Soccer continues to grow in the United States. Though it does not have the popularity here that it does in other areas of the world, there are promising developments. In Colorado, youth soccer has been steadily rising through the ranks.
The major question is, “How is youth soccer being developed in Colorado?” There are a few important areas of note, perhaps the most notable being the expansion of MLS NEXT clubs. Two of them will be based in Aurora, CO, helping to grow the game exponentially.
Since betting is now legal in Colorado and soccer is one of the most popular sports to wage on according to ClutchBet, how can the state improve the quality of its game?
MLS NEXT and the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club
The biggest impact may be from the announced expansion of MLS NEXT. The national youth soccer organization announced recently that it will be adding eight expansion clubs beginning with the 2024-25 season. Those clubs will range from U13 up to U19.
More importantly, two of those squads will belong to Colorado. The Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club will be getting U13 and U14 squads, both of which will be based in Aurora. The Club serves more than 12,000 players across Colorado and has provided more than $400,000 in scholarships to players each year. Those qualifications make it one of the largest standalone youth soccer clubs in the United States.
The club has several notable alumni, too. Darren Yapi has been with the Rapids’ first team since he was 16. Oliver Larraz was a finalist for MLS NEXT Pro MVP just a year ago and has started every single game for the first team this past year.
U.S. Soccer Development Academy
The Rapids Youth Soccer Club is important in the overall structure of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. It is one of the premier platforms through which the United States hopes to develop future players.
The Rapids are among the top 95 domestic youth soccer clubs in the country and will be joined by another 65 youth clubs that are going to be joining the MLS academies. That means 8,000 new players to be introduced to the program throughout the U.S. and Canada.
The program features year-round competition, initiatives to drive player identification, coaching education opportunities, and programming that help make it the premier player development organization.
Rapids Impact on Youth Soccer
Though there are other programs in the state (more on those below), the impact that the CRYSC has had cannot be understated. As it continues to grow, it opens up the possibility of enhanced development and exposure nationally for players from around the state.
Though the development of players is key, exposing them to higher levels of soccer is just as important. Players who hope to move into high school, college, and beyond need exposure as much as they do talent on the field.
Colorado Rush
Though the CRYSC is seen as the premier youth soccer club in Colorado, there are others of note. For instance, the Colorado Rush is a program that begins with players under 5 and goes all the way up to U16 boys’ and girls’ programs.
Just as importantly, Colorado Rush features recreational, competitive, and elite programs. Not all players are on the same level and having different tiers allows players to learn and develop while also having fun – the most important part.
The program features camps, elite youth academies, and competitive leagues. The program features experts from around the soccer world to promote the best possible learning experience, and there is even a tutor program to help bring players up to speed.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Colorado Rush is that it is competitively priced. Talented players who may not be able to afford other programs may find that they fit in with Colorado Rush.
Real Colorado Soccer
Part of the Colorado Gives organization, Real Colorado Soccer provides facilities, staff, education, management, leadership, and quality programs to developing youth soccer players. Real Colorado has a top 20 national ranking among youth soccer clubs and features a staff of qualified professional coaches.
Real Colorado also builds athletes to be better in the community and the classroom, encouraging players to be strong leaders on and off the pitch. With recreational program players developing into strong athletes, the results can be seen.
Real Colorado is a non-profit organization that works to not only develop players, coaches, and teams but grow the knowledge and love of soccer in the state.
The Future is Bright
Right now, the future is bright for Colorado youth soccer. With a litany of youth soccer clubs and programs to choose from, including a growing presence in MLS NEXT, there are more resources than ever before, and accessibility is at an unmatched level.
Meeting the developmental and educational needs of youth soccer players in the states is a continuing effort, but Colorado youth soccer programs are meeting that need.
