News
Looking for a team? Team formations are looking great, and we do have limited roster spots available in many age groups. We will start to fill those spots with new players beginning June 13 for Premier and June 15 for Select. Register today!
2008B Premier
2005B Premier
2003/02G Premier (GK position available)
2013/12 Select
2009G Select
2008G Select
2007G Select (GK position available)
2004/02G Select
2012/13B Select
2011B Select
2010B Select
2009B Select
2007B Select
2005B Select (GK position available)
2003/02B Select
Register for tryouts at rapidsfc.com and contact us with any questions you might have about your specific age group.
Timeline PhotosMSYSA Return To Training, Effective June 5, 2020 ⚽️
conta.cc/2Mqk6C6
#MSYSA #soccer
Team assignments for current Rapids FC players begins tomorrow, June 1. You must be registered online to be considered for a team.
New players interested in joining the Rapids family? Register today and you will be contacted June 13 (Premier) or June 15 (Select) for team placements.
For more information and to register: rapidsfc.com
**May 20 UPDATE: Please follow the link below for information regarding MSYSA and the Coronavirus**
conta.cc/2WM12Ey
Rapids FC is proud to announce our 2020/21 Coaching Lineup!
Visit our website for more information on our coaches. rapidsfc.com/about-staff-coaches/
Check out this incredible Rapids FC t-shirt quilt ✨⚽️
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#rapidsfc #rapidsfcsoccerclub #westmichiganyouthsoccer #michigansoccer #michiganclubsoccer #clubsoccer #soccer #coaching #playerdevelopment #soccercoaching #soccerinmichigan #passionforfootball
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the amazing moms out there! We truly thank you for all that you do❤️💐
Please see the announcement below from GVSA in regard to tryouts. Rapids will send further details and communication early next week on tryout details and registration!
New updates from MSYSA.**April 8 UPDATE: Please follow the link below for information regarding MSYSA and the Coronavirus**
conta.cc/2XjCof9
Weekend Workout is here! Tag us in your videos, or send them to us at info@rapidsfc.com
Soccer footwork drill with Beast Mode Soccer and Rachel Daly
youtu.be
Repeat these four cone drills from @BeastModeSoccer and get sharper feet like @RachelDaly3 SUBSCRIBE: fft.sm/6lZeN3 SUBSCRIBE TO BEASTMODESOCCER: fft....Check out our #passitright video with Coach David and the Rapids FC Green 2010 girls team!
Have a submission? Send your video clip to your team's coach or manager.
Rapids FC Players! Here is some weekend homework for you. We will be posting these videos every week to give you some guidance on drills to do at home to keep your skills sharp.
U8-U12 players:
- Complete each section for 30 second duration, with 15 seconds of rest.
- Complete the circuit x2 in a day.
U13+ players:
- Complete each section for 1 minute duration, with 15 seconds of rest.
- Complete the circuit x2 in a day. Add additional segments as this becomes easier.
Tag us in your videos, or send them to us at info@rapidsfc.com
1000 Touch Workout Pt 2 | Improve Ball Control With No Equipment
www.youtube.com
In today's training session we are getting 1000 touches of the ball using all the different surface areas of the foot to develop control and confidence with ...Videos – Michigan Referee Comittee
www.michiganrefs.org
Videos 2019/2020 LOTG Changes Video 1 2019/2020 LOTG Changes 122 views 2019/2020 LOTG Changes Video 2 2019/2020 LOTG Changes 50 views 2019/2020 LOTG Changes Video 3 2019/2020 LOTG Changes 35 views 2019/2020 LOTG Changes Video 4 2019/2020 LOTG Changes 40 views 2019/2020 LOTG Changes Video 5 2019/2020...Please take a moment to read the update from MSYSA. As a member club, Rapids FC will adhere to these guidelines and all Rapids FC affiliated practices, games, and tournaments are cancelled through April 30. We will continue to update you as we learn more. Stay healthy, Rapids family!**April 1 UPDATE: Please follow the link below for information regarding MSYSA and the Coronavirus**
conta.cc/343QLpl
Stay safe, Rapids family 💚Earlier today, Governor Whitmer signed the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order. You can see the Order in its entirety at www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90705-522626--,00.html.
Rapids FC is issuing the following cancellations of ALL activities through the end of the month. We will continue to update you as we receive more information from the CDC, as well as our affiliating leagues and the MSYSA.
-Club futsal games at the MFB YMCA are all cancelled for March 15 and March 22.
-All winter training (indoor and outdoor) are cancelled until further notice.
-All league game (MSYSA, State Cup, and Premier) have been cancelled through April 5.
Please reach out to us at info@rapidsfc.com with any questions.
**ATTENTION: Please follow the link below for information regarding the COVID-19 virus.**
conta.cc/2w4BY0W
Another Rapids FC success at the GVSU Tournament last weekend - the 08 Green Boys went 3 and 0 for the tournament. They scored 20 goals and gave up just 2 to go home on Sunday as Champions. Brilliant performance boys!
Another outstanding success this weekend at the GVSU Tournament for the 2011 Green Boys team, who were winners of the u9 boys division. 16 goals scored, one against, a tie and two big wins, saw this talented group take home the championship. Great stuff, boys.
Our 2010 Green girls smashed it at the GVSU tournament this weekend, winning all of their games, scoring 10 and conceding zero. These deserving champions played every minute with a smile on their faces. Well done girls!
2020 Cherry Capital Cup schedules have been posted. Please find your teams schedule by clicking the below link.
We are again Sold Out and 100% full on all fields. We are excited and can't wait to host all of the teams come May 16-17th weekend in beautiful Traverse City.
cherrycapcup.tourneycentral.com/games.html
#CCCup Traverse Bay Area Youth Soccer (TBAYS) #MTSevents #soccer #hummel #sportsforms
Need something cool to do this Friday? It's Youth Night at the Great Lakes Wanderers. So get your Rapids FC uniforms on to get half price entry, half-time games and catch some high level soccer. Women's kick off is 6pm and Mens at 7:35pm at the Cedar Rock Sports Plex. Also, two Rapids FC coaches play for the women's team (Coach Amanda and Coach Karie), so please go support!
Rapids FC Winter Training vs Superbowl. There are plenty of great sports out there and as a club we appreciate them all, but we REALLY love it when soccer wins. Great work by all the kids who missed the big game to play the beautiful game!
We sent a car full of coaches road tripping to Baltimore for the United Soccer Coaches Convention last weekend. Lots of great planning, talks, classes and fun. The 1-on-1 with Jill Ellis and a panel discussion with Carli Lloyd, Brandy Chastain and Sam Mewis were big highlights. Inspiring stuff!
Some of our 05, 06 and 09 girls met the Great Lakes Wanderers players this weekend! The Wanderers women's semi-pro team are captained by the girls' coach and RapidsFC's own Amanda Seifert.
Thanks to our own David Smith for the design of the new GVSA logo!Grand Valley Soccer Association is pleased to announce their new logo, the first step in the organizations re-branding campaign. The old logo has worked hard over the years but no longer reflects the direction we want to take moving forward. The new logo aligns West Michigan's GVSA with youth soccer's state-wide organizations, while maintaining our own identity and increasing the level of sophistication and functionality across both conventional and digital platforms
Sign up today for our winter training programs! This is for Select full year teams, U8-U15, and is included in club fees. Registration is required for participation.
Rapids FC 06 Green Girls took 2nd in the Opening Day 4v4 shootout in Cedar Springs last weekend. 26 goals for, 13 against - well done girls!
Rapids FC and Midwest United get a shout out on the Huge Show for our stance taken to keep players and our families protected at the Kingdom Cup this weekend. Well done to all the clubs and coaches putting their kids first.
omny.fm/shows/the-huge-show/the-huge-show-september-23rd-4pm-hour
The Huge Show - September 23rd - 4pm Hour - The Huge Show - Omny.fm
omny.fm
Today marks the 18th year that The Huge Show has been on the air in West Michigan. Bill asked the audience what the biggest sports news in this state has been over the past 18 years. Today we get Bill’s and the audience reactions to the Lions being undefeated, that interesting defeat for Harbaugh ...Rapids HQ is open at River Oaks fields. We have bug spray, sun lotion and extra water if you need it, and can answer any questions you might have. There’s also a juggling contest all weekend, so pop over and see if you can win a prize.
Good luck to all of our “teams” in Kalamazoo at the Kingdom Cup this weekend! Safety first ⚽️🦟⚽️
Kingdom Cup Weekend is here and we are all excited to see our teams compete in the sunshine once again!
We want to make sure our families are armed with information and advice with regards to Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in advance of the Kingdom Cup this weekend - EEE is a rare but highly dangerous mosquito-borne virus. The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department is asking schools and municipalities to consider canceling outdoor events or moving them inside if they are scheduled after dusk. Kingdom state that:
"All tournament games are schedule to finish prior to dusk. If any games are running late, we must end all games at the scheduled finish time in order to complete them before dusk."
Obviously this is a serious consideration for the weekend and if games end up running late, we'll be active as a club in curtailing or cancelling games where players could be playing when mosquito's are most active.
- Please make sure to apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer's directions for use.
- For games late in the day, be sure to leave the fields quickly in order to cut down on exposure time.
- If possible, wear long sleeves and pants on the sidelines.
We will have extra repellant available at Rapids HQ, and we will keep everyone informed if there are any policy, schedule or tournament changes related to this.
In addition, we advise that players at regular practices back in Grand Rapids also wear repellant as a precaution.
We wish all our teams good luck!!!!
Rapids FC Green 06 girls finished 3rd over all at the Lightning Cup this weekend, with 11 goals for and 1 against. They battled hard all weekend and showed east Michigan what Rapids FC is all about.
The U8G Green team kicked off bright and early this morning in their first Rapids game. The girls worked incredibly hard and came out with a 5-4 win over Midwest. What a great start to their season!
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#rapidsfc #rapidsfcsoccerclub #westmichiganyouthsoccer #michigansoccer #michiganclubsoccer #clubsoccer #soccer #coaching #playerdevelopment #soccercoaching #soccerinmichigan #passionforfootball
Best of luck to all our teams playing in their season opener this weekend. A special shout out to our 2006 Green Girls competing in the Lightning Cup on the East side. Have fun everyone!
Save on Rapids FC fan wear this Labor Day and rep your club! Design your own gear on our Official Team Store powered by SOCCER.COM! Enter code: FWSSB at checkout.
Need to stock up on your soccer supplies? Maybe you need a new chair to cheer on your player from? How about a yeti for that warm beverage? This coupon is good throughout the store. Just 11 days until our Fall season opens!
Save 20% at any #Michigan DICK'S Sporting Goods store on August 31-September 1 with this coupon!
Jill Ellis to Step Down as U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach
ussoc.cr
Over Five-Plus Years, Ellis Has Coached the Most Games in USWNT History, Amassing 102 Career Wins; Ellis Will Lead Team Through the Victory Tour and Then Be a U.S. Soccer Ambassador; New WNT General Manager Hire is Imminent and then Process Will Begin for Hiring of New U.S. Women’s National Team H...Timeline PhotosPOUR. THAT. TEA 🍵
The United States beats the Netherlands to win the World Cup for a fourth time!
Friday is Youth Night! All kids 14 and younger get in free if they wear a soccer jersey!
What a fantastic week of tryouts last week. Thanks to all who came to try out. We are looking to round out rosters in the following age groups. If you’re interested, please contact us at info@rapidsfc.com
2013/2012B
2011B
2010B
2005B full year
2012G
2004G fall only
Girls Select Tryouts
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
U7-U12 (2013-2008) Girls | Full year | 5-6:30pm
U13-U15 (2007-2005) Girls | Full year | 7-8:30pm
U15-U19 (2005-2001) Girls | Fall only | 7-8:30pm
Boys Select Tryouts begin tonight!
Pre-register here: rapidsfc1.bonzidev.com/home.php
We had a fantastic day of Premier tryouts today. If you are still looking for a team in the following age groups, please contact us at info@rapidsfc.com. 2007G, 2003G, 2002G, 2005B, 2001B
Join us tomorrow, June 14, at Gainey Athletic Complex for Rapids FC Premier Tryouts. Follow the link below for tryout times and pre-registration.
rapidsfc.com/premier-tryouts/
Latest Rapids FC Newsletter is out featuring a mini Tryout Survival Guide, Pre-Tryout Camp update and helping less advantaged players get playing with our Rapids Re-cycle program - mailchi.mp/9d4c0f4b402c/coaching-assignments-newsletter-225423
Come celebrate Fathers Day with GRFC! All dads and superheroes get in FREE this Sunday when the Boys in Blue take on FC Columbus!
Who is watching?? ⚽️ 🏆LET'S DO THIS! 🇺🇸
Here is your #FIFAWWC starting XI! 💪
Lineup Notes 📰 ussoc.cr/06ao
It's Camp week! It's not too late to register for one of our Pre-Tryout Camps this week, or drop in at Gainey any of the nights. Click the link below for more information!
Programs | Pre-Tryout Camps - Rapids FC
rapidsfc.com
Programs | Pre-Tryout Camps PRE-TRYOUT CAMPS | GAINEY ATHLETIC COMPLEX | JUNE 10, 11, 12, 13 SELECT CAMP U7-U19 (2013-2001) Girls & Boys | 5-6:30pm $85 full week | PRE-REGISTER HERE $25 per session | No pre-registration for drop-ins These are programmed to assist current Rapids players and potent...Rapids FC would like to invite you to attend one of our age group specific drop-in sessions this week. These are open to any current or new players to the club and there is no cost to attend.
Drop-in Training Opportunities This Week
mailchi.mp
Rapids FC would like to invite you to attend one of our age group specific drop-in sessions this week. These are open to any current or new players to the club and there is no cost to attend.A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Mike Lee and his Rapids U19 Lads on a FANTASTIC season. Still one game to go but look at those stats 😲 Bravo!!!
Congrats to our U8B Green team players and coaches on an exciting win today to push their team into first place in Division 1. We are so proud of your teamwork, passion, and relentless hard work on the field today!
Congrats to Forest Hills Northern varsity girls soccer team on their District Championship win last night. Natalie Bauman, Emma Pappenheimer, and Allie Abramowski, we are proud of you!
Congrats to Forest Hills Central varsity girls soccer team and the Rapids FC players on their District Championship win last night! We are so proud of each of you, Kaitlyn Piontkowsky, Megan Piontkowsky, Kristen Giles, Fadwa Kamari, Lilly VanSkiver, Ella Kelly, Morghan Tilton, and Claudia Folkert!
Join us on June 14th in celebrating Mike Lee as he begins his new adventure in South Africa! RSVP at the link below.
mailchi.mp
Friday, June 14th 6-9pm Open HouseStrobel Family Residence 1345 Winterwood Drive NE Grand Rapids, MIBYOB | Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be providedMany of you have asked how you can contribute you a parting gift for Mike. We are collecting cash donations (no gift cards, please) as a gift for...⚽️ Coaching Announcement 2019/20 ⚽️
We are excited to announce our coaching lineup for the 2019/20 season! Be sure to come out to one of our pre-tryout camps to meet the coaches in your age group and get touches on the ball ahead of tryouts.
As tryouts approach, we are in need of a number of volunteers to help at registration, check-in, and other areas. Follow the link below to view and signup for available time-slots. Thank you!
Rapids FC | Tryout Volunteers 2019
www.signupgenius.com
As tryouts approach, we are in need of a number of volunteers to help at registration, check-in, and other areas. We hope you consider signing up for one or more of the time slots below. We would really appreciate your time and talents in order to create a successful tryout process for our player...Join Chicago Fire Soccer In The Community for Chicago Fire Summer Camp at Rapids FC, MI from July 22nd– 26th. In addition to professional coaching, get a free jersey, player evaluation and ticket to a game! #cf97
Register: www.youthelitesoccer.com/event/show/380786242
Location: NORTHEAST PARK 1900 MIDDLEGROUND DR SE KENTWOOD, MI 49546
Program: Fire Camp
Ages: U8-U10
Time: 9am - 12pm
Cost: $135
Program: Competitive
Ages: U11-U14
Time: 9am - 12pm
Cost: $135
For More Information: contact Martin Harris at mharris@chicago-fire.com or call 708-496-6772
2019 Cherry Capital Cup round up.
The rain couldn't stop us and neither could the other teams!
8 Champions and 4 Runners up makes Rapids FC the most successful club in Traverse City this year, beating Revolution in second (5 Champions and 5 finalists). As you can see below, the trophies were spread right across the age groups and for both boys and girls teams.
U9 Girls - Rapids FC Green 10 team Runners-up
U10 Boys - Rapids FC Green 09 team Champions
U10 Girls - Rapids FC Green 09 team Runners-up
U11 Boys - Rapids FC White 08 team Champions
U12 Boys - Rapids FC Green 07 team Champions
U12 Girls - Rapids FC Green 07 team Runners-up
U12 Girls - Rapids FC White 07 team Runners-up
U13 Girls - Rapids FC Green 06 team Champions
U14 Girls - Rapids FC Green 05 team Champions
U14 Boys - Rapids FC Green 05 team Champions
U15 Girls - Rapids FC White 04 team Champions
U16 Boys - Rapids FC Green 03 team Champions
Thanks must go to everyone involved, the parents for all their support and smiles in the rain, the coaches and managers for their teaching and organization, but most of all the players. The players are what this is all about and so many of ours played their hearts out to bring a great tournament to a successful conclusion. We hope you all had a great experience.
⚽️😁🍒🏆
2007 Girls Green took home runners up medals at the Cherry Cup. Bravo ladies!!!
U13 girls green wins the Gold division!!! Another amazing result and achievement! ⚽️👏🏻⚽️
U16 boys rocked it all the way to the top today in the 2019 Cherry Capital Cup. Another trophy in the bag. Well done all!!!
2010 ladies took second place after a fantastic weekend going undefeated in bracket play. These young players are lucky to have the guidance of these two great coaches!
U12 girls white team with a great weekend at the 🍒 cup making it all the way to final!
Our U12 boys Green got their hands on some silverware today and came away as tournament champions. Congratulations!
Our 2009 boys came away as Champions in the U10 boys Gold division. Fantastic stuff fellas 👏🏻⚽️👏🏻
Our 2009 Green girls fought their way all the way to the finals today. Losing a close match in the championship 1-0, but look at all those smiles! That’s what it’s all about ⚽️😁⚽️
More medals and trophies for our U15 premier girls team. Well done on a brilliant weekend!
Rapids FC U14 girls got their hands on the Championship trophy this weekend. Congratulations on a great tournament!
Congratulations to our U14 premier boys on a great weekend at the Cherry Cup. Undefeated in their gold division coming away as tournament champions! ⚽️👏🏻⚽️
First ever tournament game for these U8 boys playing in the U9 division and they come out with a 3-2 win ⚽️💚⚽️
Nice 2-1 win for our Rapids U9 Green ladies this morning to kick off their tournament!
Can’t wait for an amazing weekend of ⚽️ at the Cherry Capital Cup here in beautiful Traverse City, MI. All the best to all our Rapids FC teams and families!
Good luck to all 26 Rapids FC teams that are playing in the Cherry Capital Cup this weekend! Be sure to send us your photos from the weekend 📸⚽️🍒
Registration is now LIVE for Pre-Tryout Camps and Tryouts 2019/20! We hope you will join us next season as Rapids FC grows and evolves.
Register for Pre-Tryout Camp and Tryouts
mailchi.mp
We hope you have enjoyed the Spring season so far (despite the questionable weather) and have taken advantage of the Friday Academy and Goalkeeping Coaching, which we will be continuing in the 2019/20 season. Things seem to move so fast, and sure enough, it's time to sign up your players for Rapid...Timeline PhotosMake Camp Shutout a 'must do' on your summer training list - mailchi.mp/d70d49b99cd8/camp-shutout-keeper-camps-1536765
We are thrilled to announce our new Director of Soccer Operations, David Smith. David has been a part of Rapids FC as a staff coach for four years with our 2007 boys, and more recently the 2010 girls. He brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game and we are looking forward to him stepping into this role.
David grew up in Durham, England, and started playing travel team football (soccer) at age 8 for a U12 team. He captained his school and various District level teams growing up, including leading his Durham Boys team to victory over Blackpool and Blackburn, losing narrowly to Liverpool on a tour of North West England and making it to the English Schools Northern Finals. David has had a number of great coaches and mentors, including 4 years with Colin Simms (Sunderland AFC) and several other English Premier League coaches as a schoolboy.
After attending Liverpool University, football took a backseat to music, but he never lost his passion for football or his love of Newcastle United. In 2007, David moved to Grand Rapids from London and immediately began playing again in and around Grand Rapids, which he still does several times a week.
David began coaching his son at Rapids FC in 2015, with his daughter joining Rapids in 2018. He believes in promoting intelligent, mentally strong and happy team players and fostering a long-term love of soccer that will keep kids playing for the rest of their lives. He aims to combine a broad footballing knowledge and family orientated outlook together to progress Rapids forward as a flagship club in West Michigan, able to compete with the best.
Licenses:
USSF E License
Pursuing USSF D License
USC Special Topics Diploma: Advanced Youth Coach
USC Special Topics Diploma: Director of Coaching
A note from David:
“Rapids FC always stood out to me as an example of a club who are in it for the beautiful game and developing great young players, not for the money. That’s why I brought both my kids to the club, for a more kind, sensible, development-based approach than the win at all costs and profit focused perspective many clubs have. Helping to bring out the best in our staff and the players they coach, and being a part of the growth in the next generation of football talent in Michigan is an inspiring opportunity that I aim to grab with both hands as part of the new Rapids FC leadership team. I just wish they would stop calling it soccer :)”
Roster announced for the Women's World Cup!🗣 BACK FOR FOUR
23 players on the squad. A nation at our back. Our World Cup roster is here. #OneNationOneTeam ussoc.cr/wcr
The 2009G Green went undefeated at the Spring United Classic. Despite the weather, they were able to score 14 goals and only allow 2 all weekend. Congrats girls and coaches!
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#rapidsfc #rapidsfcsoccerclub #westmichiganyouthsoccer #michigansoccer #michiganclubsoccer #clubsoccer #soccer #coaching #playerdevelopment #soccercoaching #soccerinmichigan #passionforfootball
Join us tonight for Rapids FC Development Academy, Goalkeeper Training, or Rapids Juniors! All programs 6-7pm at Gainey Athletic Complex.
We are thrilled to announce our new Technical Director, Cam Stewart. Cam has been a coach at Rapids FC for the past 4 years. During his time with Rapids, he has worked with many ages, ranging from u13 – u18 premier girls’ teams while working closely with Bre Brendsel and Mike Lee. He brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game and we are looking forward to him stepping into this role.
Cam grew up loving soccer from a young age. Working his way up through local leagues, he played travel soccer for 8 years, including competing at the MRL level with Midland Fusion and playing all four years at his high school team – Midland Chemics. Electing to pursue his education, soccer was put on hold while he attended Michigan State University for four years.
Cam’s philosophy is built on challenging the player to read the game and make smart decisions in a positive environment where challenging the player can drive learning. Cam believes a strong emphasis on developing technical skills at a young age allows for players to focus on the tactical game as they progress in their soccer career.
Cam is actively pursuing his D license to progress his skills as a coach and to stay up to date with current US Soccer Development goals and initiatives.
Licenses:
USSF E License
Pursuing USSF D License
USC Special Topics Diploma: Advanced Youth Coach Professional Development
USC Special Topics Diploma: Leadership
A note from Cam:
“I am honored to be a part of the growth and exciting transition within our club. I am excited to share my passion for coaching to more players and coaches across the club. I’d like to thank Rapids for trusting me with this position and can’t wait to get started this spring.”