Game Day: 4/12
Game Day: 4/29
Game Day: 4/26
Game Day: 5/3
Game Day: 5/10
Game Day: 5/17 (potential makeup date)
7U/8U Game Schedule
March – May 2022 (Fridays)
Game Day: 3/25
Game Day: 4/1
Game Day: 4/8
Game Day: 4/15
Game Day: 4/22
Game Day: 4/29
Game Day: 5/6
Game Day: 5/13
Game Day: 5/20 (potential makeup date)
Mark Sellon
Recreational Administrator
[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 252
- 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 on Tuesdays (5U/6U) and Fridays (7U/8U). 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-15U level and onward.
- Teams play small-sided games through the 5U-8U program as we focus on improving each player’s technical ability with the ball.
- Teams are coached by parent volunteer coaches.
- Practices are held once a week.
Small-Sided Game Model Goalkeeper Team Size Game Days 5U (2018 Birthdates) 3v3
No
5-6 Players Tuesdays
6U (2017 Birthdates) 3v3
No
5-6 Players Tuesdays
7U (2016 Birthdates) 4v4
No
7-8 Players Fridays
8U (2015 Birthdates) 5v5
Yes
8-10 Players Fridays
- 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 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) 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
- Logistics
-
Rapids Youth Soccer’s curriculum focuses on small-sided games. The more touches a player gets on the ball the quicker they will improve and the more fun they’ll have.
At this age, consistency is key and thus players will keep the same format from 5U through 8U.
- Fall Dates & Deadlines
-
Fall Registration Opens: May 2, 2022
Fall Priority Registration Closes: June 30, 2022
Fall Late Fee Begins: July 18, 2022
Fall Registration Closes: August 17, 2022
Fall Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. If games are cancelled due to weather they will be moved to either the end of October or beginning of November. Games for the 5U/6U age group are played on Tuesdays and games for the 7U/8U age group are played on Fridays.
5U/6U Game Schedule
August – November 2022 (Tuesdays)
Game Day: 9/6
Game Day: 9/13
Game Day: 9/20
Game Day: 9/27
Game Day: 10/4
Game Day: 10/11
Game Day: 10/18
Game Day: 10/25
Game Day: 11/1 and 11/8 (potential makeup dates)
7U/8U Game Schedule
August – November 2022 (Fridays)
Game Day: 9/9
Game Day: 9/16
Game Day: 9/23
Game Day: 9/30
Game Day: 10/7
Game Day: 10/14
Game Day: 10/21
Game Day: 10/28
Game Day: 11/4 and 11/11 (potential makeup dates)
- Spring Dates & Deadlines
-
Spring registration opens: Week of November 1, 2021
Spring Priority Registration Closes: January 22, 2022
Spring Late Fee Begins: January 23, 2022
Spring Registration Closes: February 22, 2022
Spring Schedule:
**Please note these are the anticipated game days. Weather-related cancellations will be moved to the end of May.
5U/6U Game Schedule
March – May 2022 (Tuesdays)
Game Day: 3/22
Game Day: 3/29
Game Day: 4/5
Game Day: 4/12
Game Day: 4/29
Game Day: 4/26
Game Day: 5/3
Game Day: 5/10
Game Day: 5/17 (potential makeup date)
7U/8U Game Schedule
March – May 2022 (Fridays)
Game Day: 3/25
Game Day: 4/1
Game Day: 4/8
Game Day: 4/15
Game Day: 4/22
Game Day: 4/29
Game Day: 5/6
Game Day: 5/13
Game Day: 5/20 (potential makeup date)
- Contact
-
Mark Sellon
Recreational Administrator[email protected]
303.399.5858 ext. 252
5U-6U Recreational Leagues
Beginner to Advanced
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Practice 1x/week
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Fort Collins/Loveland
7U-8U Recreational Leagues
Beginner to Advanced
- 8-9 Week Season
- 7-8 Games
- Practice 1x/week
- Beginner/Advanced
- Proven Curriculum
- Uniform Separate
- Volunteer Coaches
- Locations across Fort Collins/Loveland
Fall Priority Player Placement In…

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
- 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 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
- 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 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. 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. 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 Fort Collins and Loveland. All 5U-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.
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
Yes, uniforms are required for players to play. Soccer.com is our official uniform supplier.
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