Colorado Rapids Academy

About the Club

The Colorado Rapids Academy is an elite youth soccer development program based in Colorado, operating as part of the Major League Soccer club, Colorado Rapids. The Colorado Rapids Soccer Club was established on October 17, 1995, with the Academy launching in the spring of 2007 as part of MLS's Homegrown Player Initiative. The Academy serves players across various age groups, including U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16/17, and U-18/19. It is a fully funded program, covering administrative, coaching, facilities, equipment, and travel costs for its teams. A key distinguishing feature is its direct pathway for youth players to progress through the Academy levels to potentially sign professional Homegrown Player contracts with the Rapids First Team. The Academy's teams train and play their home games at DICK's Sporting Goods Park, a world-class sports complex. The program emphasizes player development from an early age and offers additional support through a Futures Program for skill development and a College Center program for collegiate soccer aspirations. The Colorado Rapids Academy currently competes in MLS NEXT, an elite youth development platform established by Major League Soccer.