11U – 18U Recreational Program

The Recreational program in Skyline is designed to continue the long tradition of Skyline’s fun, community atmosphere that has made this program “The Heart of Denver Youth Soccer Since 1965”.
11U+ Recreational teams participate in Colorado Soccer Association (CSA) Recreational Leagues. All teams play nine versus nine (9v9) format with goalkeepers. 11U+ Recreational teams will play 7 – 8 games per season.
Each team will practice one-two times a week with their volunteer coach.
Games are played in a home/away format with opponents. Some travel outside of Denver and surrounding areas may be required for games.
Matches are refereed by certified referees at this age group. Assistant Referees are not guaranteed and in instances where there are no Assistant Referees, each team will be asked to provide a volunteer referee.
The spring season runs from March – May, and the fall season runs from August – October. During the summer and winter months, we do offer camps and clinics. For more information go to our Camps and Clinics page, found under More Programs in the menu above.

Skyline’s philosophy is: “To Teach, To Inspire, To Excel.” We strive to instill this philosophy in every player, at every level – regardless of their experience or age. To achieve this, we apply an age-appropriate training model as laid out by Skyline’s Player Development Plan. While players and coaches have objectives each season for player development, the main goals for the 11U-18U Recreation Program are as follows:

TECHNICAL: Players improve their ball control, ball striking, and ability to win 1v1 duels each season.
TACTICAL: Players improve their ability read the game in attack and defense each season.
PHYSICAL: Players improve their physical attributes such as speed, flexibility and endurance each season.
PSYCHOLOGICAL: Players improve their ability to work in a team environment, display respect for others (coaches, teammates, opponents, and referees), and learn life lessons each season.
OVERALL: Players enjoy playing the game of soccer that helps creates a life-long passion for soccer.

Social 70%

Communication, Cooperation and Respect

Technical 60%

Mechanics of Individual Skills

Psychological 50%

Motivation, Attitude and Self Confidence

Physical 50%

Endurance, Agility, Balance, Speed, and Strength

Tactical 30%

Choosing When, Why, What, and Where in Games

In the 11U-18U age group, we do our best to match players with their requests; however, it is not guaranteed that Skyline will be able to meet your requests. When you register, be sure to fill out the request fields so we can find a team that best fits you!

After players have registered, the Skyline staff will build out all of our teams. Here is some insight into the process:

Returning players have first priority to the team they were on previously but they must register prior to the registration deadline.
From there, we will begin rostering new players, according to player’s registration date and registration requests to teams that have space remaining.
If there are enough new players, Skyline will look to build new teams.
Skyline will work with newly formed teams to confirm a volunteer coach and practice locations/times/days.
In instances where there are not enough players in an age group to form a team, Skyline will seek team formations across age groups (e.g. a combined 11U/12U Boys team. In Skyline’s history of nearly 50 years, these teams have been extremely successful.

When you register be sure to fill out the request fields so we can find a team that best fits you! Always remember that we do offer refunds if we are unable to find a team that fits your family.

At the 11U-18U Recreational level, players should expect to play a minimum of 50% of each match. Exceptions may occur at the coach’s discretion for disciplinary reasons such as absenteeism, tardiness, or general behavior issues.
Players should expect to play all positions through the course of the season at the discretion of the coach. Playing different positions is vital to the development of the ‘complete player.’
We understand things come up in Recreational player’s schedule. Players who are unable to attend a practice or game are expected to let the coach know of these instances..
Players are expected to wear cleats and shin guards under their socks at all practices and games.
Players are expected to bring an inflated soccer ball and water to all practices and games. 11U/12U Recreational players use a size four (4) soccer ball, 13U and older Recreational players use a size five (5) soccer ball.

Parents are encouraged to support their player and team in a fashion that breeds a positive and respectful learning environment. As such, it is imperative that coaches are able to teach and instruct the players in games and at training. To best ensure a positive learning environment, parents should refrain from directional coaching on the sidelines while applauding positive plays and encouraging effort. After all, parents are best role models for our players: please respect our players, coaches, opponents, and referees.

Skyline’s focus at the Transitional Stage is individual player development during practices and games; not the results of the team.
The 11U – 18U Recreational program is solely volunteer coaching.
Teams train one to two times per week with their team led by their volunteer team coach.
At practice, volunteer coaches are to incorporate team activities while keeping the focus on individual development.
Volunteer coaches are in charge of game day functions.

Fall 2018 Dates

Registration closes on 7/31/2018
CSA Schedules post:TBD
Team training is TBD by your volunteer coach
First weekend of league games: 9/11/18
Bye Week: 10/5-10/6 2018
Last weekend of games: 11/10/18

Spring 2019 Dates

Registration closes on 1/21/2019
CSA Schedules post: 3/1/2019
Team training is determined by your volunteer coach’s request
First weekend of league games: 3/16/19
Bye Week: 3/23-3/24
Last weekend of games: 5/19/2019

Previous tab Next tab

Choose Your Program

Age Range
Practice Location
Practices
Game Location
Game Day
Coach
Team Size
Uniform
Ball Size

01/01/2005 -12/31/2008
Denver Area
1 - 2 Team Practices Per Week
Determined By Your Registration Requests
Denver Metro & Suburbs
Home games are played at Kennedy Soccer Complex, Cook Park, and Harvard Gulch.
Saturdays
One game each Saturday, games run approx. 90 minutes.
Volunteer Parent Coach
11-16 Players
Game Format: 11v11
Required
Ordered through SOCCER.COM, see UNIFORMS section below
Size (4) 11U/12U, size (5) 13U and older

01/01/2000 - 12/31/2004
Denver Area
1 - 2 Team Practices Per Week
Determined By Your Registration Requests
Denver Metro & Suburbs
Home games are played at Kennedy Soccer Complex, Cook Park, and Harvard Gulch.
Saturdays
One game each Saturday, games run approx. 90 minutes.
Volunteer Parent Coach
14-18 Players
Game Format: 11v11
Required
Ordered through SOCCER.COM, see UNIFORMS section below
Size (5) five for U15 - U19

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH PROGRAM TO SIGN-UP FOR?

When deciding whether to register your play for the recreational program or Select, the competitive program, please consider your player’s long-term interests. If you believe that your player is interested in playing with a higher level commitment under the direction of professional coaching then take a strong look at the Select program. If your player is interested in the fun, social aspect of soccer, the recreational program is more likely the right program for you. Either way, players are able to change programs during their soccer career (although players are not allowed to change programs during the season).

WHERE ARE GAMES PLAYED?

At the 11U – 18U Recreational level, games are played on a home/away format with other clubs. All home games will be held at Kennedy Soccer Complex or Hampden Heights Park. Away matches will be played at the home parks of the home club/team. Travel for games is required for and may include places such as Arvada, Aurora, Castle Rock, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Evergreen, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Westminster.

HOW DO WE KNOW IF A GAME OR PRACTICE HAS BEEN RAINED OUT?

For home games and practices, please check the Skyline Field Status on our homepage or call the weather line at 720.317.2882. During the week, the weather line is updated by 3:00p and by 7:30a on weekends. Do not check any other places for Skyline home fields. For away games, you will need to check with that club to find our their field status.

WE MISSED THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE, WHAT DO WE DO?

In cases that players are registering after the open registration deadline, players will be placed on teams based on availability.

ARE THERE ANY PROGRAMS IN THE SUMMER?

To check get more information about summer programs, please visit the Camps and Clinics webpage. Some teams participate in summer leagues or tournaments. These leagues and tournament are done outside of Skyline at an additional cost.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REC AND COMPETITIVE TEAMS?

There are three main differences:

1. Competitive team are formed through a tryout process.

2. Competitive has an elevated level of commitment financially and time wise.

3. Competitive teams are coached by professional coaches and typically practice 2 – 3 times per week.

CAN MY PLAYER PLAY UP?

At Skyline, we do have a few players who ‘play up.’ but these players are the exception. All players who play up need approval from the Director of Coaching. When determining whether a player is ready to play up, the player must be ready soccer-wise, physically, and socially.

HOW DO I KNOW WHO WILL BE COACHING EACH TEAM?

Skyline strives to announce coaching assignments as early as possible; however, timing of the announcement is dependent on when a volunteer coach is confirmed. In instances where a new team is formed or a coach has not been confirmed, Skyline will set the first team practice as a volunteer coach is searched for.

WHAT HAPPENED IF MY CHILD IS NOT PLACED ON A TEAM?

Skyline strives to place each registrant on a team. In the rare case that Skyline is unable to place your player on a team, a full refund will be given to the family.

ARE THERE ANY PROGRAMS IN THE WINTER?

To check get more information about winter programs, please visit the Camps and Clinics webpage. Some teams participate in summer leagues or tournaments. These leagues and tournament are done outside of Skyline at an additional cost.

Volunteer to Coach Your Child's Team

Learn More

Spring Registration Now Open