Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club Appoints Zac Crawford as Chief Technical DirectorColorado 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
