News & Updates
Front Page News Spotlights from Previous Months
The Storm Shelter: A New Home for Player Development in Castle Rock
For years, Colorado Storm has continued to invest in environments that help players grow — not only as athletes, but as teammates, leaders, and members of the community. This summer, that commitment takes a major step forward. We are proud to officially introduce The Storm Shelter — a new year-round indoor futsal and development facility located in the heart of Castle Rock. More than just a building, The Storm Shelter represents a long-term investment in our players, families, coaches, and community. Designed to support development at every level of the game, the facility will create more opportunities for more players, more often. Built in Castle Rock. Built for Castle Rock. As our club continues to grow, one thing has remained clear: Castle Rock deserves a dedicated indoor space centered around player development and community connection. The Storm Shelter allows us to bring more training, programming, and opportunities directly into our own backyard. The new 22,000+ sq/ft facility will include: 3 futsal courts 1 mini court and dedicated training space Education and meeting room for 60+ players and coaches Staff office space Year-round training opportunities for players across all age groups Located at 158 Caprice Court, the facility creates a centralized hub for Colorado Storm programming while improving accessibility and consistency for families throughout the region. Why Futsal Matters Futsal has become an increasingly important part of player development at every level of the game. The fast-paced environment promotes creativity, decision-making, technical quality, and confidence in tight spaces — all critical elements in developing modern players. The Storm Shelter will allow Colorado Storm to expand futsal integration across the club while creating more opportunities for players to train consistently throughout the year, regardless of weather or field availability. The facility also opens doors for: Supplemental technical training Goalkeeper development Small group and position-specific training Coach education events Team-building opportunities Community programming and events Creating More Opportunities As participation in soccer continues to grow across Castle Rock and the surrounding communities, so does the need for quality training environments. The Storm Shelter was built with that future in mind. This investment allows Colorado Storm to increase access to programming, improve scheduling flexibility, and create a more connected club experience for players and families alike. It also provides a dedicated space where coaches can collaborate, educate, and continue building a developmental environment aligned across all age groups. For players, it means more touches on the ball, more opportunities to improve, and more consistency in their development journey. For families, it means more access to high-quality programming closer to home. For the community, it means continued investment in youth sports, leadership, and the long-term growth of soccer in Castle Rock. A Vision for the Future Colorado Storm Regional Technical Director Joe McNab sees The Storm Shelter as a major step forward for both player development and the overall member experience. “The Storm Shelter is about investing in Castle Rock and investing in our people. This facility gives us the opportunity to create more meaningful development experiences for our players while providing families with greater access to year-round training opportunities right here in our community. We believe environments matter, and this space will help us continue building a culture centered around growth, connection, and opportunity for every player who walks through the doors.” The vision for the facility extends beyond training sessions and futsal courts. The Storm Shelter is intended to become a place where players build confidence, coaches collaborate, teams connect, and the community gathers around the game. More Than a Facility The Storm Shelter represents the next chapter for Colorado Storm in Castle Rock. It reflects a commitment to continuing to raise standards, improve the player experience, and create opportunities that positively impact players and families for years to come. Most importantly, it reinforces what has always mattered most: creating an environment where players can show up, work hard, enjoy the game, and grow. More space to train. More opportunities to grow. More moments that matter. Right here in Castle Rock.
Storm Staff
May 27 2026
Storm Staff
May 27 2026
Storm Launches Pre-ECNL Platform in Colorado
Colorado Storm is proud to announce the launch of the Pre-ECNL platform in Colorado, marking a significant step forward in the development pathway for young players across the state. As a club, we have played a leading role in bringing the Pre-ECNL to Colorado. By working closely with league officials to help establish the platform, recruit top clubs, and build a high-level, sustainable environment for U10 through U12 players, this initiative represents a major milestone in elevating the youth soccer landscape in our region. What is Pre-ECNL? Pre-ECNL is the official developmental platform of the Elite Clubs National League. Designed specifically to prepare players at the U11 and U12 levels, with opportunities for U10s, for the demands of national-level competition, the league is built on a club-versus-club model. It emphasizes long-term player development, technical growth, and early tactical exposure, creating a direct and seamless pathway into the ECNL and the ECNL Regional League. The National Landscape: Explosive Growth and Elite Company Across the country, Pre-ECNL continues to expand rapidly. Following immense growth over the past two seasons, the 2025 and 2026 season features staggering participation. More than 300 clubs and 800 teams are competing in various Pre-ECNL Boys and Girls leagues nationwide. By joining the Pre-ECNL, Colorado Storm aligns itself with some of the most prestigious and competitive youth soccer clubs in the United States. Across the country, high-quality clubs are participating in Pre-ECNL leagues, with conferences spanning from Florida and Northern Cal to the Ohio Valley and New England. The Pre-ECNL Cup Circuit The Pre-ECNL offers young players an incredible opportunity to experience tournament-style competition, mirroring the national showcase formats of the older ECNL age groups. The ECNL recently announced the addition of five dedicated Pre-ECNL Cups for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, designed specifically to provide tournament-style competition for U10 through U12 players. This is in addition to the eight existing Pre-ECNL events incorporated into ECNL and ECNL Regional League showcases for older age groups. Teams in the Pre-ECNL have the opportunity to compete in premier regional events that include: Pre-ECNL Midwest Cup in Ohio Pre-ECNL Carolina Cup in North Carolina Pre-ECNL East Coast Cup in Virginia Pre-ECNL Northern Cal Cup in California These regional cups culminate in the highly anticipated Pre-ECNL Champions Cup, held in late Spring in Utah. This season-ending celebration invites cup winners and top teams from across America to compete for a national championship. The Colorado Conference: Setting the Standard The launch of the Pre-ECNL Colorado Conference brings with it elevated expectations both on and off the field. From structured competition formats to high-level game day environments, the league is built to mirror the professionalism and standards of the ECNL. We are thrilled to be testing our development against top local competition. Colorado Storm will be joined in the Pre-ECNL Colorado Conference by other high-quality clubs, including Arsenal Colorado, Pride Soccer Club, Colorado Edge, Colorado Rush, and Real Colorado. The Academy: Colorado Storm's Pre-ECNL Structure To fully support this platform and provide an unmatched opportunity, the Pre-ECNL will fit seamlessly into our new Academy structure starting in the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Instead of early promotions that can lead to downward movement and confusion, we are shifting to a model focused on upward mobility and absolute clarity. Our Pre-ECNL teams will be fielded exclusively through The Academy, which features: One Premier Team per Region: A highly selective environment featuring just one top team per age group for U11 and U12 Boys and Girls in each of our regions. Those regions are Elite, North, Central, and South. A Robust 40 Plus Game Calendar: The Academy provides a comprehensive playing schedule. This includes: Pre-ECNL League: 7 high-level matches against the top clubs in the Colorado Conference. Colorado Soccer Association: 18 games competing in strong regional CSA divisions to build tactical intelligence and consistent match fitness. Internal Club Festivals: 7 club-controlled festivals featuring a mix of 1v1, 3v3, 5v5, 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 formats. These festivals foster a highly competitive environment, cross-regional collaboration, and continuous player identification across the organization. Premier Tournaments: In addition to 1 to 3 national Pre-ECNL events, all Academy teams will compete in top local tournaments, including the Rapids Classic and the 5280 Friendlies, providing a great mix of local and national exposure. U10 Integration: Select U10 players will be observed directly in their regional environments and integrated into club-hosted festivals. This provides early exposure and a transparent, collaborative transition into the U11 and U12 Academy environment without the stress of first-time tryouts. From Leadership "We are thrilled to be part of the Pre-ECNL Colorado Conference! The ECNL has established a league for U11 and U12 boys and girls nationwide, featuring high game day standards against quality clubs. The Pre-ECNL Cups will take place throughout the year, culminating in the Champion Cup. As a club, we are dedicated to focusing on player development, coach education, and fostering a positive team culture to prepare our players for long term success." - Danny Bills, Chief Sporting Director Looking Ahead Colorado Storm is committed to continuing to lead from the front to help grow the Pre-ECNL platform, elevate standards across the state, and provide players with the best possible environment to develop, compete, and succeed. This is just the beginning.
Aaron Nagel
Mar 30 2026
Aaron Nagel
Mar 30 2026
Colorado Storm Uniform Reveal
Dear Families, As we continue the transition into the Colorado Storm era, we are excited to unveil our new match uniforms and training kits. A uniform is more than just apparel. It represents who we are, the standards we hold ourselves to, and the direction we are headed as a club. Our new kits reflect the identity and future of Colorado Storm — the intent behind our work and the destination we are building toward together. Simply put: when players look good, they feel confident. And when they feel confident, they perform at their best. At the same time, we recognize that uniforms are a real investment for families, and we want to acknowledge that openly. All of our competitive and national platform families purchased new kits last year. We understand that was a significant commitment. We also know that, outside of joining the club for the first time, our recreational families have not been asked to purchase new uniforms in more than a decade. That longevity reflects the value we try to provide our members whenever possible. Because of that, as we introduce the Colorado Storm uniforms, our priority has been to make this transition as easy and manageable as possible for returning families. Working alongside our partners at Adidas, UCHealth, and Soccer.com, and with a significant investment from the club itself, we have reduced the cost of the new kits across the organization. For our returning competitive and national platform players, the full match and training kit will cost between $50 and $95 when ordered in May. And for our returning recreational players, the cost will be $25-$30 for two jerseys, while continuing to wear last season's black shorts and socks. See below for more uniform details. We hope this reflects the combined effort of our partners and the club to offset a substantial portion of the transition costs so that families can move into the Colorado Storm era without unnecessary burden. Beyond the cost considerations, these uniforms represent the beginning of a new chapter for our players. When our teams take the field in these kits this fall, they will do so under one unified identity — representing Colorado Storm across every age group, team, and level of play. One club. One standard. One future. More details on ordering timelines and how discounts will be applied will be shared in April. Thank you, as always, for your continued support of this community and for trusting us with your players. Sincerely, Aaron Nagel , Executive Director
Storm Staff
Mar 12 2026
Storm Staff
Mar 12 2026
The Storm Has Arrived
Dear Colorado Storm Families, Today, we officially introduce the new Colorado Storm brand — a defining moment in the history of our club. This is not a new name for our community. It is a return to a name with a long history in Colorado youth soccer and one that reflects the future we are building together. Since 1967, Colorado Storm has represented a deep commitment to player development, strong coaching, and community connection. That legacy continues today with the same leadership, the same coaches, and the same dedication to serving our players and families. The new identity you see today was developed thoughtfully over time. From the crest and colors to the supporting marks and visual elements, each piece was designed to reflect who we are as a club and where we are headed. While the crest and colors are changing, the foundation of this club remains the same. Our purpose — supporting players, families, and coaches while building a strong soccer community — continues to guide everything we do. Thank you for believing in this club and for being part of its future. The Storm has arrived. With gratitude, Aaron Nagel , Executive Director
Storm Staff
Mar 11 2026
Storm Staff
Mar 11 2026
Welcome To Colorado Storm
Dear Families, Today marks an exciting moment in the history of our club. Beginning this fall, our organization will transition from competing as Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) and return to our historic Colorado Storm identity. For the past fourteen years, our club has proudly operated under the Rapids Youth name. During that time, our organization has grown into one of the most respected youth soccer organizations in the nation, serving thousands of families across the Front Range. The name reflected our partnership, but the strength of this club has always come from the community behind it. As our partnership with the Colorado Rapids concludes in May, both organizations remain committed to strengthening soccer across Colorado. We are grateful for the years of collaboration and the chapter that partnership represents in our club’s story. Now, we're excited to enter this next chapter, returning to an identity deeply rooted in Colorado youth soccer history, and the future we're building together: Colorado Storm. Colorado Storm is not a new name to our organization — it is a name connected to a long history of soccer in our community dating back to 1967. That legacy continues through the club our families know today — with the same leadership, the same coaches, and the same commitment to excellence. Our organization has always been built by people: families who place their trust in us, coaches who invest in players every day, and athletes who represent this community with pride. That will never change. The name is changing. The crest is changing. Our standards, our care, and our commitment to this community are not. This next chapter allows us to continue building something special together, with a clear identity and an even stronger vision for the future. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. The next era begins now. Aaron Nagel, Executive Director
Storm Staff
Mar 10 2026
Storm Staff
Mar 10 2026
August 2024 Coach Education
The summer months can typically be an off-season for players, but for coaches, we use this time to continue to learn and grow in our own craft. CRYSC used the summer months of June and July to connect with full-time staff and part-time/volunteer coaches through both formal educational licensing through U.S. Soccer and in-house coach development. CRYSC believes in providing educational experiences and opportunities for coaches and has built a pool of educators and coach developers that can help deliver on our coaches’ needs. Our club has the most licensed U.S. Soccer Coach Educators of any club in the country and can serve coaches interested in obtaining formal licensing through U.S. Soccer Grassroots, D, C, and B courses. In June and July, over 60 coaches obtained various Grassroots licenses in courses led by CRYSC Next Wave Director Kathryn Balogun and South Region RTD Miguel Rodrigues. CRYSC has two more Grassroots courses on the schedule for August in Castle Rock led by RTD Joe McNabb. Coaches who have earned their Grassroots licenses may be eligible for the upcoming D Course (focused on coaching 8U-12U players) that starts in late August (space still available). While formal licensing is just one avenue for development, there are other opportunities for coaches to engage in learning through club-hosted events. During the week of July 15-19, we hosted a Summer Symposium Series featuring some pilot tests of workshops featuring newly created club belief structures like the Stages of Development, the Key Qualities of a Self-Regulating player, and our club’s updated Style of Play (or Game Model). External experts Dr. Sara Campbell (Professor of Kinesiology and Sports Studies at the DU Graduate School of Sport Psychology) and Dr. Colin Barnes (Associate Head Coach at the University of North Carolina Wilmington) helped facilitate learning for our directors and coaches on several topics in both the classroom and on the field to observe players in action. Dr. Campbell helped lead sessions with North RTD Michael Balogun on the Key Qualities of a Self-Regulating Player, which coaches will use to help identify and develop players. Players will use them to self-reflect and identify personal goals. Dr. Barnes facilitated workshops alongside Chief Technical Director Zac Crawford on our CRYSC Attacking Game Model with a specific focus on observing principles during live play to begin the process of performance analysis. During these workshops, full-time staff was able to learn alongside some of our recreational and volunteer coaches as we were able to collect feedback on the experiences so that these workshops could be delivered to our regions this fall. CRYSC will take the learnings from this summer and will be providing regional workshops on the various topics mentioned above so please be on the lookout for opportunities to engage with your directors of coaching. Additionally, CRYSC will host a club-wide coach development session focusing on the role of the goalkeeper in today’s game. The modern goalkeeper is required to do more than just stopping shots and making saves. The modern goalkeeper is also expected to organize and communicate, as well as initiate the attack. Our Goalkeeping Symposium will feature Colorado Rapids 1st Team Assistant Coach and CRYSC Goalkeeping Director Chris Sharpe and the CRYSC Goalkeeping Directors. During this workshop, Chris Sharpe will offer an overview of our goalkeeping program and services; coaches will be able to interact and ask questions to create a deeper understanding of one of the country’s most unique goalkeeping programs for club soccer. During the on-field portion, our GK Directors will provide three different sessions: The Basics: an overview of the basic technical skills and movements of the GK, including footwork and basic handling (this is a great one for all coaches to understand some foundational concepts) Goalkeeper Training: an insight into what our GK staff does when training a pool of GKs Goalkeeper Coaching: a look at coaching the GK with the team setting The workshop will be hosted in September (dates TBD), led by the CRYSC GK Directors, and will start in the classroom before heading to the fields to observe players, identify our main principles, and discuss how they can be used to create ONE CLUB/ONE COMMUNITY.
National Premier Leagues 2024
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club welcomes the National Premier Leagues to its new home in Central, with additional teams in Fort Collins! Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) is delighted to announce that the Rapids Central region will be the new home for National Premier Leagues (NPL) 12U-19U (2013-2006) girls elite programming starting in fall 2024. This transition has also allowed the formation of two girls (2011, 2009) and two boys (2012, 2011) NPL teams in the Rapids Fort Collins region, expanding our NPL program’s reach across the Front Range. Initially launched in Rapids Castle Rock in 2023, the NPL platform is designed to elevate young athletes to their highest potential while providing a thrilling and competitive environment for soccer development. With a focus on player-centric growth, the NPL offers a pathway for talented youth players to showcase their skills on a national and regional stage. Partnering with top-tier clubs nationwide, the NPL provides opportunities for players to compete at the highest levels and pursue their soccer dreams. “Rapids Central is excited to welcome the National Premier Leagues (NPL) to our girls player pathway this fall. NPL’s vision of “adopting a players-first philosophy” aligns with our club and will provide new opportunities for our girl’s program to compete at higher levels.” – Caiman Stevens, CRYSC Central 11U-14U Girls Director of Coaching Founded in 2015, the NPL is a national competition platform created to elevate and change the competitive youth soccer landscape by extending developmental principles espoused by U.S. Soccer into more age groups and clubs, linking competition with player development and identification platforms, and providing meaningful weekly competition culminating in a national postseason. The move of NPL programming to the CRYSC Central region and the addition of limited teams in Fort Collins underscores our commitment to fostering excellence and providing our members with unparalleled opportunities for improvement and achievement across the entire club. We look forward to watching the NPL program grow in 2024 and further develop soccer talent in our community.
Ben Martisius
Apr 24 2024
Ben Martisius
Apr 24 2024
Anna Murphy, CSA Female Young Referee of the Year 2023
Congratulations to Rapids 07G NPL and Colorado referee Anna Murphy on being named CSA Female Young Referee of the Year in 2023! Anna Murphy’s soccer journey started with the Colorado Storm at the age of four. Twelve years later, currently on the Rapids 07G NPL team, Anna’s passion for the game shines through as a player and, most recently, as a referee. Anna began refereeing in August 2023 and credits her father for encouraging her to take on a new role within the sport. She has quickly excelled in her short time as a referee, officiating for CSA, MLS Next, and ECNL. For Anna, being a referee is more than just a job in soccer—it’s a way to give back to the game that has given her so much growing up. Anna’s commitment to excellence continues as she prepares to represent Colorado at the 2024 Far West Presidents Cup referee delegation in Utah. “Anna has made incredible strides as a referee since certifying less than a year ago. Her knowledge and passion for the game as a player are truly an advantage for her on the field as a referee. Her understanding of the technical and tactical aspects of the game has allowed her to grow by leaps and bounds as a referee in a short time.” – Deanna Duncan Allen, Director of Game Assignment / Referee Registration, Colorado Soccer Association “Anna exemplifies the best of what we look for in a referee. She is passionate about the game and relies on her playing experience to connect with players and coaches in conducting the games in a fair, fun and safe manner. Her grasp of the technical and tactical side of the game, along with a positive attitude, has given her the tools needed to bring credibility to her decisions and make her the incredible referee that she is. We are fortunate to have her in our Colorado Soccer family.” – Esse Baharmast, Director of Referees, Colorado Soccer Association Currently a junior at Lutheran High School, Anna has made immense strides as an official of the game and advocate for youth referees in Colorado. Her CSA Female Young Referee of the Year award is a reflection of that growth and inspiration for other young, aspiring local refs. Looking ahead, Anna plans to attend college to study science, play soccer, and nurture her passion and ability for refereeing. Her love for the game and the desire to contribute to its growth drive her forward, promising a future filled with academic success, athletic achievements, and continued contributions to soccer officiating. We can’t wait to follow Anna throughout her development as a referee and are so proud of her recent achievements!
Ben Martisius
Feb 09 2024
Ben Martisius
Feb 09 2024
Welcome Zac Crawford, Chief Technical Director
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club Appoints Zac Crawford as Chief Technical Director Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Zac Crawford as the new Chief Technical Director. Crawford is an energetic and passionate professional with over 20 years of experience in soccer as a player, coach, referee, educator, and technical director. Joining CRYSC from the U.S. Soccer Federation headquarters in Chicago, Crawford brings a wealth of experience at the grassroots and national levels to our club and the state of Colorado. During his six years at U.S. Soccer, Crawford served in various capacities, including Technical Development Manager, Coach Educator, and Strategic Projects Manager for Participation. There, he played a pivotal role in creating the U.S. Soccer Player Development Framework, a resource used at all U.S. Soccer course levels to enhance player-centered environments. Crawford also designed and led the development of educational pathways such as the Grassroots Pathway and the Educator Pathway. The impact of his work and innovation can be seen across our national player development systems and has directly contributed to the growth of soccer in the United States. “With over two decades in soccer, Zac is a dynamic leader and cultural architect. His role at the U.S. Soccer Federation showcases a commitment to excellence. As a passionate advocate for player-centered environments, he embodies our vision, ‘The Heart Behind the Crest.’ Zac’s unique blend of humble leadership and a focus on empowering education makes him the ideal candidate for the Chief Technical Director role at the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club—a catalyst for growth and a visionary shaping remarkable coaches for the future.” – Aaron Nagel, CRYSC Executive Director
Ben Martisius
Jan 18 2024
Ben Martisius
Jan 18 2024
Welcome Danny Bills, Chief of Soccer Operations
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club Appoints Danny Bills as Chief of Soccer Operations Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Danny Bills as the new Chief of Soccer Operations. With a distinguished coaching career and a commitment to Colorado soccer, Bills joins CRYSC with a proven track record of success and a desire to improve the club’s technical expertise at all levels. Bills has over 20 years of experience working in his home state of Colorado and holds a USSF National “A” License and NSCAA Advanced National Diploma. He has recently served as the Associate Technical Director for Real Colorado Soccer Club, where he led the 14U-19U MLS Next, ECNL, and ECNL-RL programs. During his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, overseeing daily operations, managing budgets, fundraising, recruiting, and supporting coaches to ensure program success. His accomplishments include establishing and nurturing key relationships with local clubs, the Rapids Academy, ECNL clubs, MLS Next, USLA, USL2, USLW, ECNL, MPL, USA Scouts, Rapids 2, Switchbacks, and Hailstorm. Bills has played a pivotal role in building the USLA and ECNL Mountain Division and has held positions like MLS Next Conference Chairman while being an active member of the MLS Next Executive Committee from 2020 to 2023. “We are absolutely thrilled that Danny has chosen CRYSC as his next career step. His track record of success, combined with his unwavering dedication to Colorado soccer, brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field. With Danny on board, we are confident in the significant impact his leadership and passion for Colorado soccer will have on driving the continued success and growth of CRYSC.” – Aaron Nagel, CRYSC Executive Director
Ben Martisius
Jan 08 2024
Ben Martisius
Jan 08 2024
Mile High Soccer Symposium 2026
The first Mile High Soccer Symposium is officially in the books. Over three days (June 26-28) at Regis University, coaches from across Colorado and beyond came together to learn, connect, and challenge one another alongside some of the most respected minds in the game. While the symposium featured world-class presenters from youth, collegiate, professional, and international soccer, the greatest takeaway wasn't a single presentation—it was the community that was created. Coaches shared meals together. They debated ideas between sessions. They analyzed FIFA World Cup matches. They watched elite coaches bring ideas to life on the field. They built relationships that will continue long after the weekend ended. That was always the vision. The symposium wasn't designed to be another coaching conference. It was designed to become an annual gathering where coaches invest in themselves so they can create better environments for the players they serve. Throughout the weekend, one message continued to emerge: Better coaches create better learning environments. Better learning environments help develop better players while ensuring kids continue to love the game.
Colorado Storm Health & Performance Update
As we get into the swing of summer soccer, many players are eager to jump into camps, tournaments, and other sports. While staying active is important, the off-season is also a critical time for recovery, growth, and injury prevention. Why the Off-Season Matters Young athletes often play soccer year-round, which can increase the risk of overuse injuries such as knee pain, heel pain (Sever's disease), shin splints, and stress injuries. The off-season provides an opportunity for the body to recover, rebuild strength, and prepare for the next season. Three Keys to a Healthy Summer Rest and Recover: Sports medicine experts recommend that youth athletes take breaks from organized soccer throughout the year. A few weeks with reduced soccer-specific activity allows growing bones, muscles, and tendons to recover from repetitive stress. Players don't need to be inactive—swimming, biking, hiking, and recreational play are excellent alternatives that keep kids moving while giving soccer-specific muscles a break. Build Strength and Stability: Summer is the ideal time to improve athleticism. Focus on: Bodyweight squats and lunges Core strengthening exercises Balance training Jumping and landing mechanics Hip and glute strengthening Improved strength helps reduce the risk of ACL injuries and other common soccer-related injuries. Stay Hydrated in Colorado's Climate: Colorado's dry air and higher elevation can increase fluid loss, even when temperatures feel comfortable. Hydration tips: Drink water throughout the day, not just during physical activity. Begin activities well-hydrated. Take regular water breaks during outdoor play. Watch for signs of dehydration, including headache, dizziness, fatigue, or muscle cramps. Watch for Growth Spurts Summer is a common time for rapid growth in young athletes. Parents should monitor for: Persistent heel pain Knee pain below the kneecap Increased muscle tightness Changes in coordination These can be normal during growth spurts, but should be evaluated if symptoms persist or interfere with activity. Summer Challenge Players can improve their soccer performance by aiming for: 60 minutes of physical activity daily 8–10 hours of sleep each night Strength training 2–3 times per week At least one full rest day each week A balanced summer helps athletes return healthier, stronger, and more prepared for the fall season. Remember: The best players aren't always the ones who train the most—they're often the ones who recover the best. Have a safe, active, and healthy Colorado summer!
Julie Graves
Jun 29 2026
Julie Graves
Jun 29 2026
Max Baker Named May 2026 UCHealth Player of the Month!
Max is a goalkeeper for our U18/U19B ECNL team, where his teammates and coaches know him to be competitive, friendly, and a positive influence. Max enjoys the high level of play, the access to great facilities, and being surrounded by players who want the best out of their youth soccer career and whatever may lie ahead. At school, Max is proud of his 3.8 GPA and has found a passion for psychology this year where he conducted an independent study about ‘What makes an elite athlete “elite”’? This June, Max will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge his achievements. We spoke with Max to learn a bit more about him. Check out the full interview below!
Ben Martisius
May 29 2026
Ben Martisius
May 29 2026
