Welcome to Rapids Elite

About Rapids Elite

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club Elite programs consist of the Boys and Girls Elite Club National League (ECNL), Rapids Pre-Elite U11/U12, Futsal, and United Soccer League – Women’s (USL-W).

The goal of each of these programs is to provide an environment that is player-focused, provides a high level of competition, and helps prepare them for the next step in the player pathway.

The player pathway can look very different depending on the player, however, it is our goal to assist and provide an environment that allows each player to achieve whatever that next step may be for them — whether this is playing in college, playing professionally, or simply playing for the love of the game.

Our Rapids Elite players practice and play games at our Elite Performance Center at Regis University, which includes two turf fields, a grass field, and a dedicated futsal facility.

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The Process

Participation in the CRYSC Elite Program(s) is invite only. Evaluating players for our elite teams is an ongoing, year-long process. Current CRYSC players are constantly being evaluated and placed on a team appropriate to their development. We also scout league games, host local and regional evaluation sessions, watch high school games and bring players in to train with our current teams.

Prior to each elite program’s season start, we hold kickarounds. These are generally held in April and May ahead of the following season. These are made up of current elite team players and others who have been invited by Elite Program staff. Contact our Elite Programming Staff with any further inquiries and to find out about kickaround dates. Or simply complete the Interest Form on the specific program page: Boys ECNL, Girls ECNL, Elite Futsal, or Pre-Elite 11s/12s.

Rapids Player Pathway:

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College Placement Program (CPP)

The Colorado Rapids College Placement Program (CPP) assists players and their families with the college athletics recruiting process. The CPP will foster and develop relationships with university and college programs to create a consistent avenue for our players to achieve their goals of attending college and playing soccer. Because many of our elite level players will choose to continue their career onto the college level, our College Placement Director will help navigate the college selection process through online resource guides, quarterly workshops, ACT/SAT test prep program and assisting with Sports Recruits.

Uniforms

Rapids Youth Soccer partners with Soccer.com for all uniform needs. Elite players will receive an email from Soccer.com with a link to order the uniform at the beginning of each season. Our Elite uniforms operate on a two-year cycle.

It is important to note that uniforms are NOT included in registration costs.

The Rapids Youth Soccer Elite kit includes two match jerseys, two match shorts, two pairs of socks, training shirt, training shorts, training socks, training jacket, training pants and a backpack.

On your personalized ordering page it will show your name and jersey number. Right above your name are three tabs; Uniform Kit, Recommended and Fan Wear. Nothing under the Fan Wear tab is part of the uniform kit, they are extra items.

For instructions on how to order uniforms, please visit the CRYSC uniform page.

Comp kit

Elite Refund Policy

Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club Elite programming follows a strict no-refund policy. Once you and your player accept an invitation for a Rapids Pre-Elite 11U/12U, ECNL, MLS Next, EDS, or Futsal team, and make a payment, all registrations are non-refundable. The refund policy is in place for a reason. It allows us to budget appropriately and provides coaches, facilities, administration, and additional resources that are necessary to run a non-profit youth sports organization.

The club may, however, in its sole discretion, consider refund requests under the following: (1) a player moves more than 50 miles from a Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club region prior to the start of the season, (2) a player becomes injured or ill and can no longer participate in the season, or (3) any other exigent circumstances the club deems necessary or appropriate. Please note that in order for refund requests to be considered due to injury, such requests must be made within two weeks of the player’s injury/illness and must include a physician’s note for verification. No refunds will be provided for any reason after the third scheduled game of the season. All refunds, if granted, are subject to a processing fee.

Any travel expenses, including plane tickets, transportation, accommodations, coaches’ travel expenses, and coaches’ per diems purchased for team travel are non-refundable.

Elite Program Staff Members

Staff Member

Title

Contact

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Mark Harrison

Elite Boys Director

[email protected]
720-213-8363

No

Mark Harrison

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Elite Boys Director

Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, Mark brings over a decade of experience in leadership and player development. Most recently, he served as MLS NEXT Director and Boys ECNL Director with ALBION Colorado. With more than 10 years along the Front Range, Mark has established deep connections within the Colorado soccer community and a proven track record of developing players and coaches. His leadership roles with ALBION Colorado, Boulder County United, FC Boulder, and Trebol Soccer Club helped shape long-term player development pathways across multiple levels of the game. Mark holds a Master’s Degree in Sports Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Exercise Science from Cumberland University, where he excelled as a student-athlete, earning multiple All-Conference and Academic All-Conference honors. He also holds a USSF A-License, serves as a USSF B Course Educator, and brings an international perspective through Scottish FA Youth Badges 1–4.

Habla Español?: No

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Brandon Patterson

Pre-Elite Boys Coordinator

[email protected]
720-213-6576

No

Brandon Patterson

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Pre-Elite Boys Coordinator

Originally from Austin, Texas, Brandon played and graduated from Harding University, where he also spent a year serving as a graduate assistant. From 2017 to 2021, he worked with FC Dallas Central Arkansas, coaching boys and girls at the grassroots level while completing his college studies. In 2022, he moved to Colorado and began working in the Rapid's South region before transitioning into the Pre-Elite program, where he has spent the last two years on the boys’ side. Brandon currently holds his USSF B License.

Habla Español?: No

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Brittain Rademacher

Pre-Elite Girls Director & Elite Girls Goalkeeping Director

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Brittain Rademacher

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Pre-Elite Girls Director & Elite Girls Goalkeeping Director

Originally from Upstate New York, Britt played at East Stroudsburg University and in the WPSL before starting her coaching career with the New York Red Bulls. She went on to lead goalkeeping and assist at Montverde Academy, winning two Florida State Championships, and served as Goalkeeping Director at Houston Dash Girls Academy from 2021–2023. Britt has also coached at the WPSL and USLW levels, including with the Colorado Rapids Women (2023) and currently with the Colorado Storm USLW team.

Phone:

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Travis Goodkind

Associate Regional Manager & USL Admin - Elite

[email protected]
720.213.6631

No

Travis Goodkind

Goodkind

Associate Regional Manager & USL Admin - Elite

Travis Goodkind joins Rapids Central from Missoula, MT where he was the founder and director of Montana’s fastest growing youth soccer club. During his tenure, he negotiated a 5-year affiliate licensing contract and the largest NIL team deal in women’s college athletics with the University of Montana. He also completed an NPL league affiliation, becoming only the second club ever from Montana to join a national platform. Travis grew up in Burlington, VT and played competitive soccer all over the northeast and Canada, attending USYS Eastern Regionals and ODP Region 1 camp numerous times. An All-Region selection in high school and All-Conference in college, Travis continues to play every chance he can. Travis holds a D License and over 25 years of coaching experience in addition to a Masters Degree in Business Administration. In his free time you can find Travis playing soccer and exploring the mountains and rivers of Colorado with his wife and their three young children (who all play soccer).

Habla Español?: No

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Roxy Kamal

Associate Elite Futsal Director & Administrator

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Roxy Kamal

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Associate Elite Futsal Director & Administrator

As a four-year scholarship athlete at San Jose State University, Roxy not only showcased her prowess on the field but also demonstrated leadership qualities as a two-year captain. Her remarkable contributions led her team to a WAC Championship in 2009, laying the foundation for a successful career in soccer. Roxy’s impact extends beyond traditional soccer, as she excelled in futsal as well. Playing for two local futsal clubs in the Bay Area, she achieved multiple Regional and National titles, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier futsal player. Her dedication to the sport reached international heights, representing the U.S. Futsal Women’s National team in prestigious events, including the AMF World Cup in Colombia (2013), the Pacific Cup in Australia (2014), and the Women’s Futsal Cup in Spain (2015). Before joining CRYSC, her leadership extended to technical director and director of coaching roles in several Bay Area soccer clubs, demonstrating her ability to guide and inspire coaches at various levels. In 2014, Roxy took the entrepreneurial leap, establishing her own Futsal club – Gamer Futsal School, where she continues to shape the future of futsal talent. For the past six years, Roxy has served as the head coach of the U.S. Futsal Women’s National team, steering the team to notable victories, including a Pacific Cup Championship in 2016 and an IFA Women’s World Cup Championship in 2017. Currently holding a U.S. Soccer “B” License and possessing a Master’s in Sport Management, Roxy’s commitment to coaching excellence is evident. Now, as a mentor for Next Wave, Roxy Kamal brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a proven track record of success. Her passion for developing coaches and players alike, coupled with her dedication to the growth of the sport, makes Roxy an invaluable asset to the Next Wave coaching community. Join us in welcoming Coach Roxy Kamal, whose mentorship will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of women coaches to reach new heights in their coaching journeys.

Phone:

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Joe Nasco

Director of Goalkeeping - Central & Boys Elite

[email protected]
720.336.0309

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Joe Nasco

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Director of Goalkeeping - Central & Boys Elite

Joe Nasco is the new Central Region Director of Goalkeeping for the Club. He has vast experience in goalkeeping at all levels, from Club to Pro. Joe brings his experience playing Professionally, his passion for the sport and his ambition to help develop our young athletes. We are very excited he will be joining our Club and look forward to seeing what the future holds. During his 5-year professional playing career, Joe played for our very own Colorado Rapids. In 2014 he set an MLS record! He is the proud owner of the Fasted Red Card in MLS history, with a speedy time of 34 seconds into the match. Joe has expressed that he will NOT be teaching this technique of goalkeeping to our athletes.

Habla Español?: No

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Katie Johnson

Pre-Elite & Elite Camps Administrator

[email protected]
720.295.0751

No

Katie Johnson

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Pre-Elite & Elite Camps Administrator

Originally from Park City, Utah, Katie was a competitive soccer player herself for many years. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Texas A&M University and went on to teach high school mathematics and become department chair. She lived abroad in Australia, where she met her now husband, before landing in Colorado in 2009. Most recently, she has been developing Calculus curricula to support teacher efficacy. She has several years of history and involvement with the Rapids community as a coach for her own two children at Rapids, Team Manager, Team Treasurer and volunteering for various team opportunities. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, travel, camping, quilting, and seeking out new local restaurants. She is passionate about fostering growth for students and athletes alike and is dedicated to promoting the core values of CRYSC.

Habla Español?: No

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Anthony Presnell

Director of College Placement Program (CPP)

[email protected]
719.357.9137

No

Anthony Presnell

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Director of College Placement Program (CPP)

Anthony joined The Rapids in 2018. Prior to joining the club Anthony served as the Men’s Assistant Coach at Regis University where he was a part of multiple NCAA national tournaments appearances and was nominated as the National Assistant Coach of the Year in 2014. Along with his 10+ years of college coaching experience Anthony has worked with various clubs in Colorado and Arizona, Region IV ODP, Colorado ODP, Arizona ODP as well as time spent as a Boys High School Coach where he was the 3x Coach of the Year. He currently holds the USSF National “A” License, various USC Diplomas and is pursuing the U.S Soccer National Scouting License. Anthony resides in Denver, CO with his wife Meghan and their two boston terriers, Tusox and Pierre.

Habla Español?: No

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Michael Balogun

Girls ECNL Director

[email protected]
720.432.8109

No

Michael Balogun

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Girls ECNL Director

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Michael moved to Houston with his family at a young age. While playing for local club Houstonians, Michael moved through the Olympic Development Program (ODP) ranks, earning the opportunity to represent the United States at the U17 National Team level. He spent two years in the Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida. Michael attended the University of Akron and was part of the Zips NCAA D1 National Champions in 2010. Moving straight into coaching after Akron, Michael worked with various elite teams in some of the top clubs around the Houston area. Soccer roots run deep in the Balogun household, as both Michael and his wife are coaches.

Habla Español?: No

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Daniel Agnew

Elite Technical Director

[email protected]
719.401.0470

No

Daniel Agnew

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Elite Technical Director

Originally from Northern Ireland, Daniel's playing experience started with Ballymena United Football Club within the Northern Ireland Football League's (NIFL) professional development phase before moving to Ashford University, a nationally ranked men's soccer program in Iowa. Daniel has worked from grassroots to elite youth, holding numerous roles throughout his eight years with the Colorado Rapids, spanning four Regions of the Youth Club and the Major League Soccer (MLS) Academy. He plays an integral role in identifying and developing the best young players in the State of Colorado for a seamless transition to play at the next level, both regionally and on the national stage. A lifelong student and true soccer enthusiast, Daniel's dedication to education on and off the field is reflected in his master's degree and continued professional development across multiple governing bodies, including UEFA and USSF. He was selected in the 2023-24 class of the United Soccer Coaches 30-under-30 program, an education and mentorship opportunity designed to support up-and-coming members of the coaching profession who are 30 years of age or younger, leading the way in developing soccer players and enhancing the game.

Habla Español?: No

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Jen Metz

Elite Programming Administrator

[email protected]
719.357.9747

No

Jen  Metz

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Elite Programming Administrator

Jen is a Colorado native who grew up playing soccer. She graduated from Colorado State University with a BS in Business. She has worked in youth soccer for eight years and has been with CRYSC since 2019, primarily as an administrator. Since 2020 Jen has also served as the conference delegate for the Mountain Conference of the WPSL League, which the Colorado Rapids Women are part of. In 2021 the Colorado Rapids Women were crowned Mountain Conference champions and were also awarded with Franchise of the Year honors. She enjoys getting to work with such a great group of directors and coaches and for having the opportunity to create a positive experience for our members!

Habla Español?: No

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Jeff Oleck

Elite Regional Manager & Director of International Travel

[email protected]
303.834.7328

No

Jeff  Oleck

Jeff oleck 1

Elite Regional Manager & Director of International Travel

Jeff Oleck has been with Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club since 2016. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, the majority of his coaching development took place on the college side of the game at schools such as Northwestern University, Valparaiso University, and Wabash College. While involved in the college game, he also served youth programs as a coaching/goalkeeping director at Team Evanston, NWI United, Dynamo FC, and Indiana ODP. His passion for coaching comes from a desire to help each player find themselves, both on and off the field, and use soccer as a vehicle to enhance life experiences and personal growth. Oleck graduated from Valparaiso University in 2006 with a B.A. in Biology with a Business Administration minor. He also earned a M.S. in Sports Administration from Valparaiso University in 2011. He holds the USSF National “A” License and the USC Advanced National Goalkeeper Diploma.

Habla Español?: No

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Rommy Ferreira

Elite Director of Futsal

[email protected]
303.720.6827

Rommy  Ferreira

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Elite Director of Futsal

Rommy Ferreira’s love for the game goes back many years when he started playing as a young boy in Brazil. At the age of 17 Rommy graduated from Sport Club Recife Futsal academy. He the pursued his professional career in Brazil and Europe. After a knee injury, Rommy turned his love and passion for the game into a successful and extensive coaching career in the US. Rommy moved to the United States in 2008, Starting in New York City, he then moved to Connecticut working with the elite Everson Futsal Academy as Futsal Director until 2017. Following new opportunities, He moved to Boca Raton Florida, joining The Joga Bonito Futsal Academy. Rommy married his Wife Bridget in 2014 and together they have an almost two year old little boy, McKinnon James, along with a wild mostly crazy pup, Benny.

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