When you're looking for programs to teach your child the basics of a sport and the opportunity to learn good sportsmanship and teamwork -- look no further than the Y.
Basketball, Swimming, and Gymnastics programs are offered year round at the various branches of our Y. These are paid programs requiring parental permission and advanced registration. Youth boxing, soccer, flag football, cheerleading and volleyball may be offered on a seasonal basis at some of the branches. Feel free to ask at your location or see below for specific youth sports offerings by age, location and days of the week.
BY LOCATION
LAKE ANNA YMCA
From youth basketball to tumbling to cheerleading--there's something for all ages and interests!
RIVERFRONT FAMILY YMCA
Have an aspiring gymnast? Or maybe a future soccer star? Whether your child is into basketball, soccer, gymnastics, running, or even dodgeball, we've got a perfect program for you!
BY SPORT
Basketball
Our progressive skills basketball programs are for youths ranging from 4 - 14 years old and focus on basketball skills and fair play. Some teams will participate in modified league games.
Gymnastics
Riverfront Y has a whole gymnastics center, but several of our locations offer tumbling and other key classes to build skills from toddlers to those in training for bigger arenas -- like the Olympics.
Martial Arts
Children from 6-12 years, gain confidence and self-discipline by working with black belt instructors. They also have a whole lot of fun, while learning basic self defense skills.
Soccer
Children will learn basic fundamentals of soccer through drills and fun games. Skills will include dribbling, passing, shooting, and more! We have programs available for children ages 3-10.
Swimming
Akron Area YMCA Swim Teams are competitive programs that focus on the development of all ages and abilities.
Volleyball
We teach volleyball skills, good fitness habits and the importance of the YMCA character values. This program is open to kids and parents.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
Registration for Youth Sports is easy. You can register online by clicking here or by calling or visiting the branch. Registration dates are set up to correlate with the various sessions that Youth Sports are offered.
DO YOU PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS?
Scholarships or financial assistance are readily available to family’s seeking a little help in paying for the cost of youth sports. There is a sliding rate scale that is applied and used by all branches to assure that youth programs are affordable to all. Inquire about scholarships or financial assistance at the branch when you register your child for programs. You can also submit an online application for your location by clicking here.
WHO CAN PLAY?
All of our Youth Sports are divided into three age categories. We offer youth sports programs for children 3-5 years old; 6-8 years old; and 9-12 years old. Several of our branches also offer programs specifically for teens (13 years and older).
WHEN ARE PRACTICES AND GAMES?
In general, our Youth Sports classes are once a week. Depending on the sport, these classes are scheduled to run 45 minutes or 1 hour. If you child is in a YMCA league, like basketball, you can count on one practice and one game per week.
HOW MANY GAMES WILL WE PLAY?
Depending on the sport and the session (FALL, WINTER, SPRING or SUMMER), you should plan on your child participating in 5-7 games.
I WOULD LIKE TO BE A COACH. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
YMCA coaching positions are volunteer. So, the first step in becoming a Youth Sports coach is to complete a Volunteer Application, which can be picked up at the front desk of any of our Ys. Since the form is fairly generic for all volunteer positions, you will also want to connect with the Youth Sports Director at the branch. The folks at the desk will point you in the right direction. Once you meet the Youth Sports Director, he/she can walk you through any additional steps to get started. Please be aware that all volunteers are required to take a background check and be finger-printed, to assure the continued safety of our youth.
DOES THE YMCA PROVIDE UNIFORMS?
For basketball and other youth sports leagues, a Y t-shirt will be provided. There will not be a t-shirt for children enrolled in programs/classes.
WHAT SIZE BALL (BASKETBALL or SOCCER) WILL MY CHILD BE USING?
Balls will be provided, but if you want to know the specific sizes, we use a 27.5” basketball for our little athletes in K-1st grade. Older grades will use a 28.5” basketball. Soccer ball sizes vary per class and coach.
WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD BRING TO PRACTICE AND GAMES?
Although balls will be provided, your child does have the option to bring their own. In all cases, however, please make sure that you child has a water bottle (not glass!) and is wearing athletic clothing with appropriate and comfortable tennis shoes.
WHAT TIME OF THE YEAR ARE YOUTH SPORTS OFFERED?
Youth Sports are offered all year long. Specific sports and leagues are offered at different times. Youth Basketball Leagues are generally offered Winter I and Winter II, sessions that run from January – April.