Spring Youth Academy Schedule
U5/6 Start: March 4th
U5/6 End: April 27th
U7/8 Start: March 4th
U7/8 End: April 27th
YA Game Days: 3/9, 3/16, *3/23 (RRSC hosting), 3/30, *4/6 (RRSC hosting), 4/13, 4/20, and 4/27
* denotes Friendlies with other clubs – schedule may change on these dates
PROPOSED WEEKLY GAME SCHEDULE:
Saturday:
9am – U7
10am – U8
11am – U5/U6
Boys & Girls Coaching Director Info:
Director: Will Jones 505-301-5177 will.jones@riorapids.org
PROPOSED WEEKLY TRAINING SCHEDULE:
East Side (Arroyo Del Oso Park)
Tuesdays & Fridays (Tentative)
- U5: 4:45-5:30
- U6: 5:45-6:30
- U7: 4:45-5:40
- U8: 5:45-6:45
West Side (APS Soccer Complex)
Wednesdays (Tentative)
- U5-6: 4:45-5:30
- U7-8: 5:30-6:30
West Side (Ventana Basin Park)
Fridays (Tentative)
- U5-6: 4:45-5:30
- U7-8: 5:30-6:30
Youth Academy U5 & U6
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Professional Coaching Staff
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2 sessions per week
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Four bi-weekly Rio Rapids SC Play Days (Spring)
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8 week curriculum.
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Includes Rio Rapids SC training shirt and Adidas ball
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Need based scholarships available
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Two locations, Arroyo Del Oso Park (ADO) and Ventana Ranch Park
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Colorado Rapids Alliance Benefits
U-5-U6 Boys & Girls Coaching Directors Info:
Director: Will Jones 505-301-5177 will.jones@riorapids.org
Youth Academy U7 & U8
Spring 2019 Registration is for NEW players only!
If you registered in the Fall, it was for BOTH the Fall 2018 and the Spring 2019.
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Professional Coaching Staff
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2 sessions per week
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8 games in the Spring in true Academy format,
with guest clubs -
USYSA Club Pass access
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Includes Rio Rapids SC training shirt
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Need based scholarships available
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Two locations, Arroyo Del Oso Park (ADO) and Ventana Ranch Park
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Additional playing opportunities
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Colorado Rapids Alliance Benefits
U-5-U6 Boys & Girls Coaching Directors Info:
Director: Will Jones 505-301-5177 will.jones@riorapids.org
Rio Rapids Youth Academy Skills Videos
We will be posting weekly videos to challenge your players to master new skills. Videos will be posted on our YouTube channel. Encourage your child to watch the video and try what coaches can do! Take a video or picture of your child doing it and share it one our social media accounts (see below) using the hashtags #RioRapidsSC #RioRapidsYA and #RioSkillChallenge.
Youth Academy Overview
We are pleased to announce the hiring of Will Jones as the Rio Rapids Youth Academy Directors starting August 1st 2018. Will takes over from Joe Manley who is moving to Wisconsin at the end of July. Joe has been the YA Director for the last 2 years and did a great job of managing and growing the program. We wish Joe and his family well on their move.
Will has been around the game for 40 years as a player and coach (21 years). Will coached in Rio from 2006-2013 and recently has been living in CA. Will holds a USSF National D lic. Will also is a partner and founding member of RIo Grande Engineering focuses mainly on small to medium commercial and residential construction and development projects throughout New Mexico
“After living in Mission Beach, CA, the last couple of years I’m beyond excited to be moving back home to my friends and family in Albuquerque, including all my fellow club members at Rio, many of whom are some of my closest friends. I have a long association with Rio, which is without question, the “Flagship” of soccer organizations in New Mexico and I could not be more proud to wear the badge again!”
Boys U15-U19 Director Chris Hurst states: “We are delighted to be adding Will to our Director group. Will has been part of Youth Soccer in Albuquerque for many years in various roles. He has coached previously in Rio Rapids, helping develop some of our most talented players that have had come through our club. Will has started other Youth Academies in the city in the past from scratch, so with his knowledge in an already established program, we are excited for what the future holds for our youngest players”
Rio Rapids SC Youth Academy has built a strong reputation for developing 3-8 year old kids of all ability levels and graduating players to the competitive teams and programs of Rio Rapids SC. The Club aims to promote a healthy environment, which enables each player to fulfill his or her potential both on and off the field. Players, parents, and coaches should feel confident and comfortable that key areas of development—technical, tactical, academic, personal and social—are the primary concern in each and every decision the Club takes.
Youth Academy Structure
Every player can attend any two age-group training sessions each week. The Club will host themed “Play Days” for the U5s and U6s 4 times in the Fall and Spring. The Club is also transitioning to a true Academy format for U7s and U8s in which players will compete in 8 games in the Fall and Spring against developmentally appropriate competition. This will help to maximize each player’s technical, tactical, and social growth, and enjoyment of the game. Guest clubs will be brought in to compete with Rio Rapids SC in a structured game-day environment, aligned with USSF Game Standards and Policies.
Program Elements
- Eastside and Westside Locations
- Parent Education
- Professional Curriculum
- Professional Coaches
- Player Safety and Welfare
- Age and Gender Specific
Uniforms
- U7-8: white and burgundy jersey tops, black shorts, and black socks are REQUIRED. No one will be putting numbers on their jerseys.
- U5-6: jerseys, shorts, and socks are not required for training/play days, but available for those who would like to have them.
Rio Rapids Soccer Club now has their own Team Store on soccer.com to order uniforms and other awesome Rio gear! You can find the site here: http://www.soccer.com/playerpassnav/index.php?zid=21508908
U5-U8 Uniforms
Boys & Girls Coaching Director Info:
Director: Will Jones 505-301-5177 will.jones@riorapids.org
Youth Academy Photo Gallery
Parent Testimonials
The coaches were very patient with the kids and taught them so much.
Soccer School Parent
The students have fun learning and enjoy being on the soccer field.
Soccer School Parent
I like that the children are learning the right skills for their age, not just being thrown on a field and told to kick ‘that way.’
Soccer School Parent
The coaches all seemed to be happy to be at each session and really engaged with all the kids. The kids really seemed to bond with them and have fun the whole season.
Soccer School Parent
We love the way they are teaching the game of soccer.
Soccer School Parent
The coaching is great and the friendlies are a lot of fun.
Soccer School Parent
They really interacted well with the children. Took time to learn their names and their personalities.
Soccer School Parent
Our son grew to love the game.
Soccer School Parent
All coaches provide positive feedback to the boys and girls. All children are engaged, all activities are structured to keep all the kids involved and not waiting to participate. No time is wasted all the coaches are prepared with their lessons at practice.
Soccer School Parent
Coaches always redirect children what to do in different situations in soccer which helps child know what to do.
Soccer School Parent
The coaching. Everyone is approachable, kind, and genuinely seems to care about these kids.
Soccer School Parent
The coaches all know my son by name and are friendly, caring, and knowledgeable.
Soccer School Parent
Youth Academy ADO Field Map
