Junior Academy Program
The Rapids Soccer Academy is proud to announce the launch of its Junior Academy Youth Soccer Leagues for the spring of 2010!
The Junior Academy Program will provide players with opportunities to learn about, play, and most importantly, enjoy the game of soccer.
This program is designed to encourage and foster growth in young players by introducing basic soccer skills needed to both begin and advance in the game.
The Junior Academy is open to players in the areas around Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, specifically Commerce City and Stapleton.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 26th, 2010.
The Rapids Junior Academy season begins on March 20th, 2010. Our spring 2010 season includes 8 consecutive weeks of games. The season will conclude no later than Sunday, May 16th, 2010.
Stapleton practices and games will be held at Aviator Pool.
Commerce City games will be played at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and practice sites include:
Central Elementary School (6450 Holly St, Commerce City, CO 80022)
Kemp Elementary School (6775 Oneida St, Commerce City, CO 80022)
Monaco Elementary School (7631 Monaco St, Commerce City, CO 80022)
Second Creek Elementary School (9950 Laredo Dr, Commerce City, CO 80022)
Thimmig Elementary School (11453 Oswego St, Commerce City, CO 80022)
All regularly scheduled games will be played on Saturday's from 9:00am-1:00pm. Practices will be held in neighborhood parks during the week in the evenings. Practice days and times are determined by the coaches. If a participant cannot make the assigned day/time, the registration will be voided and the fee refunded in full. The best way to guarantee the day(s) your team practices is to volunteer to coach.
Divisions for Boys and Girls are as follows:
Under 6 - Born between August 1, 2003 and July 31, 2005
Under 8 - Born between August 1, 2001 and July 31, 2003
Under 10 - Born between August 1, 1999 and July 31, 2001
Competitive Standards
The Rapids Junior Academy is focused on player development at all levels rather than winning. Players will have the opportunity to play all positions and get involved in every game. Games are a great opportunity for the kids to play and use skills learned in practice. Parent support of both teams creates a positive environment for our players.
Coaches Are:
Volunteers
Often parents of players on the team
Not expected to have experience in the game of soccer
The primary source of communication to players and parents
The primary source of organization for kids to have fun and participate in soccer
Rosters are set at double the number of kids playing on the field – U6 play 3v3, U8s play 4v4, U10s 6v6. U6s teams will consist of 6 rostered players, all U8 teams will consist of 8 rostered players, players and all U10 teams will consist of 12 rostered players.
Each team is required to have two coaches who will both act as coordinators and coaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is entailed in the cost for this program?
A: Each player will receive two shirts – a home (burgundy) and an away (blue) jersey. In addition, each player is registered with Colorado Youth Soccer which provides secondary insurance. Field rental fees, background checks, and equipment for our coaches are all factored into the registration cost as well.
Jerseys for the spring of 2010 will be the same as the fall 2009 jerseys. Each player – new or returning – will receive a blue and a burgundy jersey.
For a spanish version of the Junior Academy Scholarship Application, please click here.
Q: What happens if I enroll my child in the Junior Academy Youth League and he/she doesn’t like it?
A: Prior to February 12th refunds may be provided with a $5.00 processing fee. Our program is a fun environment that includes players of all skill sets. Refunds for this program are not available after February 12th. Teams are filled using a set roster number, in the event a player is removed from a roster the team is affected as a whole.
Q: How are games rescheduled?
A: In the event of inclement weather or field closures, all rescheduled games will be played the following Sunday, 8 days later, between 1:00pm and 4:00pm. Our Weather Hotline is 303-727-3397. Coaches are expected to check the Weather Hotline and communicate any status changes to their players. With the availability of synthetic turf fields, game locations could change. Any field changes will be noted on the Weather Hotline.
Q: I registered, now what?
A: Upon registering you will receive a confirmation email or phone call stating that your registration has been received. If you have registered and have not received confirmation within 5 business days please contact the Rapids Academy office at 303-727-3575 or via email RapidsAcademy@dsgpark.com.
Q: Are team pictures and trophies offered as part of the youth league?
A: The Colorado Rapids Junior Academy has partnered with Lifetouch Photography to take professional photos of the kids. A picture schedule will be given out at the beginning of the season. Trophies are handled by each team on an individual basis – this is not a requirement and is not organized by the Rapids. This is the responsibility of the team or individual parents to organize, not necessarily the coach. Any end of the year picnic/party should be coordinated by a team manager or coach.
303-727-3575
RapidsAcademy@dsgpark.com