NAVIGATING THE 2026-27 AGE GROUP TRANSITION TOGETHER

Dear Rapids Youth Soccer Families,


We are writing to you today to share important details regarding the landscape of youth soccer in the United States.


By now, you may have heard rumblings about a nationwide shift returning youth soccer to School-Year Age Groups. We are writing to confirm that CRYSC will align with this national mandate beginning in the Fall of 2026. Across the nation, school-year age groups will be formed with the August 1st - July 31st dates.  


We know that reading about "change" regarding your child’s sports experience can be stressful. Whether you lived through the last major age-group shift in 2016 or are new to this world, we understand that uncertainty about rosters, teammates, and schedules can create anxiety. It is natural to immediately worry about your child’s friends, their team, and their comfort.


Please know this: We have a plan, and your child is at the center of it.


Change is difficult, but it is also manageable when we navigate it with transparency and care. We are not just moving names on a spreadsheet based on birthdates; we are making decisions for young people who rely on this club for community, growth, and joy.


Two things are true right now:

  • Nothing changes today. Your child’s team, coach, and schedule remain exactly as they are through the Spring 2026 season.
  • We are ready for fall. We have developed a deliberate, slow-roll transition plan designed to minimize disruption and maximize player development.


Below is a comprehensive guide to the transition. It is long because we want to be thorough. We ask that you read it carefully, knowing that we are here to support you every step of the way.


Sincerely,

Aaron Nagel, Executive Director

OFFICIAL CLUB UPDATE ON THE 2026-27 AGE TRANSITION

As we approach the 2026-27 season, we are preparing to align with the nationwide shift instituted by Colorado Soccer Association, U.S. Youth Soccer, and US Club Soccer. We are transitioning from birth-year age groups (January 1-December 31) to national school-year age groups (August 1-July 31).

THE CORE CHANGE

Beginning with the Fall 2026 season:

  • Age groups will be determined by a national School Year calendar (August 1 to July 31).
  • This replaces the previous Calendar Year system (January 1 to December 31).
  • Why? This national mandate is designed to group players with more of their school peers, improve social alignment, and streamline the college recruiting pathway. More to come below…


IMMEDIATE IMPACT: WHAT STAYS THE SAME?

It is vital to note that nothing changes for the current Spring 2026 season.

  • Current teams remain together through Spring/Summer 2026.
  • Competition schedules and training plans remain intact for the current cycle.
  • No player movement will occur until the official transition period begins.


THE TRANSITION TIMELINE

We have developed a deliberate, player-centered timeline to ensure a smooth adjustment for all families.

Date

Activity & Groups

Details

January & February 2026

Education & Communication

Release of FAQs, timelines, and parent resources.

March & April 2026

Rising Rapids, Competitive, and National Platform Age-Group Training

While continuing with their current teams, players will attend select training sessions within their new age bands to help them adjust to the school-year grouping. More info to follow.

March 2026, Cont...

Rising Rapids, Competitive, National Platform Placement Intent to Play Opens

All families (current and new) must register their "Intent to Play" for the 2026–27 season during this window. This ensures our staff has the correct data to form teams in May.

April 2026

Rising Rapids, Competitive, National Platform Placement

Age Group Trainings continue

(Advanced) May 2026

Rising Rapids, Competitive, National Platform Placement and Team Formation

Official tryout/player placement decisions for the 2026–27 season will be made. Please note that CRYSC will not host tryouts after Memorial Day weekend, a shift from our historical schedule.

(Recreational) May 2026

Fall Recreational Registration Opens May 1

Education and Collaboration

We will dedicate this time to further educating families on the specific impacts of the recreational age transition. Staff will also collaborate closely with volunteer coaches to ensure everyone is prepared for the upcoming team formation process.

June & July 2026

Recreational Team Formation

Throughout the summer, staff will work closely with volunteer coaches to form teams. We will prioritize balancing player development with the social benefits of playing with school peers.

August 2026

Fall Season Begins

The 2026–27 season officially begins. This marks the first competitive season under the new school-year age group system.

PHILOSOPHY BY PROGRAM: HOW WE APPROACH TRANSITION

UNDERSTANDING OUR APPROACH
While the Recreational program and the Rising Rapids, Competitive, and National Platform programs will both shift to the national school-year age groups, our approach to forming teams under this new system differs significantly based on the goals of each program.


(1) Recreational Soccer (Recreational U3-U18)

  • Philosophy: Social Cohesion and Continuity. In our Recreational program, the priority is the joy of the game, friendship, and community. We understand that for a recreational player, "the team" is often defined by who they play with, not what level they play at.
  • Our Approach to the Transition: We aim to be as flexible as possible to keep friends and formed teams together. We want your child to play with their friends and classmates. Since the new age groups better align with school grades, this change should actually make it easier to keep classmates together.
  • The "In-House" Advantage—Recreational Autonomy: CRYSC hosts and manages most of our recreational leagues internally. This gives us the autonomy to be flexible. We can make common-sense exceptions to age bands to ensure friends stay together and teams remain viable.


(2) Rising Rapids (Advanced U8-U10)

  • Philosophy: The Developmental Bridge. Rising Rapids serves as the bridge between the fun-first focus of Recreational and the development-first focus of Competitive. This is where we begin to introduce the concept that "change can be good for growth."
  • Our Approach to the Transition: We will use this transition to gently introduce players to the idea of school-year teams. While we still prioritize social comfort, we will begin grouping players by developmental stage within their new school-year age bands. This is an exciting step for your young player. We are moving to a system that better aligns with their school year, which helps them play with more peers. You will see some new faces, and that is a great opportunity for them to make new soccer friends while learning the game.


(3) Competitive & National Platform (U11-U18)

  • Philosophy: Optimal Environment. In our Competitive and National Platform tiers, our priority is long-term player development. Our goal is to place every player in a competitive setting where they can grow the most. We aim to find the right balance where a player is challenged enough to improve yet confident enough to take risks, avoiding both the stagnation of being too comfortable and the frustration of being overwhelmed.
  • Our Approach to the Transition: We are approaching this change with the goal of building more cohesive and stronger teams. By aligning with the school year, we establish a clear competitive pathway that supports both confidence and long-term ambition. We are dedicated to placing your child in a role where they can truly contribute, compete, and thrive alongside their peers.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF U.S. SOCCER AGE GROUPS


(Phase 1) The Original School-Year Era (Pre-2016): For decades, youth soccer in the United States operated on a School Year calendar (August 1-July 31). This system was intuitive for American families.

  • Alignment: Kids played with their classmates.
  • Recruiting: College recruiting was simple because teams were composed of players typically graduating in the same year (e.g., "Class of 2010").
  • High School: Teams generally moved into High School soccer together without leaving 8th graders behind.


(Phase 2) The "Birth Year" Mandate (2016-2026): In 2016, U.S. Soccer implemented a major initiative called the Player Development Initiatives (PDIs). A central part of this was a mandatory shift to Calendar Year (Birth Year) age groups (January 1-December 31).

  • The Goal: The primary motivation was to align American youth soccer with the international standard used by FIFA and European academies. The belief was that this would streamline the identification of youth National Team players and remove the confusion of converting ages for international tournaments.
  • The Reality: While it helped National Team scouting (which impacts <1% of players), it created significant friction for the other 99%.


(Phase 3) The Return to School Year (2026 Onward): After nearly a decade of data and feedback, national associations U.S. Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer determined that the costs of the Birth Year system (social disruption, trapped players) outweighed the benefits. The decision to return to School Year (August 1-July 31) in 2026 is a move to prioritize the player experience over international administrative alignment. It restores the link between soccer teams and school grades, ensuring that no player is "trapped" alone while their teammates go to High School or College.

2026-27 SEASONAL YEAR AGE GROUP CHART STARTING FALL 2026

5 POSITIVE BENEFITS WE CAN EXPECT FROM THE TRANSITION

The return to School-Year Age Groups is widely viewed as a "correction" that benefits the vast majority of youth players in the U.S. system. Here is a breakdown of why this change is a positive step for player development and family experience.


(1) Social & Emotional Alignment: It better aligns players with social connections through school.

  • The Benefit: In the U.S., a child’s social life typically revolves around their grade in school. The previous birth-year system split friends by an arbitrary January 1st cutoff.
  • Why it Matters: Especially at the recreational level, when players are on teams with their classmates, they feel a stronger sense of belonging. This social comfort leads to better retention (kids don't quit) and better team chemistry on the field. It simplifies life for parents, too, as school carpools and school schedules align more naturally.


(2) Better Development for Younger Players: It keeps kids playing small-sided games longer.

  • The Benefit: By shifting the calendar down, the "average" age of a team drops slightly (by about 6 months). This means players spend a bit more time in developmentally appropriate formats (4v4, 7v7, 9v9) before rushing to the full-sized 11v11 field.
  • Why it matters: Small-sided games are critical for skill acquisition. Players get more touches on the ball and have to make quicker decisions. Extending this phase—rather than rushing onto a massive field where athleticism dominates skill—is better for long-term technical growth.


(3) A Later Entry Into Advanced Pathways: It reduces the rush into high-pressure competitive environments early.

  • The Benefit: The shift to school-year age groups effectively lowers the average chronological age of a team by approximately six months. This structural change naturally "taps the brakes" on the youth soccer timeline, keeping the focus on development rather than destination.
  • Why it Matters: By slightly lowering the age profile of each group, we gain a valuable window to keep players engaged in local, socially driven environments for longer. This delays the onset of travel and higher financial commitments, allowing kids to prioritize fun and friendships. We know that extending this younger age "social play" phase is statistically one of the best ways to ensure happier players who stay in the game for the long haul.


(4) Solving the Trapped Player Problem: It removes the secondary season issue for U15 players.

  • The Benefit: This is arguably the most critical logistical fix. In the birth-year system, a U15 team was often a mix of 8th graders and 9th graders. The 9th graders left to play High School soccer, leaving the 8th graders "trapped" without a full team or a league to play in.
  • Why it Matters: The school-year system keeps the entire team together. 8th graders will typically play with 8th graders; 9th graders will typically play with 9th graders. The team stays intact, training continues uninterrupted, and 8th-grade families aren't forced to scramble for "orphan" teams.


(5) A Complete U19 Season: It fulfills the U18/U19 year with the same players.

  • The Benefit: Previously, the oldest age group (U19) was often decimated because the oldest birth-year players had already graduated high school and left for college, leaving the remaining high school seniors with a depleted roster.
  • Why it Matters: By aligning with the school year, the "U19" season matches the Senior Year of high school for most players. The team stays together for one final, cohesive season (often a critical recruiting year) before everyone graduates at the same time.

2026-27 AGE GROUP CHANGES: COMPREHENSIVE FAQ

AGE GROUP CHANGES: COMPEHENSIVE FAQ


(Section 1) The Basics (What & Why)

What exactly is changing? Starting in the Fall 2026 season, youth soccer age groups will be determined by a national School Year calendar (August 1-July 31). This replaces the current Birth Year Calendar Year system (January 1-December 31).


Is this decision unique to CRYSC? No. This is a nationwide mandate adopted by Colorado Soccer Association, U.S. Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, and AYSO. CRYSC is aligning with these national standards, just like other clubs in the state and across the country.


Why is this change happening? The national governing bodies identified three main benefits:

  1. School Alignment: More players will now play with their classmates and grade-level peers than in the previous system, improving social cohesion.
  2. Reducing the "Trapped Player" Issue: The new calendar significantly reduces the number of 8th graders left behind without a team when their older teammates move to High School soccer.
  3. Clearer Long-Term Pathways: Aligning age groups with graduating classes simplifies the college recruiting process, making it easier for scouts to evaluate players within their true academic peer group.


When does this officially start? The new age groups go into effect for the 2026-27 season (starting August 2026). The current Spring 2026 season remains completely unchanged.


My child was born between August 1 and December 31. What does this mean for them? Under the old system, these players were the youngest in their age group. Under the new School Year system, they will become the oldest in their age group. This often provides a leadership opportunity and a confidence boost.


My child was born between May 1 and July 31. What does this mean for them? Under the new system, these players shift from the middle to the youngest in their age group. While initially challenging, John O'Sullivan (Changing the Game Project) calls this the "Underdog Advantage." Because these players cannot rely on physical size to win, they are forced to develop superior technique, faster decision-making, and "grit" to compete. Long-term data shows that "youngers" who stick with it often surpass their older peers because they develop a higher Soccer IQ and cleaner skills out of necessity.


Will players be organized strictly by their school grade? No. Players will be organized by "School-Year Age Groups" (August 1-July 31), not by their specific academic grade.


Here is the difference: While the new system will naturally align most players with their classmates, "Grade Level" is an academic designation that varies from family to family (due to children starting school early or late, repeating a year, or varying state enrollment dates).


"School-Year Age Groups" use a strict national birthdate range (August 1 to July 31). This ensures a nationwide consistent, fair, and objective standard for safety and competition, regardless of a player’s individual academic path.


Why are teams organized by the August 1–July 31 date range rather than strictly by "Grade Level"? While the new age group system is often referred to as "School Year" because it aligns better with school grades than the calendar year, we will use the nationwide age groupings of August 1st to July 31st date range for safety and fairness.


We cannot organize strictly by "Grade" because grade levels are variable, whereas birth dates are factual. Organizing strictly by grade can create significant risks:

  • The Age Gap Risk: Because kids start school at different ages, are held back, or skip grades, a single grade level can include children whose ages span 2+ years.
  • Physical Safety: We already see significant physical differences within a standard 12-month age gap. If we were to widen that window to 24+ months (as seen in strict grade-based grouping), the physical disparity becomes dangerous. A "held-back" 13-year-old competing against a young 11-year-old in the same grade poses a real safety concern.
  • Developmental Fairness: When age gaps widen beyond 12 months, the disparity in talent and physical maturity widens considerably. Keeping the grouping within the August 1–July 31 window ensures players compete with and against peers of similar physiological, emotional, and social maturity.


What if my soccer age group is different from my actual school grade?

You will generally be placed in the age group determined by your birth date (August 1-July 31), but there is flexibility depending on your program level.

  • The Rule: We use the August 1-July 31 birth date ranges to form teams. This ensures fair competition and aligns with the new national standards.
  • The Exception (Playing Up): If a player is "young for their grade" (e.g., they are in 8th grade, but their birth date places them in the 7th-grade soccer group), they may be allowed to play up to stay with their classmates, provided they are developmentally ready.
  • For Recreational Players: We know that for our recreational program, the priority is fun, friendship, and playing with peers. If the new age group separates a recreational player from their classmates or friends, we are very open to "play up" requests to keep those social groups together. Please reach out to your Region's recreational director to discuss this.
  • Playing Down: Consistent with national rules, playing down at the Rising Rapids, Competitive, or National Platform level (playing in a younger age group than your birth date allows) is generally not permitted, even if a player is in a lower grade at school. If your player is a recreational player, please contact us directly to discuss playing down. 


Why was August 1st to July 31st selected as the age range? We know that Colorado schools typically follow an October 1st cutoff. However, after a detailed analysis by youth soccer governing bodies across the nation, the August 1st to July 31st range was selected because it captures the most players in the same grade nationwide. This ensures consistency for tournaments, leagues, and recruiting beyond our state borders.


Will my child repeat an age group? For players born August 1st to December 31st, they will generally repeat the same age group in 2026-27 that they did in 2025-26, unless they play up into an older age group.


Do large age group changes like this happen often? No. This change is a rare, structural shift designed to benefit the majority of players throughout the remainder of their youth soccer journey. We don't anticipate your child experiencing any additional age-group changes during their time in youth soccer.


(Section 2.A) Teams & Rosters (Recreational & In-House Programs)

Will my child’s current recreational team be broken up? Our goal is to keep friends together. Because we operate our own recreational leagues, we have the flexibility to prioritize social bonds over strict age cutoffs. If a team wishes to stay together, we will do everything within our power to make that happen. In fact, because the new system aligns with school grades, many teams may naturally fit better than they did before.


Can my child "play up" to stay with their current recreational team? Generally, yes. In Recreational soccer, playing up to stay with friends or classmates is generally permitted. If your child is younger than the rest of the team but wants to stay with their established friend group, we are happy to discuss that opportunity.


Can my child "play down" to stay with recreational friends? Every situation is unique, but we will provide additional flexibility in year one. This is a major benefit of running our own in-house leagues. Unlike state-run leagues, which have strict national rules against "playing down," we are empowered to make decisions that are in the best interest of the child. If your child is slightly older by birth date but is in the same school grade as their teammates, we generally allow one to two players per team to play "down" to remain with their classmates and friends.


If my child wants to join a new recreational team in their correct school-year age group, is that permitted? Yes, absolutely. While we are happy to work on keeping existing teams together, we fully support players who wish to move to a team that aligns with their new school-year age band. This is often a great way for players to meet more classmates and make new friends in their specific grade.


Can we bring our entire recreational team over from another club to stay together? Yes. We welcome full-team inquiries. We understand that team chemistry takes years to build, and we want to preserve that wherever possible.


Who will be my child’s recreational coach? Recreational teams are led by volunteer coaches, often parents. As we form teams for the upcoming 2026-27 year, we will identify volunteers from within those specific groups. Coaches are typically confirmed once registration closes and rosters are finalized for the season. We will work with each coach individually on the transition and support what is in the best interest of each team and player.


(Section 2.B) Teams & Rosters (Rising Rapids, Competitive, National Platform)

Will my child’s current team be broken up? Some teams may remain largely intact if the majority of players share the same school year age group. However, many older and advanced-level rosters will see changes. Our priority is not just "keeping a team together," but placing individual players in the environment where they will thrive socially and competitively.

Can't we just "grandfather" our current Rising Rapids, Competitive, or National Platform team so it stays together? Unfortunately, no. Because our teams compete in state and national leagues (CSA, ECNL, USYS, etc.), we must strictly adhere to the roster rules of those governing bodies. If we kept a roster "as is" based on birth year, we would be ineligible to compete against clubs following the new School Year mandate.


Can my child "play up" to stay with their current team? "Playing up" is permitted in specific cases based on developmental readiness and technical staff evaluation. However, it is not the default solution for keeping a roster together. Decisions are made player by player, not team by team.


Can my child "play down" to stay with friends? Generally, no. Colorado Soccer Association, US Club Soccer, and USYS rules are strict regarding playing down in age groups. Players must compete in their age-appropriate group (or a higher group), unless there are rare medical or specific organizational exceptions that require approval at the league level.


Who will be my child’s coach? Coaching assignments are determined by our Directors of Coaching to ensure the best fit for each team's developmental level. The specific coaching slate for the 2026–27 season will be announced prior to player placements in May 2026.


What is "Age Group Training" in March and April? Beginning in March 2026, CRYSC will introduce training for Rising Rapids, Competitive, and National Platform teams where players practice within their new school-year age groups.

  • Purpose: To help players meet potential new teammates and help coaches assess the pool of players in the new age bands.
  • Format: This replaces a standard team session. It is not a high-pressure tryout; it is an integration and identification opportunity.
  • U8-U14 boys and girls will start the week of March 1st, with the goal of one practice a week based on weather, field availability, and staffing. 
  • U15-U19 boys and girls will have 4-6 age group sessions throughout the spring. 


It is expected that all players will attend their assigned Age Group Training sessions, which will be added to PlayMetrics. Absences should be communicated through your team coach and PlayMetrics attendance tracking.


Will the March and April age group trainings be just for training, or are players being evaluated? Both. At CRYSC, internal player evaluations are a year-round process, but these specific sessions allow us to better understand how players fit within their new, broader peer groups, a necessity especially this year. While these trainings provide us with important insight, formal tryouts will still be held in May, aligning with the official tryout window for the Colorado Soccer Association and our other governing bodies.


My daughter is currently an 8th grader who is "trapped" in the U15 age group this spring. How do I get the information I need for the next season?

While most of these players will participate in the Spring season, we will send specific correspondence directly to families of female 8th graders in U15 to address their unique transition needs. The upcoming national shift to School-Year Age Groups is designed to permanently resolve this issue, ensuring your daughter is aligned with her classmates for a better experience moving forward.


(Section 3) The Transition Timeline (Spring & Summer 2026)

Does anything change for the Spring 2026 season? No. All teams, training schedules, and league plays remain on the current Birth Year system through the end of the Spring 2026 season.


When will we know our team for next year? Official player placement for Rising Rapids, Competitive, and National Platform decisions will be released in May 2026, following the standard tryout/placement timeline.


Recreational teams will be formed at the end of the Spring season and throughout the Summer in collaboration with current recreational coaches.


(Section 4) Competition & College Recruiting

How does this affect High School soccer eligibility? This change improves High School alignment. Previously, birth-year age groups often split a single team between 8th graders and High School Freshmen, causing the "trapped player" issue in the fall. The School Year system ensures that age groups align more closely with Freshman/Sophomore/Junior/Senior classes.


Will this hurt my child’s college recruiting process? No. In fact, it is expected to help. College coaches recruit by graduating class (e.g., "Class of 2028"). Aligning club soccer age groups with school grades makes it easier for scouts to evaluate players against their direct academic peers, streamlining the recruiting pathway.


Is there a missed season during the switch? No. Unlike the switch from school year to calendar year, players will not miss an age group or year of play. In fact, players born August 1 - December 31st will stay in their 2025-26 age group one more year in 2026-27.


(Section 5) Recreational Soccer

Does this apply to Recreational soccer, too? Yes, the age parameters will shift for Rec soccer as well, but with more flexibility through our in-house programming, players and teams shouldn’t experience much change. 


Will Recreational players be forced to switch teams? Generally, no. The Recreational program prioritizes social bonds and fun. While we’ll gradually grow into the new age charts, our rec staff will work diligently to keep friends and formed teams together wherever possible for our in-house programming.


Can Rec players request to play with classmates? Yes. Since the new age groups align better with school grades, requests to play with classmates will actually be easier to fulfill under the new system.


Can our current CRYSC recreational team request to stay together? Generally, yes, but it may require playing at a different level within our in-house recreational leagues. Please reach out to our staff for a broader conversation.


(Section 6) Logistics & Registration

Will I have to buy a new uniform? The change in age group itself does not mandate a uniform change. Uniform cycles are determined by CRYSC.


Will fees change because of this? Club fees are determined by operational costs (fields, referees, coaching staff), not age group definitions. We do not anticipate fee changes resulting from the age-group switch.

NAMING CONVENTIONS: THE SHIFT FROM "15U" TO "U15"

You may notice that in our future communications for the 2026-27 season, we are reverting to the traditional "U" prefix (e.g., U15) rather than the "U" suffix (e.g., 15U) that was used during the Birth Year era.


This is a deliberate change to help families distinguish between the two systems.


(1) The "Suffix" (15U) = Birth Year System (Used from 2016-Spring 2026)

  • Meaning: "15 and Under."
  • The Logic: This terminology was tied to the Calendar Year. It grouped players born in a specific year (January 1-December 31). It implied that players in this group would turn 15 at some point during that calendar year.


(2) The "Prefix" (U15) = School Year System (Returning in Fall 2026)

  • Meaning: "Under 15."
  • The Logic: This terminology is tied to the August 1st cutoff. It implies that the player is "Under 15" (i.e., 14 years old) when the "Soccer Year" begins on August 1st.


Why the Distinction Matters - The return to U15 (prefix) serves as a visual signal that we have returned to the American standard.

  • U18/U19 roughly correlates to 12th Grade (Senior) + Gap Year.
  • U17 roughly correlates to 11th Grade (Junior).
  • U16 roughly correlates to 10th Grade (Sophomore).
  • U15 roughly correlates to 9th Grade. (Freshman).
  • U14 roughly correlates to 8th Grade.
  • U13 roughly correlates to 7th Grade.
  • And so on…


(Team Naming) Understanding the Dual Year Convention

The Name: The team uses both calendar years for identification.

  • Example: For the Aug 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016 age band:
  • The two years are 2015 and 2016.
  • Team Name: '15/'16 Boys/Girls

THE NEW AGE GROUP MATRIX (2026-27 SEASON)

Use this chart to find your child's U-Level and Team Name.

Age Group 2026-27

Birth Date Range

New Year Age Group

U18/19

Aug 1, 2007 - July 31, 2009

'07/'08/'09

U17

Aug 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010

'09/'10

U16

Aug 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011

'10/'11

U15

Aug 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012

'11/'12

U14

Aug 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013

'12/'13

U13

Aug 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014

'13/'14

U12

Aug 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015

'14/'15

U11

Aug 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016

'15/'16

U10

Aug 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017

'16/'17

U9

Aug 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018

'17/'18

U8

Aug 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019

'18/'19

U7

Aug 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020

'19/'20

U6

Aug 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021

'20/'21

U5

Aug 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022

'21/'22

U4

Aug 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023

'22/'23

U3

Aug 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024

'23/'24

COMMUNICATION TIMELINE: WHEN YOU WILL HEAR FROM US

We are rolling out information in phases to ensure that our staff, coaches, and managers are fully equipped to support families before the broader program communications begin.


(Phase 1) Leadership Webinar

Hear directly from our leadership team about the age-group changes.


January

  • Rising Rapids, Competitive, and National Platform Parent Webinar: High-level overview and strategic vision for the age transition for prospective Rising Rapids, Competitive, and National Platform Families.
  • January 26th, 2026 from 7:00-7:50 PM
  • Hosted by Zac Crawford (Chief Technical Director), Danny Bills (Chief Sporting Director), and Steph House (Director of Operations)
  • Meeting Link
  • All Coach and Team Manager Webinar: High-level overview and strategic vision for the transition for all Recreational, Rising Rapids, Competitive, and National Platform coaches and team managers.
  • January 26th, 2026 from 8:00-8:50 PM
  • Hosted by Zac Crawford (Chief Technical Director), Danny Bills (Chief Sporting Director), and Steph House (Director of Operations)
  • Meeting Link
  • A virtual Recreational parent meeting will be held after the spring season kicks off.


(Phase 2) Regional Rollout

Region-specific details regarding local logistics, team formation, and coaching assignments.


Late-January to End-of-February

  • Rising Rapids, Competitive, and National Platform Manager and Treasurer Meetings: In-person or virtual meetings in each region to prepare coaches and team managers for the administrative transition.
  • Regional Communication: Directors will begin sending region-specific updates to current families to set the stage for the upcoming season.


(Phase 3) Program, Team, & Family Education

The comprehensive program and team-specific information campaign for all parents.


March, April, & May

  • Broad Parent and Volunteer Coach Communication Series: A mix of in-person and team meetings, virtual webinars, video explainers, and the launch of our new website.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? HERE IS HOW YOU GET HELP

We know that a change of this magnitude generates specific questions about your individual child. To ensure every family gets a timely and accurate answer, please follow the steps below.


Who to Contact?

If your question isn't in the FAQ, please direct it to the right person to ensure the fastest response.

If your question is about...

Contact...

"Will my child be with their friends and prior team?" (Recreational)

Your Regional Recreational Director. They have the flexibility to help with team formation.

"What happens to our competitive roster?" (Rising Rapids, Competitive, National Platform)

Your Director of Coaching (DoC). They manage the players, teams, and tryouts, and can discuss the transition plan.

"How do I register / Payment questions?"

The Club Admin.

"I am a Coach/Manager of a team at CRYSC with questions to help my team navigate the change."

The Regional Director of Coaching.

"I am a Coach/Manager of a team wanting to join CRYSC."

The Regional Director of Coaching.

How to Ask (The "Fast-Track" Template)

To help us help you, please use this template when emailing staff. This ensures we have all the necessary data to look up your player immediately.

  • Subject: 2026 Transition Inquiry - [Player Name] - [Current Team]
  • Body:
  • Player Name: [First Last]
  • Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
  • Current Spring 2026 Team: [e.g., 2012 Boys Burgundy]
  • School Grade: [Current Grade]
  • Question: [State your specific question or concern here...]


We are committed to responding to every email, but please allow 48-72 hours for a response during this busy planning phase.


While the calendar is changing, our commitment to your player remains exactly the same. We are genuinely excited about the developmental benefits this shift will bring to our programming and to your child’s experience. Thank you for your continued support as we work to build the best possible environment for youth soccer in Colorado. We look forward to seeing you on the fields.