Our Approach to Youth Sports
At the Y, our sports staff, coaches and volunteers all share a singular vision of helping all youth reach their full potential in life. We leverage the excitement and passion around recreational and competitive programming to create a healthy outlet for children to gain new skills, develop a sense of team and connect with positive role models.
The YMCA is committed to working with The Aspen Institute’s Project Play in an effort to reimagine youth sports in America and build a new model based on a holistic approach to youth development that is inclusive of all children. Learn more about Project Play’s proposed solution Opens a new window and stay tuned for how the partnership may benefit your YMCA.
The Youth Development Roadmap
Our approach to youth sports is guided by the Youth Development Roadmap, which outlines critical milestones that impact a child’s development. Youth Development is defined as the social-emotional, cognitive and physical process that all youth uniquely experience from birth to career.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP
Swimming
Swimming is a life skill as well as great exercise and a challenging sport. Ys offer swim lessons for all ages, family swim, competitive swimming and diving teams, and many kinds of adaptive swim programs for kids with special needs, so we can all safely enjoy the pleasures of an aquatic environment.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SWIM LESSONS & THE Y’S SAFETY AROUND WATER PROGRAM
National Events
Swimming, diving and gymnastics are the most popular national competitive sporting events at the Y. The Y hosts state, regional and national championships annually, helping kids value hard work, reach for excellence and enjoy spirited competition.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NATIONAL YMCA COMPETITIVE SWIMMING AND DIVING Opens a new window
Learn More About YMCA National Gymnastics Opens a new window
Ready to Play?
Baseball, soccer, volleyball, flag football, karate, basketball, gymnastics—check out the sports offerings at your Y and get in the game. Improve skills, make new friends, be active with other kids and learn to love a sport at the Y.
FIND YOUR Y TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SPORTS OFFERINGS
