Black Hills Rapids Soccer Club

Pre-Select Program

U8 through U10 (2016 - 2014)

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 are ready for the competitive Select program. It is extremely important that these players 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. Coach Bill Schaefer will oversee the development of all the Pre-Select teams. Two days a week he will lead station type training where the players will rotate through different stations each planned by Bill 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 Program

U11 through U19 ( 2013 - 2005)

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 each of our programs, we are striving to create environments and experiences that players are seeking.