NM Rapids Soccer Club—the same nonprofit youth program many families know as Rio Rapids SC—has served Albuquerque and surrounding communities since 2001. The club fields boys and girls from about ages four through nineteen and ties teaching curriculum to the broader Colorado Rapids professional organization for staff support and player-development alignment.
The Youth Academy focuses on roughly U5 through U8 (birth years update each registration cycle) with professional coaches, two training sessions per week plus Saturday game days at Arroyo Del Oso Park on Osuna Road NE, and eight fall and eight spring games in an academy-style format. Players may attend any two age-appropriate training sessions weekly, and the club runs themed game days to keep competition developmentally appropriate. Fall and spring season blocks run on fixed calendar ranges each year—for 2025–26 the Youth Academy fall block runs mid-August through early October and the spring block runs March through early May. Training shirts are included; uniforms are not required at this stage. Need-based scholarships are available for qualifying families.
NM Rapids Sunday Starters is a Sunday-only indoor league for players about U5–U8 (for example birth years 2018–2021 in the 2025–26 cycle), held at The Center, 4425 Prospect Avenue NE, Suites B and C, in six- to eight-week fall, winter, and spring sessions with fast-paced small-sided play led by professional staff.
Older teams train and compete across several high-commitment platforms. Girls can pursue the Girls Academy (GA) and Development Player League (DPL). Boys can pursue ECNL and ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL) tracks. Girls ECNL RL becomes part of the girls pathway in 2026–27. Teams also participate in the Duke City Soccer League locally and in US Youth Soccer National League Desert Conference play where schedules apply. The club promotes a “home for every player” approach from beginner-friendly options through these elite leagues.
Families register players through the Blue Sombrero (Sports Connect) portal for NM Rapids at clubs.bluesombrero.com/nmrapids. For 2025–26 the club collects a $100 non-refundable registration payment to hold a spot; that amount applies toward the player’s Rapids fees for the year. Youth Academy balances may be paid in three installments due July 10, August 10, and September 10; older age groups use longer installment schedules up to multiple payments across the year, with an extended plan for top-tier ECNL, GA, and DPL players. Elite program club fees now bundle many items that previously sat in separate team collections—coaching, Trace camera access, fitness training, key hosting weekends, and core league and registration costs—while tournament entry, coach travel, and similar team-specific costs still move through team managers. Players U9 and older also cover a Duke City Soccer League fee of $105. New Mexico Youth Soccer Association’s $23 annual player fee applies to electronic Duke City payments; families paying by check work with the registrar so the club remits that state fee on their behalf.
The mission is to create and maintain an environment for youth soccer players from diverse backgrounds that encourages and inspires them to reach their full potential both on and off the field. The “Let Us Play” initiative frames development around technical, tactical, academic, personal, and social growth so players, parents, and coaches know those areas drive club decisions. Starting in fall 2026, U.S. youth soccer age grouping shifts nationwide to an academic-year calendar (August 1–July 31), and registrars help families map birth years into the new bands at signup.
Compare NM Rapids Soccer Club with other youth soccer options in your area before making a decision. These directory links make it easier to review local clubs, broader New Mexico programs, and nearby team options in one place.
What ages and program levels does NM Rapids / Rio Rapids offer?The club serves boys and girls from about age four through nineteen. Young players join Youth Academy (roughly U5–U8) or the Sunday-only Starters indoor league for about U5–U8. Competitive tracks include Duke City Soccer League and Desert Conference National League play, plus Girls Academy, Boys ECNL, Girls DPL, and Boys ECNL RL; Girls ECNL RL is added starting in 2026–27.
Where does the club train and play for introductory programs?Youth Academy trains twice weekly and holds Saturday games at Arroyo Del Oso Park, 7001 Osuna Road NE, Albuquerque. Sunday Starters trains and plays indoors at The Center, 4425 Prospect Avenue NE, Suites B and C. Older teams use additional Albuquerque-area fields assigned by program and season.
When are tryouts, ID days, and seasonal registration?Girls Academy, Boys ECNL, Girls DPL, and Boys ECNL RL each run tryout signups ahead of the new seasonal year, and the club schedules U9–U12 ID sessions when offered for that cycle. Youth Academy and Starters follow fall, winter, and spring session windows with fixed start and end dates each year. Families should confirm the current signup window when enrolling because elite and academy calendars shift seasonally.
What registration and league fees should families expect?A $100 non-refundable registration payment holds a roster spot for the year and credits toward that player’s Rapids fees. Players U9 and older also have a $105 Duke City Soccer League fee in the overall dues structure, plus New Mexico Youth Soccer Association’s $23 annual player fee on electronic payments or handled through the registrar for check payments under the club’s rules. Installment due dates vary by age group; Youth Academy uses three summer-and-fall payments, while older elite players may use longer schedules.
What is NM Rapids’ mission and development philosophy?The mission is to create and maintain an environment for youth players from diverse backgrounds that encourages them to reach their full potential on and off the field. Teaching stresses individual development alongside team success, clear communication with families, and professional curriculum connected to the Colorado Rapids organization. The club emphasizes technical, tactical, academic, personal, and social growth through its Let Us Play framework.
How can families contact the club or register?General questions can go to 505-331-1373 or jason.moran@nmrapids.org. Youth Academy families may contact Alex Arvizo at 505-659-9248 or alex.arvizo@nmrapids.org. Sunday Starters families may contact Eric Dooley at 505-702-5412 or eric.dooley@nmrapids.org. Player enrollment runs through the Blue Sombrero registration portal at clubs.bluesombrero.com/nmrapids.
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