For the purpose of this article, the phrases “Colorado Rapids” and “the Rapids” refers to the MLS club. Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer club is referred to only as such or “CRYSC” for short.

Commerce City, Colo.- Colorado Rapids announced a change to their presence within the Colorado Soccer Association (CSA) on March 10. This included the MLS club ending their affiliation with Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club (CRYSC) at the end of their 2025-26 season. CRYSC, formerly Fusion, will rebrand as Colorado Storm over the summer.

This announcement was met with criticism and confusion across social media, mostly from fans of the first team that periodically keep up with the Rapids Development Academy. Burgundy Wave made some calls. Let’s talk about it and provide context.

Firstly, this is a change at the recreational youth level. We’re talking mostly 12-year-olds and younger. None of these changes affect the academy or its operation. The Rapids will still have academy teams and are very committed to youth development. None of their academy age groups are folding.

Over the last year, the Rapids hosted a handful of town halls with CSA stakeholders. In total, 17 clubs participated,...