Black Hills Rapids Soccer Club

Pre-Select Program

U8 through U10 (2017 - 2015)

These teams will train following the Rapids technical curriculum in academy-style groups and will be coached by one of the Black Hills Rapids professional licensed coaches. These age groups will be focused on technical training (player plus ball) as they start and progress into player plus ball while adding pressure and some basic decision-making challenges. By the end of the U10 year, the players should meet the technical benchmarks, be able to compete in small-sided games, and be ready for the competitive Select program. These players must grow and build their confidence in a fun, safe environment where they are heavily praised for trying and failing is OK. 

The U08 through U10 teams will train three times a week during the fall and spring and as space is available in the winter.  Two days a week, coaches will lead station-type training where the players will rotate through different stations, each planned by the Pre-select Director and led by one of the coaches. Once a week the teams will train with their Head Coach and team. The Pre-Select teams will compete in 3-5 outdoor tournaments a year, 3-4 indoor tournaments, and play in an in-house league. 

Select/NPL Program

U11 through U19 ( 2014 - 2006)

We may have more than two teams in an age group – creating Burgundy, White, Onyx, or Blue levels, for example. There will be some movement in these groups for developmental purposes, to create group and club pride, and to challenge players in different environments as they may improve or, conversely, move toward other interests or recover from injuries. As with our programs, we strive to create environments and experiences that players seek.