Sports

Team sports teach youth to play well, play fair and work together. At the YMCA, we make sure everyone plays and everyone wins, putting team spirit above the final score.

The Y offers a variety of instructional programs where youth can develop their knowledge of sports, strengthen their personal ability, and have fun among friends and teammates.

Please refer to the current program guide and schedules for class dates and times. Please note that some classes are only offered during certain sessions.

 


Preschool


Youth

 

 

 

Preschool

  • Squeaky Sneakers (3-4 years)

    Squeaky Sneakers serves as a first exposure to a group instructional setting and toYMCA programming. This class develops children’s confidence in basic motor skills (running, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking, balance) as well as coordination, basic sequencing/matching, listening, following directions and overall healthfulness in a non-threatening environment. Lots of cones and colors in this class! Parents are welcome to observe and encouraged to participate in our activities. Examples include: relay races, follow-the-leader, parachute, soccer, “keep your yard clean”, and “builders and bulldozers”. Fun, Y values and good sportsmanship emphasized throughout!


  • Parent and Child Preschool Soccer (4-6 years)

    No soccer experience necessary, only patience and enthusiasm! A good way to spend time outside being active with your child.  Instructors introduce skills and facilitate activities of parent - child pairs.  Emphasis on fun, movement, skill development and introduction to concepts of team participation and sportsmanship.

  • Sports Mania (4-6 years)

    Sports Mania serves as an outlet for preschoolers and kindergarteners that have the energy to hop, skip, jump, leap, spin, throw, and karate-chop through everything in sight. Teamwork and skill development are the primary focuses of this class; you can also expect a basic introduction to game and “classroom” rules and routines. Activities will always include a warm up and circle time but will then vary weekly. Example activities are: freeze tag, soccer, kickball/t-ball, relay races, and pillo polo. Fun, Y values and sportsmanship emphasized throughout!

 

  • Kinder Gymnastics (4-6 years)

    Make way for the mats! After warm up and circle time, instructors guide small groups of children through a rotation of stations where they develop strength, balance, flexibility and tumbling skills on colorful foam mats and age-appropriate apparatus. With the help of parents, instructors maintain a safe, fun, non-threatening environment for our beginning gymnasts. Fun and Y values emphasized throughout!


  • Parent and Child Preschool T-Ball (4-6 years)

    We focus on the basics: running the bases, throwing, catching, batting, teamwork and fun!  Instructors lead small groups of parents and children through stations for the first few weeks.  When everyone feels ready and comfortable we try a "real" game!



  • Bitty Basketball (4 years)

    Intended as a space for both beginners and budding fanatics, this class relies on the cooperative effort of children, parents and instructors. Instructors lead both children and parents in station-based skill clinics for the first 4 weeks. During the second 4 weeks, children are placed on teams, coached by instructors and supported by parents, to practice their skills in a fun, non-threatening game setting. We conclude with contests and awards! Fun, Y values and sportsmanship emphasized throughout.


  • Parent and Child Toddler Gymnastics (2½-3 years)

    Parents bring your little one and join in the tumbling experience.  Enjoy circle time full of songs and stretches to engage bodies and minds.  Work your way through a circuit that includes forward rolls, a low balance beam and a trampoline.  End with some parachute play to reinforce colors and teamwork.  Children are encourages to progress at thier own pace with a parents or other adult partner. 

Youth

  •  Basketball Fundamentals (Grades 1-3)

    This class introduces and develops skills central to basketball but relevant to all sports: fitness, flexibility, and hand-eye coordination. This class will focus on skill development, good sportsmanship, and understanding of basic game rules more than mastering strategy. Fun and Y values emphasized throughout!

     

  • Roller Skating for Beginners (Ages 6 and up)

    A fun way to improve strength, balance and coordination, we’ll play games that develop skill in skaters of all levels. Skaters should bring their own skates and protective gear (helmet required). Instructed by local roller derby girl and Sports & Recreation Director Ashley Holt.


  • Floor Hockey (Grades 1-3)

    This program will focus on teaching fundamental skills needed to play hockey. Rules of the game, values, sportsmanship, competition, and fun are a part of each class. 

  • Home School Gym (Kindergarten and up)

    An opportunity for home schooled children to socialize and be physically active in a mixed age-environment. If you a part of the home school community, we’d like to work with you directly to customize a program that suits your needs. Please contact our Sports & Recreation Director, Ashley Holt, at 401-245-2444 x 105 or aholt@gpymca.org!


  • Skateboarding Clinics (Ages 6 and up)

    Y staff supervise as teen volunteers from *F.A.B. instruct youth in beginner skateboarding skills like pushing, tic-tacking, Ollies and kick-flips. Clinics are outside on the blacktop, weather permitting. Skateboard, helmet and protective gear required. Price reduction for sibling enrollment. Clinics are drop-in; no pre-registration required.
    *F.A.B. is For Anything But, an organization started by teens to help support teens in making smart choices.

  • Track and Field (Grades 1-3)

    An introduction to the events of track & Field.  We'll try hurdles, relays, shot-put, discus and javelin.  Equipment is age appropriate.  A good way to engage both the child with strength but necessarily speed, AND the child with speed but not necessarily strength. 

  • Sports Vacation Camp (Grades K-3)

    Campers will have a variaty of sports options during the day and will get swim time at least 2 of t he 5 days.  Campers bring thier own snacks and lunch.  We end the day with 15-20 minutes of free time.  Y values and fun are stressed throughout.

  • Archery (Ages 6 and up)

    A certified instructor teaches fundimentals out side on the Y's archery field, using metal tipped plastic arrows on foam targets.  Safe, fun, controlled setting.  Weather permitting, Make-ups provided.