Our mission is to promote, develop, encourage and educate young players in soccer by providing an environment which fosters the enjoyment of the sport along with team spirit, sportsmanship, fair play and which affords all players the opportunity to reach their full potential.
To achieve our goal we shall endeavor to provide education, training and leadership to our volunteers as we strive to reach the highest standards in amateur sport within our community.
CRYSA…
“Where Development Happens”
Program Summaries
Community Programs
Discovery Program U4 - U5
Introduction to Soccer
The Discovery Program is designed to introduce children to the game of soccer in a fun, engaging, and rewarding environment.
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U4 & U5 Boys & Girls
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Saturday Mornings only
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U6 players may choose this program if they are new to soccer.
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During the Introduction to Soccer phase, children participate in a variety of age-appropriate activities that emphasize physical literacy, coordination, and creative ball touches. All sessions are led by a certified CRYSA Staff Coach. Parents are encouraged to participate alongside their child.
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The Discovery Program runs in two seasons: Fall (September–November) and Spring (April–June)
Community U6 - U9
Player & Coach Development Phase
The CRYSA Community Program introduces young players to the game in a fun, supportive environment focused on skill development and coach mentorship.
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U6/U7 Boys & Girls
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1 midweek practice
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Saturday morning games
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4v4 small-sided play (1 GK + 3 field players)
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U8/U9 Boys & Girls
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1 midweek practice
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Saturday games
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5v5 small-sided play (1 GK + 4 field players)
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Players train once per week in age-group sessions with no fixed teams.
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Training sessions are led by the CRYSA Technical Director and Support Staff, with guidance provided to parent volunteer coaches. No prior coaching or playing experience is required.
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Saturday game days are run by parent volunteer coaches, with CRYSA Support Staff on site to assist. Players are grouped into rotating mini teams in a fully prepared, game-ready environment—just show up and play.
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The Community Program runs in two seasons: Fall (September–November) and Spring (April–June)
Community U10 - U15
Small-Sided Team Phase
The Team Phase of the CRYSA Community Program provides a structured team environment focused on player development, teamwork, and continued coach support.
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U10/U11 Boys & U10-U12 Girls
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U13 Girls may choose to play in this division
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1 midweek practice
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Saturday games
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Game formats: 6v6 (1 GK + 5 field players) and 8v8 (1 GK + 7 field players)
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U12-U15 Boys & U13-U15 Girls
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1 midweek practice
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Saturday games
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Game format: 9v9 (1 GK + 8 field players)
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Players are placed on assigned teams at the start of the season and paired with a Parent volunteer Coach and Team Manager. Teams train once per week with support from the CRYSA Technical Director and Support Staff.
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Saturday games are scheduled against other Community Program teams and are led by parent volunteer coaches.
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If registration numbers are limited, age groups may be combined or a co-ed league may be formed to ensure a positive playing experience.
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The Community Program runs in two seasons: Fall (September–November) and Spring (April–June).
Winter Futsal - Indoor Soccer
U7 - U15
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Saturday games
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Game format: 4v4 (1 GK + 3 field players) & 5v5 (1 GK + 4 field players)
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This program provides a fun, inclusive environment for players who want to play small-sided games for the entire session, every session during the Winter months.
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Each session includes a brief warm-up followed by team play from start to finish. The Program is led by certified CRYSA Staff Coaches.
REP Program
River City FC - Development Team Phase
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U12 & U13 Boys & Girls
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2 midweek practices
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Sunday games
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Game format: 9v9 (1 GK + 8 field players)
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U11 Boys and Girls may be evaluated and selected for the Small-Sided Rep Program if deemed appropriate by the Technical Staff. Selections are made on a case-by-case basis.
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Selected players are identified through regular Community League play as well as end of season evaluations, then placed on teams prior to the start of the Rep Season. Each team is supported by a Certified Parent volunteer Coach and Team Manager, who serve as the primary points of contact for players and families.
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Roster and Training positions are offered based on evaluation results:
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Roster players train and compete with the team full-time
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Training players train with the team and may be invited to games if roster numbers are low
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Training players are expected to continue playing in the Community League to support game-based development
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Training players can be promoted to a Roster player at anytime during the Season
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All players train twice and play one - two games per week with their Certified Parent volunteer Coaches, supported by the CRYSA Technical Director and Support Staff.
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Games are played on Sundays (September–February) against other Rep teams in the Upper Island Soccer Association (UISA). Travel is required for away matches, which may include Comox, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Ladysmith, Parksville, and Powell River.
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If registration numbers or skill levels do not allow for a viable team, age groups may be combined to ensure a positive and developmentally appropriate experience.
River City FC - Competitive Team Phase
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U14 – U18 Boys & Girls
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2 midweek practices
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Sunday games
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Game format: 11v11 (1 GK + 10 field players)
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Selected players are identified through evaluations and placed on assigned teams at the beginning of the season. Each team is supported by a Certified Parent volunteer Coach and Team Manager, who serve as the primary points of contact for players and families.
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Roster and Training positions are offered based on evaluation results:
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Roster players train and compete with the team full-time
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Training players train with the team and may be invited to games if roster numbers are low
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Training players are expected to continue playing in the Community League to support game-based development
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Training players can be promoted to a Roster player at anytime during the Season
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Players may be asked to play out of age on a case-by-case basis, either for individual games (via permit) or for the full Rep season. All decisions are made by the Technical Director in collaboration with Team Coaches.
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All players train twice and play one game per week with their Certified Parent volunteer Coaches, supported by the CRYSA Technical Director and Support Staff.
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Games are played on Sundays (September–February) against other Rep teams in the Upper Island Soccer Association (UISA). Travel is required for away matches, which may include Comox, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Ladysmith, Parksville, and Powell River.
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All River City FC Rep teams will participate in Division 2 (B Cup) Playdowns following League play, with the goal of qualifying for Provincials in July. Rep players are expected to keep these dates available and attend Provincials if their team qualifies.
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If registration numbers or skill levels do not allow for a viable team, age groups may be combined to ensure a positive and developmentally appropriate experience.
REP Academy
REP Academy
U12 - U18
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The Rep Academy is offered during the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons to support the development of motivated U12–U18 players who currently compete at the Rep level and wish to supplement their training with an additional session each week.
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Registration is intended for players participating in the River City FC Rep Program. However, highly motivated Community-level players may be considered for acceptance with approval from the Technical Director.
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Players in the program are evaluated based on the 3 A’s: Attitude, Ability, and Attendance. Participants are expected to remain focused, engaged, and committed in all training sessions and match-day environments.
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All training sessions are led by the CRYSA Technical Director and current Rep Team Coaches, with a curriculum that emphasizes key areas of the game, including passing, movement, possession, finishing, and small-sided games.
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Select players may be offered opportunities to participate in exhibition series and tournaments as part of the Rep Academy experience.
Additional Programs
Keener's Program
U7 - U9
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The Keeners Academy is offered during the Fall, Winter and Spring Seasons to the U7 - U9 age groups. This is a fun, yet focused and dedicated training environment geared towards those players who want to improve their individual skills by training more.​
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Each session will focus on individual skills, physical literacy and a variety of Small Sided Games. All training is run by Certified CRYSA Staff Coaches.
Prep Program
U10 & U11
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PREP (Pre Rep Program) is offered during the Spring, Summer and Fall Seasons. This Program was created to help advance keen players in the U10 & U11 age groups.
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Only Players who are striving to play in the River City FC Rep Program should register for this dedicated, higher standards and expectations Program.
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Players in this program are graded on their 3 A’s… Attitude / Attendance / Ability and are expected to be focused and engaged in every training session and game day environment.
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All training sessions are run by the CRYSA Technical Director / CRYSA Support Staff and will focus on specific aspects of the game such as passing, movement, possession, positional play and conditioning.
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Opportunities to travel for Exhibition Series and Tournaments may be offered to players in Prep.
Striker - Goalie Program
U9 - U16
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The Striker/Goalie Program is offered during the Spring and Fall Seasons. The program is open to Rep and Community Level Players in U9 thru U16 who are wanting to improve their skills around the goal.​
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Each session focuses on the technique of striking the ball and scoring goals, OR diving and stopping shots, depending which Program is chosen. All training is run by Certified CRYSA Staff Coaches.
