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Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. CRYSC is Colorado’s premier youth soccer experience and offers opportunities from three years old to college, with year-round youth soccer programs of all levels serving over 10,000 children across the Front Range seasonally.

CRYSC provides top-quality leagues, camps, and tournaments that serve beginner- to elite-players locally, regionally, and nationally. As a Top 50 Youth Soccer Club in the U.S. and a consistent winner of Colorado’s Top Youth Soccer Club by Colorado Parent Magazine, CRYSC values holistic child development as ‘The Heart Behind the Crest’ and cultivating remarkable coaches. The club prides itself on supporting players and coaches through a number of other programs, such as one of the nation’s largest college placement programs, an integrated relationship with UCHealth Sports Medicine, and a robust coaching education system.

With satellite leagues, camps, and tournaments across Colorado, we are confident we can provide your child with a fun and enriching home to play soccer.

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer in Action

⭐️🏔️⚽️ #CRYSCAlumni doing BIG things! SHOUT OUT to Denver’s own @darrenyapi_ on getting his first @coloradorapids start & scoring his first goal of the season! 💪

#OneClubOneCommunity #RapidsSuccess

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⭐️🏔️⚽️ #cryscalumni doing big things! Shout out to denver’s own @darrenyapi_ on getting his first @coloradorapids start & scoring his first goal of the season! 💪 #oneclubonecommunity #rapidssuccess

Latest Front Page News

Player of the Month February 2026

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Player of the Month February 2026

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Congrats to Brielle Kennelly on winning our February 2026 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

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Brielle is a forward for our 07/08 DPL team who exemplifies leadership, resilience, and passion on and off the field. She works tirelessly in every match, scoring goals, setting up teammates, and winning the ball back high up the field, while lifting those around her and holding herself and others accountable. Brielle is also a talented musician, a skilled artist (placing third in her school art show) and an independent fundraiser, earning awards in choir and jazz choir and raising money for a trip to Italy and Greece. Academically, she excels at Ascent Classical Academy, completing 19 honors courses across math, science, and humanities, maintaining a 3.98 GPA, and earning both Honour Roll and Good Character Awards. Brielle embodies dedication, creativity, and leadership, making her a standout Player of the Month.

This March, Brielle will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge her achievements. We met with Brielle to learn a bit more about her. Check out the full interview below!

What influence has soccer had in your life?

Soccer has always been something that I can rely on to channel my emotions into. It has brought great friends over the years and memories that I will never forget. It has taught me a lot about how I want to be as a person.

Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?

I believe I was nominated for this award because I try to put my best foot forward regardless of circumstances and have a positive attitude.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?

I love the community that it has and how involved the club really is. This club really does try to help players develop both with character and in soccer.

What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of making it to the collegiate level and choosing a program that I am excited to join.

What academic achievement are you most proud of?

I am most proud of is not an achievement, but just the hard work I have put in with my education and taking a high amount of honors classes.

How do you think your teammates would describe you?

My teammates would probably describe me as nice, caring, and hopefully funny.

What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?

I love to make gift baskets for anyone who is going through a hard time or has lost someone close to them.

What’s your favorite soccer player and team?

I don’t have a favorite soccer player or team.

What do you hope to pursue in the near future?

I am hoping to continue my soccer career through all four years of college and compete at a high level.

Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!

My dad inspires me by his dedication to everything he does, but also to how much he has and does support me through soccer and life.

What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?

I love to play the piano and have been doing that for about 10 years. I love ceramics and painting a lot because it is a great way to give my brain a break from usual everyday life.

Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.

As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.

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January Focus: Our Training Methodology in Winter

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January Focus: Our Training Methodology in Winter

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Smaller spaces. More decisions. Better learning.

January is when our Training Methodology faces challenges like training in tight spaces (indoors) or facing winter cold, which require keeping players moving and engaged to stay warm.

As winter weather pushes us indoors or into tighter spaces, our environments naturally shift — and that’s not something to work around. It’s something to lean into.

At CRYSC, we don’t change what we believe when conditions change. We apply our methodology with greater clarity. We use what we have available to us; later in the year, when we have more field space, we should maximize it using the concept of functional training. However, in the winter, we face some constraints.

What This Means for Coaches

Winter training should amplify the beliefs we value most:

  • High player involvement (opportunities to make decisions and use skills)
  • Decision-making under pressure or within context
  • Learning through game-like experiences (hide the learning inside the fun of the game)
  • Short feedback loops and repeated problem-solving

That’s why winter is an ideal time to prioritize:

  • 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 formats
  • Multiple small fields instead of one large one
  • Clear tactical problems players solve together

Smaller games don’t simplify learning — they intensify it.

How Winter Strengthens Our Methodology

1. More Reps, More Learning

Small-sided games create:

  • More touches
  • More transitions
  • More emotional moments

Players experience success, failure, and adjustment every few seconds, not every few minutes. These fast feedback loops accelerate learning and build confidence through action.

2. Clear Tactical Problems

Winter is not about layering complexity — it’s about clarity.

Examples:

  • How do we beat a defender in tight space?
  • Where do we move to support the ball?
  • When should we drive vs. combine?
  • How do we defend together when space is limited?

These problems align directly with our Game Model and Key Qualities, especially Growth Mindset (trying, adjusting, trying again) and Competitive Mentality (engaging, persisting, competing with purpose).

3. Environment First, Coach Second

In winter settings:

  • Design the game to do the teaching
  • Adjust space, numbers, or scoring before stopping play
  • Use brief cues and questions that return players to the game

If the environment is right, players will show up with the right behaviors — and learning becomes more durable.

Your January Coaching Lens

As you plan sessions this month, ask yourself:

  • Are players involved every minute?
  • Are they solving problems together in small groups?

Does the game still look and feel like soccer for this age group?

Go Deeper with ElevatED

January’s modules in ElevatED support exactly what winter demands:

  • Designing games in tight spaces
  • Managing challenge without over-coaching
  • Using constraints to guide learning
  • Supporting player autonomy through the use of guided questions

Use ElevatED as a thinking partner, not an extra task. You’ll find all of these inside ElevatED, our online learning platform. Come take “CLIMB” this month and level up your skills!

January Resources for Coaches

To support winter planning and keep our environments aligned, we’re linking three connected resources below. These documents are designed to work together, not in isolation.

1. The How & Why of Our Training Methodology

A deeper look at why we prioritize games-based learning and how to structure sessions so learning transfers to the match.

This resource reinforces:

  • Games-Based Training as our core approach
  • Game Form and Modified Game Form as the gold standard
  • Managing challenge through space, numbers, and rules
  • Coaching interactions that support autonomy and ownership

CLICK HERE FOR A DEEPER DIVE INTO OUR TRAINING METHODOLOGY

2. Winter Training Guide: Games-Based Training in Small Spaces

Here is a practical guide for gym and turf environments that adapts existing session plans without changing our beliefs.

You’ll find:

  • 1v1 to 3v3 game examples
  • Clear links to the Game Model and Key Qualities
  • Safety, organization, and coaching cues for winter conditions

3. Winter Training Session Folder

A shared folder of winter-ready session plans you can use, adapt, and build from.

Think of these as starting points, not scripts — tools to help you design environments that keep players active, engaged, and learning.

Together, these resources reinforce one message:

If the environment is right, learning will take care of itself.

CLICK HERE for access to 10 winter training sessions, especially indoors in a smaller space with small

groups (1v1 to 3v3). Concerning safety, small-sided games help keep players active, moving, and warm.

Plus, they are fun and require decision-making (Key Quality #1).

How Parents Can Support the Process (Optional Share)

Coaches — feel free to pass this along or reference it when needed.

Parents can help by:

  • Valuing effort and decision-making over outcomes
  • Asking players what they tried and learned
  • Understanding that mistakes are part of development
  • Trusting that small games build big skills

Aligned messaging helps players stay confident, curious, and engaged.

One Club, One Community

Winter training isn’t a pause — it’s a foundation.

When we stay aligned on how we teach, our players experience consistency, clarity, and care — no matter the season. Our training sessions should meet the basic needs to have fun, develop, and belong; players should feel safe to make mistakes.

Thank you for continuing to design environments where players can compete, learn, and love the game.

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) serves approximately 10,000 players ages three through 19, beginner to elite, in year-round leagues, camps, and tournaments. As a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CRYSC has been named a top 15 youth soccer club in the U.S. by Soccerwire and the top youth soccer club in Colorado by Colorado Parent Magazine. CRYSC’s mission is to provide an environment where young soccer players from diverse backgrounds are guided and inspired to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.

Player of the Month January 2026

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Player of the Month January 2026

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Congrats to Joshua Dunnells on winning our January 2026 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

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Joshua is a center midfielder for our Rapids FC Select/NPL team who exemplifies leadership, consistency, and impact on both sides of the ball. A team captain during the 2025 high school season at Loveland Classical School, he recorded 18 goal contributions (9 goals, 9 assists), earned Foothills League All-League honors, and received multiple Player of the Match recognitions for his influence in key moments. Off the field, Joshua is a strong student at Enlightium Academy, maintaining a 3.8 GPA and earning Scholar’s List and Dean’s List recognition. He is also deeply committed to serving others, volunteering regularly with local nonprofit organizations and serving in leadership roles at Foundations Church. Joshua represents the values of excellence, service, and leadership that define Player of the Month.

This February, Joshua will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge his achievements. We met with Joshua to learn a bit more about him. Check out the full interview below!

What influence has soccer had in your life?

Soccer has influenced me for the best in every way! It has helped me learn to become disciplined and stay focused even in challenging times. It has inspired me to take care of my mental and physical health through the conditioning and strength training I do for soccer. It has molded me into a leader and has showed me how to successfully lead a team. Ultimately through hard times, like my meniscus tear a few years back, it has taught me to not give up.

Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?

I believe that I was nominated for this award because of my strong work ethic, my dedication, and my willingness to learn!

What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?

What I enjoy most about playing for CRYSC is the structure and coaching staff. I think that the club is well organized and is able to effectively develop young talent. I think the coaching staff is amazing, even those who do not coach me! They are always supportive and push me to become my best.

What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?

The soccer accomplishment I am most proud of is being a Foothills League all team player of ‘25 and captaining my team to playoffs as a junior.

What academic achievement are you most proud of?

The academic achievement I am most proud of is making the Dean’s List and maintaining a 3.5+ GPA.

How do you think your teammates would describe you?

I believe my teammates would describe me as hard working, a leader, compassionate, and best of all, a friend.

What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?

In 2023, I was hit with an unfortunate meniscus injury during a practice. It was torn, and my ‘23 club season was about to start. The full recovery time was estimated to be 9-12 months. At the time it was April. Not only was Club season out of question, but it seemed that high school season was too. It felt like it was over, but I chose to not give up. I grinded every day, doing physical therapy, working on mobility, pushing myself to strengthen my knee back to normal. By month 3 my physical therapist told me that I was far ahead of schedule. This motivated me even more to keep pushing myself. It was now about late August. My doctor cleared me for light play. I was able to practice and grind even more. In the end I was able to play the full high school season, and got even better than where I was before. Honestly all glory to God, because it was only by a miracle that I was able to play again and recover so quickly.

What’s your favorite soccer player and team?

My favorite soccer player is Ronaldinho. His style of play is unmatched.

What do you hope to pursue in the near future?

I hope to become a professional soccer player. I would want to try to work my way up through the American USL 2 league, and then move to Sweden or Poland and play professional there. I would want to just keep working my way up to the best team I could!

Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!

I think someone that inspires me is Lionel Messi. The fact that he was called “too short” or “too small” to play soccer, and yet is still the best player ever, is insane to me. He showed that if you have a dream and put in enough work into it, that dreams can become realities.

What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?

I love to cook! I think experimenting with food, trying new things, and learning new techniques in cooking is so fun! That love also comes from my love in nutrition and health. Going to the gym and eating well is top priority for me. I am also a Christian and love reading the Bible, serving others, and growing in my faith.

Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.

As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.

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2025 Year in Review

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2025 Year in Review

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To Our Soccer Community,

Reflecting on 2025, I am struck by the energy of this organization. We navigated a dynamic local and national soccer landscape and emerged with something we are deeply proud of: stability, alignment, and a surge of momentum as we head into 2026. That does not happen by accident. It happens because of people.

Across our club, we are fortunate to have an exceptionally strong community—staff, coaches, players, parents, referees, volunteers, and partners—who show up every day committed to improving soccer in Colorado. Because of that collective effort, 2025 delivered meaningful wins on and off the field: competitive success, player development milestones, and continued growth in how we serve our community.

Having had the privilege of leading this club for a decade, I can say with confidence that I have never been more inspired or optimistic about where we are headed.

The forecast for 2026 is unprecedented. The World Cup comes to the United States, placing a global spotlight on the game we love. Denver Summit FC will arrive in our community, elevating women’s soccer across Colorado. Internally, we are preparing several major initiatives—from facilities and technology investments to ensuring our on- and off-field presence aligns with our local and national ambitions—to thoughtfully managing the significant age group changes coming in fall 2026. (More details on the age group changes will be shared in January.) All are grounded in one goal: building a powerful force for the future of our players and Colorado soccer.

Growth brings challenges, but today we are prepared. We are aligned. And we are driven by what lies ahead because of the people who make this club what it is.

Thank you for your trust, your commitment, and your belief in this community. We are excited to lead the charge into this new era of Colorado soccer together.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a strong start to 2026!

Aaron Nagel, Executive Director

2025 by the numbers
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Visit the CRYSC News page and catch up on all of our blogs from 2025!

Follow CRYSC on Instagram, Facebook, and X/Twitter!

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Click the posts below to view them on the CRYSC Instagram page!

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Click the posts below to view them on the CRYSC Facebook page!

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Click the posts below to view them on the CRYSC X/Twitter page!

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Videos posted
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Colorado Futsal Championships

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College Recognition Night

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Winter Boys College ID Event

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Icebreaker Tournament (Boys)

Click here to relive the year through 30 videos from across CRYSC!

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Spring Rec Opening Weekend

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Rocky Mountain Spring Championships (RMSC)

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Competitive Kit Reveal

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Summer Girls College ID Event

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Kelvin Norman Tournament x Mile High Showcase

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08B Central ECNL RL Tournament Prep

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Summer Residential Camp

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National Soccer Day

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Pre-Elite vs FC Dallas Game Day

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Elite Fall Preseason

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Fall Friendlies Weekend

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Rapids Classic Tournament

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Fall Rec Opening Weekend

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ECNL Cup Showdown vs Rush

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Central Elite Media Day

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Pre-Elite 1v1 Formula Tournament

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Fall Footie Fest

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ECNL Girls Media Day

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5280 Friendlies

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Fall 3v3 Fest

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Rocky Mountain Fall Championships (RMFC)

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ECNL Boys Media Day

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5v5 Flex Fest

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Marin Kotschau - U.S. YNT 16U Surprise

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Noah Kapustka - Road to the U.S. MDNT

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Coach of the Year Recognition Night

2025 co storm
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CRYSC alumni make the playoffs with the Colorado Storm Men in their inaugural USL League 2 season!

Congrats to Ethan Michael, Marcus Von, Cole Wearner, Victor Rolph, Sean Belzer, Austin Hall, Zion Wagoner, Tobi Osifodunrin, and Jordan Lohr on their success with Colorado Storm Men, helping the team qualify for the playoffs in their first season!

"The USL 2 season was a strong first step toward building a lasting culture, clear pathway, and developmental environment for the future. Our players' overall commitment to attending training sessions, competing in games, and consistently improving throughout the summer was incredibly positive. We successfully rostered three youth players and provided training opportunities for over 15 youth players throughout the season. Our staff showed exceptional dedication, supporting player development while encouraging focus, attention to detail, and the pursuit of excellence. The future looks bright for USL 2 and USL A, and we're excited about what we can achieve together in 2026." - Danny Bills, Colorado Storm Men Head Coach

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CRYSC alumni represent Colorado Storm Women in their second USL W League season!

Congrats to Lucy Garnsey, Emerson DeLuca, Samantha Maroni, Abriana Ruiz, Adeleine Walick, Marianna Annest, Samantha Dreiling, Marin Kotschau, Alexis Meyer, Alyssa Glover, Natalie Beckman, Cam Hurt, Emma Naftanel, and Elle Ceres on an excellent season in the USL W League with the Colorado Storm Women this summer!

"The goal of the Colorado Storm USL W season was to provide an elite training and match environment where players could grow, flourish, and prepare to step confidently into their fall college seasons. While we may not have achieved the ultimate success we aimed for, the team’s performance was a testament to their commitment and quality—we won 80% of our games and finished in the top 8 nationally in points per game, goals scored, and goal difference. Beyond the stats, we grew together as a group, built meaningful relationships, and created a standard of excellence that will carry forward. It was truly an honor to be part of this special group." - Tom Poole, Colorado Storm Women Head Coach

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CRYSC players and alumni help launch the Colorado Storm Academy in the USL A League!

Colorado Storm USL A wrapped up their inaugural season with four wins and a strong 2nd-place finish in the division—an impressive accomplishment for a first-year program. Nearly every player on Storm USL A’s evolving player roster was a current or former CRYSC player, with only one exception. Congrats to the 35+ CRYSC athletes and alumni who played for Colorado Storm's new Academy team this season!

"Overall, this was a positive first season. We were able to create a team of youth players from CRYSC, connect them to our USL 2 team, and provide a quality training and game environment. We had a dedicated staff that put the players first, and we are very excited for Year 2. This year laid a strong foundation for the future, and the club looks forward to building on this success as the program continues to grow." - Storm Academy Coaching Staff

A special moment for CRYSC x Storm Academy: This July, our Elite Summer Residential Campers attended the Storm Academy vs Switchbacks II match at Regis University and cheered the team on to a huge 3-0 win. The 200+ players helped create an incredible atmosphere from the sidelines and even got in on the celebrations for Storm's first goal and then out on the field at full-time. Click here to check out photos from the night!

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A note on Elite programming in 2025 by CRYSC Chief of Soccer Operations, Danny Bills:

2025 has brought a wave of exciting progress across our National Platform Leagues and Elite-level pathways. This year, we successfully launched a fully aligned NP pathway across all six of our regions, creating a more unified and consistent developmental experience for our players. Additionally, our top-tier path is now fully integrated throughout the club, thereby strengthening the connection between local development and national-level competition.

On the boys’ side, we expanded our competitive offerings through multiple new ECNL programs, including:

  • A 10-month ECNL program based out of Elite, competing in the highly competitive Texas Conferences.
  • A 7-month ECNL program based out of Central, providing extended development and exposure opportunities.
  • ECNL-RL programs in both our North and South Regions are increasing accessibility to national-level play across more communities.

For our girls’ pathway, we also saw significant growth this year, including:

  • A new RL program in Central is expanding opportunities for developing players.
  • Promotion to Girls DPL in Castle Rock, elevating the region to the top level of the DPL platform.
  • The addition of NPL in Fort Collins for both boys and girls follows a successful integration process that strengthens the region’s competitive pathway.

Overall, these expanded pathways and league promotions position our club for an exciting year ahead, providing our athletes with more opportunities than ever to train, compete, and excel at the highest levels of competition.

Congratulations to our players who have received individual accolades, as well as to our teams, which have achieved historic success in the league, playoffs, and beyond! Below you'll find a recap of some of our favorite moments across Elite and National Platform programming in 2025.

ECNL and ECNL RL success in 2025 | #CRYSCGirlsECNL #CRYSCBoysECNL #CRYSCGirlsECNLRL #CRYSCBoysECNLRL #CRYSCECNLRL

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ECNL: The ECNL Boys and Girls programs have made tremendous progress throughout the year, with players showing impressive growth and competitive spirit.

  • ECNL All-Conference Team: 16 ECNL players received end-of-season honors with their selection for the All-Conference Team! Congrats Isaac Vega, Cole Wearner, Austin Hall, Rohan Aggarwal, Coby Short, Stone Schneider, Sawyer Lee, Aastik Marahatta, Ori Shany, Santiago Guzman, Abri Ruiz, Marin Kotschau, Emma Naftanel, Lauren Sabus, Addy Bills, and Addie Clemmer!
  • ECNL 08G Player Spotlight: Congrats to Marin Kotschau and Brooklyn Smith from our ECNL 08G team on receiving U.S. Soccer YNT call-ups in 2025! The two players had banner years, establishing themselves as some of the top talents in the nation.
  • ECNL National Selection Game Honors: Congrats to Coby Short, Brooklyn Smith, and Max Baker on qualifying for 3 separate ECNL National Selection Games in 2025.
  • ECNL Postseason and Competitive Success: Congrats to our 08G, 09G, and 12B ECNL teams on qualifying for the 2025 ECNL National Playoffs. The 09 girls also reached the semifinals of the Texas Conference Cup this fall. A highlight of our year has been watching these teams grow and succeed at the highest level!

ECNL RL: The ECNL RL Boys and Girls programs have had an exemplary year, with success at Regionals and even a Finals Tournament appearance!

  • Mountain All-Regional Team: 16 ECNL RL players received end-of-season honors with their selection for the Mountain All-Regional Team! Congrats Liam Klossner, Gavin Spellman, Evan Holsinger, Robert (Kam) Bachus, Christopher Herron, Alexander Kaup, Preston Orrell, Liliana Jaenisch, Sadie Corbett, Olivia Gard, Keeley McCormick, Lotte Nydam, Rinnah Sivess, Reagan Davis, Emma Peterson, and Kate Silverman!
  • ECNL RL Finals Tournament: Congrats to our 08B ECNL RL squad on finishing their season as the second team in club history to compete in the ECNL RL Finals Tournament. It was an unforgettable summer and an incredible achievement for the program.
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National Platform (DPL, NPL, EAL) success in 2025 | #CRYSCEAL #CRYSCDPL #CRYSCNPL

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DPL: Our DPL program achieved significant milestones this past year. Based on strong performances, our teams earned promotion into the top league of the DPL platform and went on to send three teams to Nationals to compete at the highest level.

  • DPL All-Stars: Congrats to Emmy Yore, Lily Martinez, Carly Fredell, and Maddie Hendricks on being selected for the DPL All-Star teams—a tremendous honor that reflects their hard work and talent.
  • DPL Perform Selection: Congrats to Lily Martinez on earning her place at DPL Perform in Rome, Italy. Lily is our first-ever DPL player to be selected for the program (14U), placing her among the nation's top talents.
  • DPL National Postseason Tournament: History was made this summer when a record 3 DPL teams qualified for the DPL National Postseason Tournament! Congrats to our 09G, 10G, and 12G Castle Rock DPL teams on an exciting conclusion to an incredible season!

NPL and EAL: Our NPL and EAL programs have made significant strides over the past year, and we are excited to see them both continue to excel in 2026.

  • From NPL to Representing the U.S.: Congrats to Noah Kapustka (09B NPL spring, 09B ECNL fall) on receiving his first call-up to the U.S. Soccer ENT Men’s Deaf National Team this spring to compete in the Adapt and Thrive Invitational. Noah made his mark this year as the youngest player in the squad. Click here to watch our focus feature on his journey!
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A big year for CRYSC Pre-Elite programs! #CRYSCPreElite

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"This year, the Boys and Girls Pre-Elite programs benefited from a well-balanced calendar of local, regional, and national events designed to challenge players while prioritizing long-term growth. Together, the experiences we shared in 2025 created a season that was not just about competition, but about learning how to travel, compete, adapt, and grow—laying a strong foundation for future steps in the Elite pathway." - Jeff Oleck, CRYSC Elite Regional Manager

Click here for a recap of Pre-Elite programming this year!

Throughout the fall and summer, Pre-Elite teams competed in local events such as the Arsenal Cup, Rapids Classic, Pride of the Rockies, Rush Cup, and Rapids Friendlies, providing strong early-season benchmarks and valuable competitive reps close to home . On the national stage, players gained exposure and experience at events including Utah SuperCopa, OK Energy Tournament, Mayor's Cup, and Pre-ECNL Texas events in Austin, testing themselves against top opposition and older age groups in demanding environments.

In addition to tournament play, the Pre-Elite experience included friendlies against top ECNL clubs, club-hosted events like the 5280 Friendlies and Showcase, and special programming moments such as Media Day and integrated futsal opportunities, all of which helped build confidence, connection, and comfort in different competitive settings. The calendar also featured intra-regional FLEX festivals, giving players repeated small-sided game experiences against familiar and new opponents, as well as the Steve Guppy “1v1 Formula” event (check out the video below!), which challenged players in fast-paced attacking and defending moments while encouraging creativity and individual problem-solving.

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A note on Fustal programming in 2025 by CRYSC Elite Director of Futsal, Rommy Ferreira:

In 2025, the CRYSC futsal program entered a new and exciting phase, where we're reaching younger players. We've seen an influx of players born between 2019 and 2017 who have great potential and are developing an early love for the sport. A very talented generation of boys and girls is on the rise, and their passion for futsal has been great to see.

We are now ready to begin the winter tournament season, where we'll get to see how the kids apply the methodology and game plan learned throughout the year. 2026 is here, and this year our focus (outside of offering the best futsal opportunities for players in the state!) is growing our coaching staff, elevating our training through coach education, and continually improving the CRYSC futsal experience.

Congrats to our teams, players, and coaches on a year filled with success:

  • Our 15G Minas, 15B Minas, 14B, and 12B teams brought home gold, and our 13G team finished as finalists at the UCCS Winter Classic.
  • Our 13G team was crowned champions, and our 15B team finished as finalists at the Rose City Futsal Cup in Portland.
  • CRYSC's Associate Director of Futsal, Roxy Kamal, received a call-up to join the U.S. Soccer ENT Futsal Women's National Team training camp in Rome, GA.
  • And last, but not least—shout out to all of the CRYSC Futsal players who competed in our first-ever Colorado Futsal Championship! The event set the tone for the year, and it was exciting to watch our teams find success against top national competition.

Learn more about CRYSC Futsal: We invite every CRYSC member to look into our program and see if futsal is the correct format to take your player’s game to the next level. We have built this program on developing skills and having fun. To learn more and keep up with everything Rapids Futsal, visit our website or follow us on X/Twitter and Instagram.

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The Colorado Fustal Championships lit up downtown Denver in 2025!

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In January 2025, CRYSC launched the largest youth futsal tournament in Colorado's history! Thousands of players on over 100 teams journeyed to the Colorado Convention Center to play on international-sized courts against some of the highest-level competition in the nation. Our inaugural tournament featured 184 high-intensity matches, where 17 teams were crowned Colorado Futsal Champions.

"We're very proud to host a tournament with so much community engagement and see that futsal culture is growing. More players and families than ever are recognizing how futsal can be a valuable tool for soccer development, which is great for everyone. The launch of the CFC tournament has increased competitiveness and the level of play in Colorado, boosting Denver and our state's profile as a national reference for futsal. We are excited about the second edition of CFC 2026, and look forward to welcoming teams from out of state to a special competition in our backyard. Thank you to everyone who joined us last winter, and we'll see you soon at the 2026 tournament kicking off on January 17th!" - Rommy Ferreira, CRYSC Elite Director of Futsal

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Congrats to our 28 boys and 33 girls players who competed in the 5A-2A CHSAA State Finals this year!

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Congrats to our 24 U.S. ID Center, 8 ID Mini-Camp, and 2 National Camp selections in 2025!

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U.S. YNT call-ups for Marin Kotschau and Brooklyn Smith + Noah Kapustka becomes the youngest U.S. Deaf MNT player in the nation!

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Watch the moment Marin learned about her first international call-up to the 16U U.S. YNT in Spain!

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Check out this recent feature story on Brooklyn Smith by She's in the Game!

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Learn more about Noah and his rise to represent the U.S. Deaf MNT in this focus feature!

Congrats to our incredible coaches who received state and club honors in 2025!

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Congrats to CRYSC alumni Heather Gilchrist, Kaci Karl, and Darren Yapi on their outstanding achievements in 2025!

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From Recreational to Elite, Select to Soccer Start, Fort Collins to Castle Rock, and everything between - CONGRATULATIONS to our Rapids teams on their achievements in 2025!

Success can be found at every level of Rapids Youth Soccer, and we are immensely proud of what our players have accomplished here in Colorado or while representing our club at events across the nation.

You can share these special moments with us anytime by emailing [email protected] with pictures and context - like the team name, event name, results, a story, etc... We can't wait to feature more Rapids excellence on our Instagram, Facebook, and X/Twitter in 2025!

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College Placement Program alumni and commitment highlights by CRYSC College Placement Director, Anthony Presnell:

Another college season is complete, and Rapids Youth Soccer alumni once again made their mark across programs nationwide. From freshmen earning meaningful first-year minutes to seniors logging over 1,100 minutes, the 2025 season highlighted depth, growth, and standout performances at every class level.

Across all classes, Rapids alumni combined for 379 games played, nearly 12,000 total minutes, multiple 1,000+ minute seasons, dozens of postseason appearances, All-Conference recognition, and some of the highest-level contributions across all levels of college soccer.

It has been an honor watching our alumni grow across the nation, while we continue to build the CRYSC College Placement Program at home. Below is a detailed recap celebrating the players and moments that defined this year, followed by a section highlighting our #CRYSCClassof2025 commitments.

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Freshmen: CRYSC alums wasted no time stepping onto the field, earning early opportunities and postseason minutes!

  • Bri Kozlowski (06/07G ECNL) – 9 matches, 141 minutes, postseason minutes at Calvin University (D3).
  • Rachel Robinson (06/07G ECNL) – 21 games, 1,125 minutes, deep conference tournament run with Stephen F. Austin.
  • Cole Wearner (06/07B ECNL) – 20 games, NCAA DII Sweet 16, All-Tournament Team for RMAC Championships.
  • Kayah Robbins (06/07G ECNL) – 12 games, part of a team finishing runners-up in the NAIA National Tournament.
  • Ivy Sobel (06/07G ECNL) – 14 games, 306 minutes, All-Freshman Team at Drake University.
  • Charles Sharp (06/07B ECNL) – Newcomer of the Year and honorable mention All-Conference at Haverford College.
  • Renate Hramiec (06/07G ECNL-RL North) and Jordan Frank (06/07G ECNL-RL North) – combined for 2,000 minutes and an appearance in the conference championship game at Lawrence University.

Sophomores: CRYSC alums stepped into larger roles and delivered significant contributions!

  • Jace Holley (05/06G ECNL) – 24 games, 1,600+ minutes, 12 goals, 6 assists, Elite 8 finish with CU Boulder, All-Big 10 honors for academics, athletics, and tournament.
  • Abel Robles (Santa Barbara CC), Sydney Nelms (Air Force), Theo Scott (Colby), Adi Walick (Michigan), Taylor Hill (Fort Hays State), Caleb Graham (Illinois Tech), Madeleine Burr (Wyoming), Aliza Rodriguez (Illinois College), Maura Kirkpatrick (Marywood University), Tony Iljick (Colorado Mesa) – competed in their conference tournaments.
  • Bentley Sutherland (Otero JC), Amy Smith (LSU), Ava Amsden (LSU), Lucas Montera (St Olaf), Sam Maroni (Michigan State), Morgan Huff (Cal Poly Pomona), Trevianna Barto (Johns Hopkins), Jordan Lohr (UCCS), Lexi Meyer (Colorado), Jace Holley (Colorado) – were part of teams that reached national tournaments.
  • Alexa Anderson (Carolina College) and Peter Jedlicka (MIT) – 2,300+ minutes each in their sophomore seasons.

Juniors: CRYSC alums logged some of the highest-minutes of the year and put in big postseason performances!

  • Zach Liptzin (Macalester College) – All-Conference Honorable Mention, NCAA DIII Elite 8.
  • Claire Silverman (Brown), Landon Nates (Cedarville), Emerson Kercher (Central Arkansas), Madelyn Merrick (Chaminade), Charlie Scott (Colby), Zeke Lubin (Colorado College), Emma Smith (Colorado College), Jonah Elstad (Colorado Mesa), Marin Stamper (DePaul), Rylee Buessing (Dominican), Ella Massrotti (Eastern Florida), Dora Pervan (Felician), Hannah Murphy (Middle Tennessee State), Alyson Campbell (New Mexico), Gio Cordero (Northeastern JC), Hojin Lee (Regis), Andrea Iljic (South Alabama) – contributed to conference tournament success.

Seniors: CRYSC alums closed out their careers with standout seasons and impressive achievements!

  • Jessica Rockwell (UCCS), Jagger Hooper (Concordia College MN), Colin Moore (Concordia College MN), Elena Odera (Rochester Institute of Technology), SJ Pak (Davidson), Abbi Stassi (UCCS), Isa Durkin (MSU Denver), Morgan Fletemeyer (Taylor University), Noah Gosch (University of Pacific), Alyssa Glover (Wyoming), Taylor Gentry (Gonzaga), Maria Nichols (Johns Hopkins), Kaci Karl (Washington University), Heather Gilchrest (Florida State), Jolie Jiricek (Colorado School of Mines), Ben Beckman (St Olaf), Cooper Landry (MSU Denver) – all surpassed 1,000 minutes of game time.
  • Seven players reached their conference tournaments.
  • Eight players appeared in the NCAA tournament.
  • Notable accomplishments: NCAA Champions Heather Gilchrest (D1 Florida State) and Kaci Karl (D3 Washington University), Final Four appearance for Ben Beckman (D3 St Olaf).
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Meet the CRYSC College Commitment Class of 2025! #CRYSCClassof2025

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“On behalf of Rapids Youth Soccer, we celebrate the Class of 2025 and early Class of 2026 signees for their remarkable achievements on and off the field. These athletes represent a diverse group across both our boys' and girls' programs, and their success is a testament to the commitment of our coaches, staff, players, and their families. We wish the #CRYSCClassof2025 success in their next chapters, and we look forward to highlighting our fall 2025 college commits as the first members of the #CRYSCClassof2026 starting this January!” - Anthony Presnell

Click here to see the CRYSC Class of 2025!

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Renate hramiec
Peyton mendelsberg
Noorah muzzafar
Noah arter
Miguel vasquez
Macey biggins
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Corynn kjederquist
Jordan frank
Keira truofreh
Liam klossner
Lyla hinchey
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Paxton oleary
Rachel robinson
Sierra bennett
Josh perez

CRYSC Class of 2025 College Commitments Not Pictured:

  • Bri Kozlowski - Calvin University
  • Clayton Thomas - Claremont McKenna Mudd-Scripps
  • Evelyn Jurardo - Husson University
  • Kanoe Bihag - Cal Lutheran
  • Mikala Venneman - Doane University
  • Mason Gray - Laramie County CC
  • Olivia Redmon - Northern Colorado
  • Amairany Vidana - Colorado State
  • Zander Kosmas - Stetson
  • Lucy Garnsey - University of Denver
  • Maisie Creamer - Babson College

The CRYSC College Placement Program (CPP) is your Rapids resource for navigating the college selection process. If you have questions about CRYSC college soccer, please contact Anthony Presnell or visit the College Soccer page on the CRYSC website. For college recruitment tips, guides, and more, check out blog articles published by Anthony on our College Soccer News page.

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A note on coach education and learning from CRYSC Technical Director, Zac Crawford:

When I think about 2025, I think about people. I think about players discovering new confidence, coaches stepping into their next level, parents feeling more connected to the process, and staff members continuing to grow into leaders. I think about the many moments — big and small — where our club took meaningful steps forward together.

And I think about alignment.

At the start of the year, I shared that the true test of our technical plan would not be how well it lived on paper, but how deeply it lived in our behavior. If 2024 was the year we developed our beliefs, 2025 became the year those beliefs took root across the club. In training sessions, on game days, in parent conversations, in Rising Rapids huddles, in ElevatED (our online learning platform), and across six regions, I saw our Game Model, Key Qualities, and coaching philosophy woven into everyday practice. This resulted in creating better, player-centered environments.

We started to move as One Club, One Community, not just in name, but in identity.

THANK YOU and CONGRATS to the 600+ coaches who advanced their education with CRYSC in 2025!

Over 600 total coaches stepped into formal learning this year, raising the standard for every age group, every training session, and every athlete they serve. And thousands of players felt the impact.

This is who we are as a club: A place that grows great coaches. A place that invests in people. A place where learning never stops.

We're proud to say that we have served more coaches in 2025 than ever before.

  • 400+ coaches participated in our 30+ Grassroots Courses, investing in learning how to design better activities, manage safer environments, and create more joyful experiences for our youngest players.
  • 175+ coaches elevated their education by attending our 10+ Advanced Courses for B, C, and D Licenses, as well as the 6 Technical Staff who formed the cohort of our CTL-1 Leadership Course.

Interested in joining a CRYSC Education Course in 2026? Check out our Formal Education Guide for the full 2026 schedule and links to register!

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Technical Reflections: An in-depth analysis of education and learning at CRYSC in 2025

Click here for coach education and learning highlights, milestones, musings, and more!

Staff Support, Relationship Building, and the Amplifier Effect

One of the most important parts of my work this year lived behind the scenes — supporting our RTDs, DOCs, and coaches in creating consistent, meaningful learning environments for players. I often describe this as the amplifier effect: when I support one RTD well, I indirectly support every DOC they lead; when I support DOCs well, I indirectly support every coach on their roster; and when coaches feel aligned and equipped, thousands of players benefit. That cascading effect shaped much of my focus in 2025.

Throughout the year, I hosted monthly RTD leadership meetings, helped DOCs develop clearer communication cadences, and joined countless field visits and reflection sessions across all six regions. At our All-Staff Summit in early January, we even brought in a special guest speaker to dive into “load” and how it influences planning within our Blocks of Work — a conversation that helped anchor our technical rhythm for the rest of the year. These touchpoints strengthened relationships, clarified expectations, and unified our approach to the player experience at every stage of the pathway.

 

Club-Wide Learning Moments: National Webinar and Staff Workshop

In November 2024, in partnership with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), we hosted an in-person SafeSport Workshop facilitated by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. This workshop was a critical step in reinforcing our club’s commitment to creating an abuse-free, safe, and inclusive sport culture for all participants.

Key Highlights:

  • The workshop provided in-depth training on safeguarding practices, including:
    • Transportation Policies: Guidelines for ensuring safe travel arrangements for minor athletes, including the role of chaperones and dual relationship exceptions.
    • Individual Training Sessions: Protocols for one-on-one training to maintain observability and interruptibility, with annual consent requirements.
    • Mandatory Reporting: Steps for addressing incidents that arise domestically or during international travel, including reporting to the FBI and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
  • Resources Shared: Participants received access to comprehensive materials, such as the Emotional and Physical Abuse Toolkit, guidance on creating inclusive and positive team environments, and resources for bullying prevention in sports.
  • Commitment to Compliance: The workshop highlighted new Colorado legislation on safer youth sports, emphasizing a code of conduct for parents and spectators.

Impact: This workshop not only educated our staff and coaches on best practices for safeguarding athletes but also reaffirmed our commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of all players. By implementing these protocols and resources, we aim to uphold the highest standards of athlete protection across our programs. This workshop represents another milestone in fostering a culture of safety, inclusivity, and accountability within Rapids Youth Soccer.

National Webinar: On February 12th, Daniel Agnew and I were invited to contribute to a national webinar hosted by the U.S. Soccer Safeguarding department as part of their webinar series. We spoke to the role of the coach in keeping players healthy and safe.

 

A Year Where Coaches Showed Up

One of the most important parts of my work this year lived behind the scenes — supporting our RTDs, DOCs, and coaches in creating consistent, meaningful learning environments for players. I often describe this as the amplifier effect: when I support one RTD well, I indirectly support every DOC they lead; when I support DOCs well, I indirectly support every coach on their roster; and when coaches feel aligned and equipped, thousands of players benefit. That cascading effect shaped much of my focus in 2025.

Throughout the year, I hosted monthly RTD leadership meetings, helped DOCs develop clearer communication cadences, and joined countless field visits and reflection sessions across all six regions. At our All-Staff Summit in early January, we even brought in a special guest speaker to dive into “load” and how it influences planning within our Blocks of Work — a conversation that helped anchor our technical rhythm for the rest of the year. These touchpoints strengthened relationships, clarified expectations, and unified our approach to the player experience at every stage of the pathway.

 

A Special Thanks to Our Partners at AYSO

This year also strengthened one of our most important national partnerships — our collaboration with AYSO. Their openness, alignment, and shared commitment to creating positive, player-centered environments helped expand the reach of our coach development work beyond CRYSC. Through shared courses, cooperative learning opportunities, and ongoing dialogue around best practices, AYSO has been an invaluable partner in elevating coaching standards across Colorado. We’re grateful for their support, their spirit of collaboration, and their belief in developing remarkable coaches. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more unified youth soccer community.

Click here to discover how coach education and learning impacted CRYSC players and programs in 2025!

Transforming the Player Experience: From 5U to 19U

What I’m most proud of is how deeply we improved the player experience across every age and all levels of programming.

With our youngest players, we have implemented the Four-Goal Game at 5U and 6U at varying degrees across our 5 of our major regions, giving children more touches, more decisions, and more joy. This shift wasn’t just about a format; it was about honoring how kids learn. The smiles, chaos, laughter, and small breakthroughs I saw on those fields are exactly why we do this work.

At 8U Rising Rapids, we saw one of the biggest success stories of the year. We introduced monthly Blocks of Work, a complete session plan library, a progression from 1v1 to 7v7, redesigned festivals, and weekly coach support. Rising Rapids is serving as a true bridge between recreational soccer and the performance pathway, with a shared set of expectations, language, and developmental principles.

And across our competitive and National Platforms programs, we strengthened Game Model alignment while protecting the heart of our approach: developing thinkers. This fall, I helped coach a Pre-Elite Girls team — partly because the group needed additional support, but also because I believe leaders should stay connected to the player experience. The sessions, the relationships, and the growth from that group reminded me why player-centered coaching matters at every level.

I have also stepped in to mentor an ECNL coach during a challenging stretch. We worked through game analysis, training clarity, communication strategies, and role definition. Watching that coach regain confidence and finish the season strong was one of the most meaningful moments of my year.

 

Supporting 5U/6U Across All Regions

Our work in the 5U and 6U age groups remained a major priority this year. Beyond the introduction of the Four-Goal Game, I spent the fall visiting every region, supporting DOCs on the ground, and observing dozens of sessions and game days. These visits helped us better understand the true player and coach experience at the earliest stages — from field layouts and match flow to coach confidence and parent engagement. Working closely with DOCs, we refined how we support volunteer coaches, ensured the environments stayed joyful and developmentally appropriate, and reinforced the habits and behaviors we want our youngest players to grow with.

 

Deepening the 8U Rising Rapids Experience

Our work in Rising Rapids continued to grow into one of the most coordinated, intentional projects in the entire club. Through biweekly DOC and staff meetings, we aligned on training themes, session structures, matchday expectations, and communication strategies. I personally led multiple festivals, supported directors on staffing and field operations, and helped troubleshoot challenges in real time.

Together with our DOCs and staff, we created 24 fully developed training session plans, each intentionally built around the Play–Practice–Play methodology and our Game Model; sessions were designed to keep learning environments active, engaging, and fun. These plans ensured consistency across regions and provided coaches with clear, developmentally appropriate activities rooted in our principles. Rising Rapids has truly become a cornerstone of our club — a place where foundational habits are built, and where players begin to understand the game through joy, exploration, and guided challenge.

Click here for a breakdown of coach education and learning by month across 2025!

A Club That Learns Together...

One of the most meaningful shifts we made in 2025 was how we organized, shared, and lived our technical ideas. At the center of that effort was our Technical Development Calendar — a yearlong roadmap that helped us anchor key themes, guide staff conversations, and intentionally sequence learning across the club. Every month began with deep internal work: meeting with our RTDs, aligning terminology and expectations, reviewing trends from coaching courses, and filtering complex ideas into clear, digestible messages for the DOCs who lead our regional environments. From there, the learning reached every coach in the club through our Coach Development Newsletters and ElevatED micro-courses, ensuring that the same themes were reinforced on the field, in planning sessions, and in everyday conversations with players and families.

This process became one of the joys of the year. It allowed us to move as a united coaching community — not by forcing uniformity, but by sharing purpose, language, and intention. Month by month, the calendar gave us a narrative thread to follow, helping us build a club where coaches weren’t just receiving information but were growing together, shaping a more connected and consistent player experience across all six regions.

This year, our Coach Development newsletters told the story of our technical growth month by month. Weaving our monthly newsletters into a narrative thread became a way to guide the club through the year, one theme at a time. Each month added another layer to our identity, gradually shaping how we think, teach, and talk about the game.

  • January—Laying the Foundation: As the year opened, we centered on clarity, alignment, and the launch of new systems. January’s message set the tone: a commitment to structure, to shared language, and to raising the standard for what our coaches and players should expect from their environments. It was the month we pressed “reset” and invited everyone back into the story of One Club, One Community.
  • February—Games-Based Training and the Joy of Learning: February reminded us of why we coach in the first place. We dove into games-based learning, affirming that kids learn best through play, exploration, and joy. The theme was simple: if it feels like play, it becomes learning; if it feels like a drill, it becomes a chore. This shaped how hundreds of coaches approached the early spring season.
  • March—Growth Mindset Takes Center Stage: March challenged coaches and players to rethink mistakes. We emphasized resilience, persistence, curiosity, and the idea that development is rarely linear. “Failing forward” became a phrase I saw appear in session reflections and post-game conversations everywhere I went.
  • April—Seeing the Game with New Eyes: In April, we turned our attention to the Key Quality that sits at the heart of our entire technical plan: Game Understanding. We reframed coaching questions, session design, and player assessments around scanning, perception, decision-making, and reading cues. Parents, too, joined the shift — asking new kinds of questions on the car ride home.
  • May—Reflection, Recharge, Reignite: As spring wound down, May became a month of rest and recalibration. We asked coaches to pause, reflect, and take stock of their growth. It was also the first time many coaches articulated their Individual Development Plans with real clarity — a shift that would carry into the fall.
  • June—Building the Coaching Pathway: The summer opened with a renewed focus on U.S. Soccer coach licensing. Grassroots, D, and C Courses filled the calendar, and coaches across all six regions leaned into learning with purpose. The highlight was welcoming our first Club Technical Leadership Course Level 1(CTL-1) cohort — a milestone in building a leadership pipeline inside CRYSC.
  • July—Our Attacking Identity Comes Alive: July’s theme brought our attacking Game Model into sharp focus. We walked coaches through team shape, penetration, dynamic movement, and finishing — not as isolated actions, but as part of a unified identity. The message was clear: we attack with intent; we play to create, not just to possess.
  • August—Starting the Season on the Right Foot: As the fall approached, August became a month of alignment. Safety. Growth mindset. Teaching formations. Club-wide warm-up protocols. We reassured coaches that preparation wasn’t just logistical — it was cultural. And we unveiled the soft launch of the ElevatED LMS, which instantly changed the landscape of coach development at CRYSC.
  • September—Fun, Belonging, and Finishing the Attack: With the heart of the season approaching, we shifted toward joy and creativity — ensuring players felt connected, safe, and brave enough to take risks. One of September’s Climb modules focused on Finishing the Attack, linking bravery and competitive resilience with decision-making and support play.
  • October—Responsibility, Reflection, and Defending Together: October brought together three threads that run through our entire philosophy: reflection, responsibility, and resilience. We highlighted the Defending Game Model, compactness, communication, and collective effort — reminding players that defending is not a position; it’s a commitment.
  • November—The Power of Self-Assessment: As the season concluded, November pushed coaches and players into deeper reflection. Player assessments became more than checklists — they became conversations about identity, ownership, and growth. Coaches used learning lines, Key Qualities, and guided discovery to help players make sense of their journey.
  • December—Finishing With Gratitude: The final month of the year always brings perspective. We closed the year grounded in gratitude — for our players, for our coaches, for our staff, and for the community behind the crest. We celebrated the progress made and the relationships strengthened. And we looked toward 2026, knowing that our alignment today will fuel our success tomorrow.

Want to better understand the ins and outs of CRYSC Coach Education this past year? Follow these links to check out our quarterly Elite Newsletters from Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Winter 2025 (just released this December)!

Introducing ElevatED: Our New Home for Learning Launched in 2025

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One of the most significant steps forward in 2025 was the launch of ElevatED, our club’s first-ever learning management system. For years, CRYSC has dreamed of building a place where every coach — from brand-new volunteers to future B License coaches — could access short, meaningful learning at any time. This year, ElevatED became real.

ElevatED now houses micro-courses, Game Model modules, teaching formation lessons, warm-up protocols, key qualities, and entire pathways aligned to our technical plan. Coaches receive rewards for completing modules, and for the first time ever, we have a truly unified platform for supporting learning across all six regions.

In August, I wrote: “Think of ElevatED as your digital trail map for coaching growth.” Thousands of coaches will walk that trail in the years ahead — and their players will feel the impact.

As we look to 2026, ElevatED will continue to be the foundation of our learning culture—evolving alongside our coaches, strengthening our shared technical identity, and helping every player across CRYSC benefit from more confident, connected, and purposeful coaching. We look forward to continuing to build together next year and beyond!

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In 2021, UCHealth and CRYSC teamed up to highlight the amazing individuals at the Club with a new "UCHealth Player of the Month" award!

This award was created to put a spotlight on players who have shown athletic excellence, academic achievement, or exemplary character out on the fields or in their community. Monthly winners have been featured on the CRYSC blog page and in a recurring section of the Club newsletter. Thank you to everyone who nominated a player, and congratulations to our winners.

You can find a recap of our UCHealth Player of the Month awards, as well as a new blog for our December 2025 recipient, below. Click here to nominate a player for this January!

Congratulations to Jaeden Stangle on winning the December 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

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Congratulations to Jaeden Stangle on winning the UCHealth Player of the Month award for December 2025!

Jaeden is a forward in our North Adaptive Program who brings heart, determination, and passion to everything he does. He’s a joy to have on the fields and an outstanding special needs student at Fireside Elementary, who was recently recognized as Student of the Month. With his can-do attitude, favorite hat, and eagerness to try new things, Jaeden continues to inspire us! Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!

Click here to catch up on our UCHealth Player of the Month winners in 2025!

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Congrats to Noah Kapustka on winning our January 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

Noah is an attacker for our Rapids 08B and 09B NPL teams, where his coaches and teammates consistently praise his skill, intelligence, strength, and unwavering dedication. Noah is a deaf athlete with ambitions of becoming a key player and captain for both the US Deaf National Team and the Rochester Institute of Technology’s soccer team. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!

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Congrats to Mateo Martinez on winning our February 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

Mateo is a defender for our Rapids 15B Rising Rapids Burgundy team. His coaches and teammates consistently praise his work ethic, coachability, and respect for others. They describe him as a humble and thoughtful player who assists his teammates and classmates when they need a hand. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!

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Congrats to Lotte Nydam on winning our March 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

Lotte is a central midfielder for our Rapids 09G South ECNL-RL team, known for her unwavering consistency and ability to lead by example, both on and off the field. Her coaches and teammates consistently praise her for her leadership and dedication, and Lotte’s fierce competitive spirit drives her to always strive for improvement. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!

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Congrats to Colin Riley on winning our April 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

Colin is a center back for our 08B Central Select I team, known for his exceptional speed, athleticism, and ability to lead by example, both on and off the field. His coaches and teammates consistently praise his leadership, strategic mindset, and resilience, qualities that shine through in his play and in every aspect of his life. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!

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Congrats to Nico Walthall on winning our May 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

Nico is an attacking midfielder for our 14B Pre-Elite team, known for his athleticism, work ethic, and leadership. He was named Player of the Week at the 2024 Rapids Elite Residential Camp, not just for his soccer ability, but for the way he carried himself on and off the field. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!

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Congrats to Hannah Johnson on winning our June 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

Hannah is a holding midfielder for our Rapids North 10G Select I team, known for her loyalty, work ethic, and positive energy. Voted team captain, she leads by example across every sport she plays, earning Most Improved honors in both varsity basketball and cross country and capping her high school freshman soccer season as a Second-Team All-Conference selection. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!

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Congrats to Bailey Girtin on winning our July 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

Bailey is a forward for our Rapids Fort Collins 07G Select team, known for her tireless work ethic, versatility, and leadership. Whether she’s filling in on defense, controlling the midfield, or stepping up in the attack, she adapts seamlessly and performs at a consistently high level. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!

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Congrats to Sophia Ring on winning our August 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

Sophia is a center back for our Rapids 10G DPL team, known for her dedication to her team and ability to anchor on defense. This summer, Sophia’s on-the-field performance at DPL Nationals was impressive. The squad went 2-0-2 and only conceded one goal in the entire competition with her performance in the backfield. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!

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Congrats to Claire Archer on winning our September 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

Claire is a goalkeeper for our Rapids 09G ECNL team, known for her resilience, perseverance, and passion for the game. After two years of chronic hip pain and a few non-contact hip injuries, Claire was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. In the past 10 months, she has had three surgeries. Despite this, Claire has been cleared to play since August, attending all training sessions and playing in games. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!

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Congrats to Mariah Fletemeyer on winning our October 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

Mariah is a goalkeeper for our Rapids 07/08G North ECNL-RL team, known for her determination, optimism, and love for the game. From the moment she fell in love with soccer, Mariah has shown quiet confidence and a relentless drive to compete at the highest levels. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!

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Congrats to Sutton Persichina on winning our November 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

Sutton is a forward for our Rapids South 09G ECNL-RL team, known for her leadership, consistency, and exceptional athleticism. As captain, she has been a driving force for a newly formed roster, contributing a goal or assist in every match since the Rapids Classic. Check out the full interview on the CRYSC blog page!

“UCHealth is proud to partner with Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club and to help care for the club’s athletes. We’ll be available to help care for any injuries that might occur, but our most important mission is to work with the Club’s coaches and administration, providing the most advanced resources to athletes and their families to help prevent injuries from happening in the first place.” – Dr. Scott Laker, UCHealth and CU Sports Medicine Specialist. 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.

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2025 tournaments
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Check out these awesome videos from our 2025 CRYSC Tournament Series!

CRYSC members can look forward to more pro-level videos highlighting all of our major tournaments in 2025! Click the thumbnails below to watch videos from our 2025 Colorado Futsal Championships, Boys Icebreaker Tournament, Rocky Mountain Spring Championships (RMSC), Kelvin Norman x Mile High Showcase, Fall Friendlies, Rapids Classic, Fall Footie Fest, Rocky Mountain Fall Championships (RMFC)!

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Colorado Futsal Championships

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Boys Icebreaker Tournament

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Rocky Mountain Spring Championships (RMSC)

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Kelvin Norman x Mile High Showcase

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Fall Friendlies

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Rapids Classic Tournament

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Fall Footie Fest

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Rocky Mountain Fall Championships (RMFC)

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A message from CRYSC's Director of International Partnerships, Jeff Oleck:

Looking back on the year, CRYSC International welcomed over 100 players, family members, and staff on our 2025 trips - adding to the 600+ travelers who have joined us since the program’s inception. This year’s destinations included Costa Rica, Spain, and England, each offering a unique blend of soccer and cultural immersion.

Highlights ranged from attending a Champions League match in Madrid with 68,000 cheering fans, to taking culinary tours through Barcelona, to walking in the footsteps of the Beatles at Liverpool’s Albert Docks. Players also enjoyed unforgettable moments such as leading youth clinics in a San Jose neighborhood, lacing up against West Ham's grassroots program, competing on a pitch donated by Prince William outside London, and searching for sloths and howler monkeys in the Costa Rican jungle.

We also launched our first “Fan Experience” trip, offering travelers a short yet action-packed getaway to London, featuring three professional matches in just five days. Open to 10U–19U players from all levels across the club, this tour gives families the chance to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of London over the holidays—capped off with Premier League and/or Championship fixtures for a true taste of English football culture.

These experiences - spanning world-class football, historic sites, and vibrant local cultures - represent exactly why CRYSC International exists: to foster holistic growth and perspective of the world through a soccer lens. Thank you for your support and trust as we continue to create meaningful global experiences for our players, families, and coaches.

As the CRYSC International Program expands and diversifies its offerings in 2026, including a service-leadership trip to Uganda, we’re excited for another year of exploration and connection. Click here to learn more - we can’t wait to welcome you on a future trip!

Click here for CRYSC International stats and feedback from our travelers!

  • "Our family had a beyond spectacular experience with this trip. It was so fun to travel with other families and observe the players come together as a team both on and off the field. The balance of sightseeing and football (soccer) was perfect, and the tour staff and coaches were warm, welcoming, supportive, and entertaining! We will surely talk about this week of adventures for years to come." - Andrea F. (Traveling Parent)
  • "We've travelled abroad before, and there is only so many museums and cultural sites that a boy can take! This tour really helped provide a balance of the historical (museums, castles, cathedrals, etc) and modern (soccer/football!)." - Josh V. (Traveling Player)
  • "It was an amazing experience and if I could, I would do it all over again. The training with the Everton coaches helped me learn new skills and improve my game. It was a cool experience to go to the Tower of London and Windsor Castle and see all of the Crown Jewels and the historical treasures. It was a competitive workspace to play against all the other kids in England and I loved it." - Liam D. (Traveling Player)
  • "The CRYSC International trip to Barcelona and Madrid was the perfect mix of soccer, culture, and connection. The coaches and directors fostered an environment where the boys not only developed their skills but also built incredible camaraderie that grew stronger each day. It was an ideal balance of high-level training, sightseeing, parent time, and independent experiences for the kids—truly a trip we’ll never forget. Can’t recommend it enough!" - Jessica K. (Traveling Parent)
  • "It was great to see the bond that the players formed over the trip. This experience made the players grow from both a soccer and maturity standpoint, learning new things about themselves that they didn't know before." - Luke B. (Traveling Staff)
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A message from CRYSC's Head Athletic Trainer, Julie Graves:

With the continued support of UCHealth/CU Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our CRYSC Sports Medicine Department spent 2025 focused on one thing: keeping Rapids athletes healthy, confident, and on the field. Through our partnership, members receive top-tier care, free injury evaluations, evidence-based prevention and rehabilitation programs, and direct referrals to UCHealth/CU’s state-of-the-art facilities and specialists, ensuring a seamless, “VIP” experience for every family.

What We Focused On This Year

  • Rapid Access to Care: Same-week injury evaluations and streamlined referrals so athletes return to play safely and on time.
  • Prevention First: Warm-up templates, in-season load management guidance, and education for athletes, parents, and coaches to reduce common overuse injuries.
  • Rehab That Fits Real Life: Clear, at-home progressions tailored to age and position, plus follow-up check-ins to keep athletes compliant and confident.
  • Sideline and Event Coverage: Coordinated medical coverage for tournaments and key club events, with on-site triage and post-event follow-up plans.
  • Care Coordination: Direct collaboration with UCHealth/CU Orthopedics providers for imaging, specialty consults, and return-to-sport decision making.

What Families Can Expect in 2026

  • Expanded Education: Seasonal readiness guides (preseason, mid-season, and post-season) and quick-hit recovery resources.
  • Streamlined Communication: Clearer pathways to schedule evaluations, receive updates, and access to referrals.
  • Performance + Health Integration: Continued focus on strength, mobility, and workload balance to support both performance and long-term health.

How to Access Your Benefits: To schedule an initial consultation, please reach out to me, Julie Graves, CRYSC Head Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine. I’ll assess your athlete and coordinate any necessary rehab or referrals to develop a safe and efficient return-to-play plan.

Contact: [email protected]

If your family needs anything at any time, whether it be an evaluation, a second opinion, a referral, or guidance on next steps, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re grateful for the opportunity to care for our athletes and look forward to supporting you in the year ahead.

Click here for CRYSC Sports Medicine information, blogs, and resources from 2025!

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A message from CRYSC’s Chief Technical Director, Zac Crawford:

In 2025, the CRYSC Adaptive Soccer/TOPS program made significant strides forward by expanding into new regions, hosting our first-ever Winter Adaptive Festival, and welcoming more children and adults with intellectual, emotional, and/or physical disabilities than ever into a program where games and activities are tailored to their needs.

One of the most meaningful and exciting areas of growth for our club this year has been our Adaptive Soccer programming (also known as TOPSoccer), now led by Ashley Heinekamp. What began as a small, passionate effort to create inclusive, player-centered spaces in our North region has evolved into one of the most impactful programs across our entire club.

We’re now proudly offering Adaptive Soccer/TOPS in four of our five major regions, with demand continuing to rise each season. Families consistently express their gratitude for an environment where every player is welcomed, supported, and celebrated for who they are. Under Ashley’s leadership, the program has become more structured, more visible, and more deeply connected to our mission of serving all players — regardless of ability, experience, or background.

Our numbers continue to grow, but more importantly, so does our sense of purpose. Adaptive Soccer reflects the heart behind the crest — creating pathways where every player belongs, every family feels seen, and every game is a celebration of what makes our community special.

If you have questions or would like to get involved, please reach out to [email protected]!

THANK YOU for attending Winter Adaptive Festival 2025 and we look forward to hosting you again in 2026!

Shout out to the players, parents, coaches, and special guest RapidMan who joined us at The Eddy in February 2025 for our first annual Adaptive Winter Festival! It was an evening of games and goals for players in our community with developmental and/or physical disabilities!

Adaptive Fest returns on February 15, 2026: We’re excited to host our second Winter Adaptive Festival this February! Players, parents, and staff across all our regions are invited to join us for a day of joy, connection, and community. Adaptive Fest has quickly become a highlight for our club, not just because of the smiles on the field, but because it reminds us of what soccer can be: a shared experience that brings people together.

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2025 photo albums
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Colorado Futsal Championships

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Adaptive Winter Festival

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College Recognition Night

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Boys Winter College ID Event

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Boys Icebreaker Tournament

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Rocky Mountain Spring Championships (RMSC)

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Girls Summer College ID Event

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Kelvin Norman Tournament x Mile High Showcase

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Elite Residential Campers at Storm Academy Match

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Elite Residential Camp

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Fall Friendlies

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Rapids Classic Tournament

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Fall Footie Fest Tournament

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5280 Friendlies, Showcase, and College ID Event

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Rocky Mountain Fall Championships (RMFC)

Follow crysc in 2026

Follow all of our coverage throughout the year by clicking here to sign up for the CRYSC Newsletter!

Our monthly newsletter is where you can find brand new blogs, success stories on and off the field, our latest Player of the Month, partnership announcements, education opportunities, and SO MUCH MORE! Catch up on all of our newsletters from last January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.

2025 was an exciting year of growth and new opportunities for Rapids Youth Soccer. We can't thank you enough for shaping this club, and we eagerly await kicking off a new season of tournaments and league play together this spring!

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Player of the Month December 2025

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Player of the Month December 2025

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Congrats to Jaeden Stangle on winning our December 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

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Jaeden is a forward in our North Adaptive Program who brings heart, determination, and passion to everything he does. He’s a joy to have on the fields and an outstanding special needs student at Fireside Elementary, who was recently recognized as Student of the Month for his positive attitude and perseverance. He has achieved impressive milestones, including being named Rider of the Year at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, earning two first-place ribbons at a recent horse show, and achieving a blue belt in Muay Thai. He also took to the skies through Challenge Air, flying a small airplane as part of the program’s mission to empower individuals with special needs. Jaeden is an active participant in Adam’s Camp, where he received the Heart of the Pack award for his positivity and teamwork. With his can-do attitude, favorite hat, and eagerness to try new things, Jaeden continues to inspire us!

This January, Jaeden will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge his achievements. We met with Jaeden’s family to learn a bit more about him. Check out the full interview below!

What influence has soccer had in Jaeden’s life?

Soccer has taught Jaeden how, with hard work and showing up ready to play every time, he can learn a new sport and accomplish a lot of personal goals. It has been a way for him to support other teammates and to feel a sense of belonging to a team. He looks forward to practice and enjoys learning new skills step by step. Soccer gives him confidence and a place where he can feel included.

Why do you believe that Jaeden was nominated for this award?

Jaeden always shows up ready to play. He always tries his best and likes to complete and accomplish things. He has proven he can do anything he puts his mind to. Jaeden never wants to miss practice; it’s something he looks forward to. He takes pride in being a part of the team and puts a lot of effort into supporting his teammates.

What does Jaeden enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?

He really enjoys playing with his soccer buddy. That one-on-one time is special to him, and it allows him to learn more effectively. Jaeden loves to be active in the community when it comes to soccer etc… he is always willing to try new things as well as make new friends. He really likes the parachute at the end of practice. He enjoys learning new skills, working through challenges, and continues to participate, even when it’s difficult, which is a big accomplishment for him. He is proud to contribute to the team.

What soccer accomplishment is Jaeden most proud of?

Jaeden has completed every session the Adaptive program has offered. He likes running, dribbling the soccer ball, and scoring goals. He is proud of stepping up to the challenges he faces during practice and games. He has learned a lot and continues to learn every time he plays. He is proud that even though it’s hard, he doesn’t give up.

What academic achievement is Jaeden most proud of?

Jaeden won 2 first place ribbons at this year’s horse show. Jaeden is awesome at reading.

How do you think Jaeden’s teammates would describe you?

Jaeden is a team player and is always willing to get his teammates involved in the game. He loves clapping for his teammates when they do a good job. Jaeden likes to celebrate the wins with his teammates and encourages them when things are more difficult. He is very supportive of his teammates.

What is something that shows Jaeden’s exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?

Jaeden is always willing to try new things and put his teammates first. At camp this summer, he was awarded the “Heart of the Pack” award, which truly speaks to his big heart and courage, which shines bright every day.

What’s Jaeden’s favorite soccer player and team?

THE COLORADO RAPIDS!

What does Jaeden hope to pursue in the near future?

Jaeden wants to keep learning and bettering his soccer skills while making new friends and bringing fun to the game.

Who inspires Jaeden and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!

Jaeden is inspired by his mom, who pushes him to always do his best and encourages him to learn the skills needed for the future.

What else does Jaeden enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?

Jaeden loves reading (especially Pete the Cat books), competing in all different sports, swimming, traveling, and playing games. He especially loves playing board and card games with his family and friends. He’s really great at Candyland and matching games.

Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.

As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.

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Player of the Month November 2025

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Player of the Month November 2025

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Congrats to Sutton Persichina on winning our November 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!

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Sutton is a forward for our Rapids South 09G ECNL-RL team, known for her leadership, consistency, and exceptional athleticism. As captain, she has been a driving force for a newly formed roster, contributing a goal or assist in every match since the Rapids Classic and earning praise from coaches across the league for her competitiveness and work ethic.

Off the field, Sutton is a standout multi-sport athlete at Chaparral High School, excelling in both cross country and flag football while maintaining a 3.85 GPA. She also volunteers at Lone Tree Elementary, where she supports administrative tasks and participates in after-school programs. Sutton embodies CRYSC’s values through her dedication, performance, and commitment to community.

This December, Sutton will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge her achievements. We met with Sutton to learn a bit more about her. Check out the full interview below!

What influence has soccer had in your life?

Soccer has been an important influence in my life. It has given me many opportunities to grow as a person both on and off the field. I have built connections and friendships with a wide group of people, learned how to accept feedback and change, and have developed a strong sense of grit by playing soccer.

Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?

I believe I was nominated for this award because I set a positive example for others, show up ready to work hard, and my dedication to the club, team, and my coach is evident.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?

CRYSC is always looking for ways to build pathways for its players, no matter their level. I have grown up in this club, and I appreciate the support that I have received from my coaches over the years.

What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my PK in the first round of district playoffs for varsity during my freshman year, which moved us into Round 2.

What academic achievement are you most proud of?

The academic achievement that I am most proud of is receiving the Athletic Scholar of the Year award during my sophomore year. This highlighted the hard work that I display on the field and in the classroom.

How do you think your teammates would describe you?

Outgoing, fast, and fair.

What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?

My sportsmanship is shown in my ability to accept feedback and listen to coaches, respect the calls made by refs, and celebrate good plays made by teammates and opponents.

What’s your favorite soccer player and team?

The U.S. Women’s National Team.

What do you hope to pursue in the near future?

I would love to play soccer in college at the D1 or D2 level.

Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!

My parents are my greatest inspiration. They are great role models for me and are always there to celebrate and support me in my activities.

What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?

Outside of CRYSC, I am involved in many sports at my high school, including cross country, track, golf, soccer, and flag football. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.

As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.

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