RAPIDS YOUTH SOCCER WINTER PROGRAMS NEAR YOU

2023/24 winter soccer camps, leagues, & tournaments are open & filling fast!

ALL REGIONS NOW OPEN FOR WINTER PROGRAM REGISTRATION!

CASTLE ROCK | SOUTH | CENTRAL | NORTH | FORT COLLINS | ELITE | FUTSAL

This winter, prepare to conquer the off-season by growing your game at Rapids Youth Soccer's camps, leagues, or tournaments! We have an exciting lineup of winter soccer programming across our regions, so register today and lock in the perfect soccer experience.


Follow the regional links above to directly view the winter camps in your area, or follow the link below to the winter camps search engine, where you can navigate options by selecting region, season, age, and level. You can also directly search for camps by name using the search bar. The integrated map will show you where the camps are located!

REGISTER FOR 2023/24 RAPIDS YOUTH SOCCER WINTER CAMPS

DENVER REGIONAL FUTSAL SHOWCASE | NEW IN 2023!

Bringing Rocky Mountain futsal to the global stage!

This December 2-3, Rapids Youth Futsal and United Futsal are bringing Colorado Futsal to the world stage at the inaugural 2023 Denver Regional Showcase at Future Legends Complex!


Do you have what it takes to compete against the best futsal teams from Colorado for a chance to qualify for Nationals? All of Colorado’s top futsal teams are invited to show off their futsal skills with the best competition you can find across the front range! This event series is our open platform that provides competition for any club or team(s) that would like to participate. United Futsal is hosting ten Regional Showcase Series events across the country, providing everyone in the U.S. an equal opportunity to compete for their bid to join the Showcase Series Nationals, taking place in Orlando, FL, from July 12-14, 2024.

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE DENVER REGIONAL FUTSALSHOWCASE

WINTER FUTSAL CAMPS, LEAGUES, & TOURNAMENTS

Futsal is our fastest-growing program & we're offering more opportunities than ever in 2023!

Rapids Youth Soccer winter season futsal opportunities at Regis University kick off this November, and YOU are invited to join! CRYSC Futsal camps, leagues, and our inaugural Winter Futsal Invitational tournament return to offer high-level opportunities to advanced-level futsal players in Colorado. Don't miss out by signing up today!


Futsal Leagues: We are excited to announce the return of Elite winter futsal leagues this November for 9U-14U boys and girls! Rapids Elite winter futsal leagues feature seven weeks of intensive, high-level play for advanced athletes looking to improve their play over the winter months. Elite players are invited to develop technique and skill in a competitive environment this November - January (Winter League Session 1).


Futsal Clinics: This winter, Rapids Youth Soccer is offering multiple futsal clinics at Regis University! Utilizing smaller spaces/team sizes and indoor collegiate courts to provide an unmatched player experience. Players from 8U-19U are welcome to explore futsal clinic options and level up their game this offseason.

WINTER ELITE 2-DAY CAMPS AT REGIS UNIVERSITY

Elite players are invited to join us this November or December for a 2-day camp session!

This Winter, CRYSC will host multiple two-day advanced- and elite-level outdoor camps at Regis University. The 2023/24 winter season has more elite options than ever, and we are excited to offer these development-focused opportunities to help players improve their skills every month before the spring.


Thanksgiving 2-Day Camp (November 20-21): This 2-day camp creates the opportunity for boys and girls to further improve their understanding and application of defending and attacking principles. Using various age and stage-appropriate practices, coaches will look to address several key areas in both of these components of the game in the defensive third and final attacking zones.


Holiday 2-Day Camp (December 16-17): Over two full days, Elite Department Coaches will work with players to develop their creative side. The ability of players to make an impact in a game can come down to brief moments. Insightful passes, imaginative movements off the ball, and technical mastery in possession are all difference-makers. Rapids Elite staff will look to base this camp on attacking options created as individuals or as a team in the final two-thirds of the field.

#RAPIDSEDUCATE WITH RAPIDS INTERIM HEAD COACH

"The Individualization of Coaching the Player within the Collective" by Chris Little!

This September, CRYSC's Technical Director Donald Gillies was joined by Colorado Rapids Interim Head Coach Chris Little to lead a coaches education session and reaffirm the youth club’s commitment to its mission statement of Developing Remarkable Coaches. The topic Chris chose was “The Individualization of Coaching the Player within the Collective."


“Coaching and planning for the needs of the individual within any specific theme often gets overlooked for the team principle or sub-principle. In discussing the content for the session, Chris described his approach to how he does this, and the value in sharing this with the club coaches was obvious. Sometimes, in searching for educational opportunities, it is the complex systems and themes that gain the most attention, when in reality, simple thoughts and processes executed based on the needs of key individual players can be most effective. Chris’ topic wasn’t simple, but by breaking it down to share his methodology in the classroom, he was able to create really impactful pictures on the field.” Continue reading on the CRYSC blog page by following the link below!

#RAPIDSEDUCATE SESSION WITH RAPIDS COACH CHRIS LITTLE | NEW BLOG!

CRYSC INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN 2024

Explore soccer cultures across the world by registering for a CRYSC international trip!

NEW #CRYSCINTERNATIONAL INFORMATION ADDED THIS MONTH!


CRYSC international tours are a great way for players to experience soccer through the lens of a different culture! From playing local competitions, experiencing different environments, and seeing new sights, there’s so much to be gained from expanding one’s horizon and taking your game abroad. We encourage anyone looking for an unforgettable opportunity focused on travel and soccer to sign up for the perfect trip with CRYSC International!


The sign-up period is quickly coming to a close for our CRYSC competitive players to secure their spot on our 2024 International Trips. Follow the link below for information on how you can attend one of our upcoming trips to:


2024 INTERNATIONAL TRIPS
CRYSC INTERNATIONAL WEBPAGE

RAPIDS SUCCESS | SHARE YOUR FAVORITE MOMENTS!

Send your CRYSC pictures, videos, and stories to social@rapidsyouthsoccer.org!

CONGRATS to Brooklyn Smith (08G ECNL) on being called up to the USYNT U16 WYNT Training Camp in West Palm Beach, Florida!

CONGRATS to our Rapids North ECRL teams for opening their season up with clean sweep against Pride ECRL teams!

CONGRATS to our Rapids Elite 12B team on winning 4-2 in the 12U Boys CO Soccer Association State Cup final!

CONGRATS to our Rapids North 11G Select I team on winning 8-7 (PK) in the 13U Girls CO Soccer Association Presidents Cup final!

CONGRATS to our Rapids Central 13B Select I team on winning 4-2 in the 11U Boys CO Soccer Association Presidents Cup final!

CONGRATS to our Rapids South 12B Select I team on being finalists in the 12U Boys CO Soccer Association Presidents Cup final!

The Rapids Success newsletter section highlights moments throughout the past month that have been shared with our social media team! The section above doesn't always capture the full scope of success across the Club, so we encourage you to send in your content by emailing us at social@rapidsyouthsoccer.org.

2023/24 FALL COLLEGE INFORMATION & RESOURCES

This updated blog from our CPP Director features helpful info for the new season!

UPDATED FOR THE FALL 2023 SEASON!


CRYSC College Placement Program Director Anthony Presnell provides a one-stop-shop information guide and resource hub for players heading into the fall season! Check out fall presentation details, resources for recruiting, survey opportunities, and more by following the link below.

COLLEGE PLACEMENT 2023/24 FALL INFO & RESOURCES | UPDATED BLOG!

SportsRecruits Information 2023: All high school players have been provided with a FREE account on the SportsRecruits platform that will allow them to set up an athletic and academic profile, search for potential colleges, create and host highlight videos, and communicate directly with any college soccer coach in the country! The Rapids College Placement Program recommends that student-athletes and their families take advantage of this opportunity by completing their profile with an updated photo, GPA, jersey number, email, and graduation year!

CRYSC offers athlete assistance in the college recruitment process through the CRYSC College Placement Program (CPP) starting their freshman year in high school. This free service helps teams and individuals with player profiles, video development, online support guides, college communication, and understanding of college timelines. The CPP provides players with the opportunity to take their education and game to the next level.


If you want to get involved or have questions about the program, please contact Anthony Presnell at anthony.presnell@rapidsyouthsoccer.org or visit the college soccer page on the CRYSC website!

2023 FALL & WINTER TOURNAMENTS GUIDE

Check out our remaining tournaments for the 2023 fall & winter seasons!

View the CRYSC 2023 Tournament Series guide below to find every opportunity for your team this fall and winter. Our final two tournaments in 2023 are still open for registration, so sign up today for the Rocky Mountain Fall ChampionshipsWinter Showcase, and our inaugural Denver Regional Futsal Showcase!

RMFC | Nov. 17-19

Close out the fall season with a championship tournament!


Welcome to the Rocky Mountain Fall Championships! The RMFC is your premier event for all top regional and state teams to round out the fall 2023 soccer season! Hosting the best of the best, our Championships look forward to crowning the top teams in the region for boys and girls aged 9U to 10U. The tournament will be hosted at the Future Legends Complex in Windsor, CO, and is open to MLS Next, ECNL, ECRL, and CSA Premier 3 and higher competitive teams aged 16U to 19U.

Winter Showcase | Nov. 30 - Dec. 3

High-Level Competition in the CRYSC Tournaments Family!


The Winter Showcase is the premier winter showcase event in the region and features college coaches from across the state and region! The tournament will be hosted at Aurora Sports Park and is open to CSA Advanced League or equivalent level Boys and Girls Competitive teams ages 16U to 19U.

Denver Regional Futsal Showcase | Dec. 2-3

Bringing Rocky Mountain Futsal to the Global Stage!


*NEW IN 2023* This December 2-3, Rapids Youth Futsal and United Futsal are bringing Colorado futsal to the world stage at the innaugural 2023 Denver Regional Showcase at Future Legends Complex! The tournament will be hosted in Windsor, CO, at the Future Legends Complex, where participants are guaranteed four games. The showcase is open to all advanced 10U-19U boys and girls, 8U/9U co-ed players, and welcomes players from any location or club!

CRYSC hosts annual tournaments for players ages 6U-19U, from beginner to elite. Attracting regional and national competitions, CRYSC tournaments offer a unique experience for players, parents, and coaches. Whether your team is looking for their first tournament experience or wants to hit the ground running against premier opposition, Rapids Youth Soccer has an event that fits every niche you may be looking for! Click here to view a chart breaking down the ages and levels offered at CRYSC tournaments in 2023.

UCHEALTH PLAYER OF THE MONTH | MOLLIE SKIBINSKI

Congrats to Mollie Skibinski on being named UCHealth Player of the Month!

Congrats to Mollie Skibinski on being named the UCHealth Player of the Month for September 2023!


Mollie plays left wing/left fullback for our Rapids 08G Central Select team, where her teammates and coaches know her as an ultra-determined team player. On the field, Mollie gives everything she has and, from the perspective of anyone watching, plays every minute like it’s her last. Off the field, Mollie is taking sports medicine classes and wants to be a Sports Psychologist and Athletic Trainer so she can support athletes in both their physical and mental journeys. Read more about Mollie in our Player of the Month profile by following the link below!

MOLLIE SKIBINSKI | SEPTEMBER 2023 PLAYER OF THE MONTH
UCHEALTH PLAYER OF THE MONTH NOMINATION PAGE

The form to nominate athletes for our next UCHealth Player of the Month is open and available to fill out through the link. Our Player of the Month will be featured in the newsletter, highlighted on social media, and have their story hosted on the UCHealth Player of the Month page. We can't wait to learn more about the amazing people playing at CRYSC!


What are the criteria for nomination?

  • Athletic Excellence – Standout performance made at any level of competition.
  • Academic Achievement – Review of GPA and academic honors distinctions.
  • Exemplary Character – Commitment to sportsmanship, character, and community through membership and participation in positive activities.
NOMINATE FOR UCHEALTH PLAYER OF THE MONTH

SUICIDE PREVENTION & AWARENESS | SPORT PSYCH

Read & share this annually updated blog with suicide prevention information & resources

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and each year, CRYSC's Director of Mental Performance Katie Pagel updates her Suicide Prevention blog with new information and resources to raise awareness among our membership.


"As is always the case, this blog is not exhaustive (resources abound at the bottom of the page!). Rather, it was written with the hope of giving us all a starting point because suicide prevention is not solely the job of mental health therapists or emergency response teams. While such support is an integral part of suicide prevention, so are all of us: Every person who interacts with other people is in a position to save a life." Read more by following the link below to the CRYSC blog page!


If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7/365. Please note that the content of this blog may be triggering; if you need to step away, or read it with the support of a loved one, please do so.

SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS | UPDATED BLOG!

PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY (A GROUP EFFORT) | SPORT PSYCH BLOG!


CRYSC's Director of Mental Performance Katie Pagel brings us TWO BLOGS this September, with a deep dive into the topic of psychological safety and how it applies to us both in sports and everyday life!


"Remember: Whatever space you hold in this youth sport setting, you are a key contributor (or detractor) to the environments within which our kids play, learn, grow, and perform. Despite the unique challenges presented by the nature of sport, I am confident that – if we all make a conscious effort to do so – we can make it a far safer place for our kids to be." Read more by following the link below to the CRYSC blog page!

PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY (A GROUP EFFORT) | NEW BLOG!

CRYSC is committed to building psychologically safe, growth-oriented, high-performing soccer environments for all of our athletes, coaches, families, and fans to thrive in and enjoy. A part of that commitment is to provide resources that our community can use to assess real-world situations. Check out the Sport Psych webpage to learn more about the department and view mental health resources!

RETURN TO PLAY AFTER INJURY | SPORTS MEDICINE

Learn the right steps to take on your road to recovery after an injury!

Returning to play after an injury is more of a process than a moment, and it's crucial to take the necessary steps to get back to 100%. This September blog by CRYSC Head Athletic Trainer Julie Graves outlines that process with a three-part, decision-based model for returning to play, as well as practical tips you can apply throughout your recovery. Follow the link below to visit the CRYSC blog page and read more!

RETURN TO PLAY AFTER INJURY | NEW BLOG!

Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members. Find out more about the CRYSC Sports Medicine Program and our partnership with UCHealth by visiting our Sports Medicine webpage! For questions or concerns related to sports medicine, please reach out to the CRYSC Head Athletic Trainer Julie Graves at julie.graves@rapidsyouthsoccer.org.

EAT AT FREDDY'S ON OCTOBER 5 TO SUPPORT CRYSC

 15% of your total purchase will be donated to CRYSC for one night only, October 5!

Support Rapids Youth Soccer by treating yourself to a meal at Freddy's this October 5th! Mention Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer or show them this flyer for 15% of the sale to be donated to CRYSC, where it will be used to improve programming, facilities, and the overall club experience. We encourage you to join in on this easy and tasty way to make a big difference with us as #OneClubOneCommunity!


Participating Freddy's Locations: Aurora Lola St. (Map), Aurora Briarwood Cir. (Map), Castle Rock (Map), Centennial (Map), Denver Northfield (Map), Denver Leetsdale Dr. (Map), Parker Twenty Mile Rd. (Map), Parker Cottonwood Dr. (Map), Thornton Lincoln St. (Map)

SIMPLIFY YOUR SMOOTHIES | DAIRYMAX

Make convenient & nutritious smoothies ahead of time & cut minutes from your routine!

Smoothies are a quick, on-the-go breakfast option that you can pack with protein and nutrients, perfect for an athlete. Check out these delicious recipe options featuring yogurt and your favorite fruits and veggies in this article from our friends and partners at DairyMax!

6 SMOOTHIE RECIPES THAT YOU CAN PREP OVERNIGHT | NUTRITION BLOG!

APPLY FOR COACHING POSITIONS AT CRYSC

CRYSC is expanding coaching opportunities, hiring across all levels & regions of the Club!

APPLY FOR CRYSC COACHING OPPORTUNITIES TODAY

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SOCCER START PROGRAM

CRYSC offers fun & positive programming for 3-4 year old players!

Why do we think Soccer Start is the most fun and engaging way for 3-4 year old players to learn to love the game? With a roster of experienced, development-focused Rapids Youth Soccer coaches, the Soccer Start program helps young athletes find their joy on the soccer field and prepare for the eventual step up to competitive or recreational league play.


Each athlete has unique experiences that influence their relation to the game. The CRYSC Soccer Start program is here to make sure that the starting point for 3-4 year old players is a fun and positive one. Whether your athlete aspires to be on the national team or just wants to have fun playing the game they love with their friends, Soccer Start is here to help them discover their passion!


Learn more about the program and get a peek at some of the fun, developmental opportunities for your 3-4 year old in the Soccer Start video above. You can find more information on the individual programs through the links below!

CASTLE ROCK
SOUTH
CENTRAL
NORTH
FORT COLLINS
If you have any questions about the Soccer Start program or how to get your player involved, please reach out to Director of Soccer Start Kati Dugan at kati.dugan@rapidsyouthsoccer.org!

DISCOVER PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES WITH CRYSC

Rapids Youth Soccer is looking for new sponsors & partners in 2023!

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer offers sponsorship exposure to a diverse and broad audience. Sponsorships from our corporate community help improve programming across all levels providing quality and safe facilities, expanding the number of youth served, and helping to implement community outreach programs. We are happy to discuss innovative ideas bringing your brand and CRYSC together!

Sponsorship opportunities include, but are not limited to:
  • Field Sponsors
  • Camp Sponsors
  • Tournament Sponsors
  • Training Shirts
  • Building/Shelter Sponsorship
  • The Eddy Indoor Complex

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Colorado Rapids Director of Partnership Marketing Activation Jesse McMahon at Jesse.McMahon@TeamKSE.com.

CALL FOR WORKERS | CRYSC BINGO SESSIONS

Help your community & offset team costs with bingo fundraising opportunities!

As CRYSC players move out of high school, we're looking for workers and helpers from our community to replace them! Bingo is a great opportunity to offset soccer costs while having fun. Generate funds for uniforms, team travel, camps, and fees this season and beyond at the two local bingo halls listed below!

Bingo fundraising opportunities are available at:

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Bingo administrators Daneda and Becky directly by using the emails above. You can find more bingo information and all Rapids Youth Soccer fundraising opportunities by visiting the fundraising page on the CRYSC website.

DISCOVER MORE RAPIDS YOUTH SOCCER CONTENT

Visit the CRYSC blog page for interesting & informative content on youth soccer!

Catch up on all of the news from 2023 in our previous newsletters from January, February, March, April, May, June, July, and August!


If you are looking for more content from CRYSC, including sports medicine guides, deep dives into sports psychology, and articles on past events like our Guinness World Record Award-winning FootGolf tournament in 2018, you can find all of that and more on the CRYSC blogs page! We recommend taking a look back at 2022 for an entertaining recap of the numbers and statistics that defined Rapids Youth Soccer Club's last year.

VISIT THE CRYSC BLOG PAGE