By Devone Landers
Through youth sports, First Coast YMCA children build more than athletic skills; they develop teamwork, discipline and confidence they can carry with them beyond the field or court.
At the Brooks, Winston, Williams and Johnson family YMCAs, children can find opportunities to gain experience, build relationships and discover what they can achieve. Fall 1 runs Aug. 8 through Sept. 26, followed by Fall 2 from Oct. 14 through Dec. 14. Both seasons offer beginner and intermediate programming, and membership is not required to participate.
What’s offered this fall
Fall 1 features soccer leagues and basketball programming across Duval County branches. Skills & Drills introduces basketball fundamentals to beginners in four-week sessions, meeting once a week for a two-hour practice.
Basketball Academy, offered at the Brooks, Williams and Winston branches, is designed for players ready to take their skills to the next level, with eight- to nine-week sessions of weekly practices and games.
Fall 2 brings volleyball and new opportunities
Beginning in October, Fall 2 continues Skills & Drills while kicking off the volleyball recreational season at the Winston and Williams branches, with weekly practices and games.
Winston YMCA will kick off its Club Volleyball season with tryouts and an expansion: In addition to a girls team, the YMCA will recruit a boys club volleyball team for the first time. The season runs November through May.
Fall 2 registration opens Aug. 22 and closes Oct. 10, open to children ages 7 to 17. Club Volleyball tryout registration is open now for ages 11 to 16, with tryouts Oct. 24 for girls and Oct. 25 for boys.
Youth sports are available for every child
Not every child is ready to commit to a full season. At the Johnson Family YMCA, Sports Zone is a free Saturday morning program for children ages 3 to 12, running 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with a different sport introduced each week — a chance to try before committing to a league.
The Brooks Family YMCA is also introducing basketball clinics designed specifically for children with special needs, providing an inclusive environment with additional support and accommodations.
Your game starts here
First Coast YMCA youth sports programs give every child a place to stay active, build confidence and discover a sport they can be enthusiastic about. Parents can find information about offerings, registration and financial assistance at fcymca.org.
For questions about youth sports in Duval County, contact Devone Landers, Associate Executive Director of Sports, at DLanders@fcymca.org.
Devone Landers is the Associate Executive Director of Sports, First Coast YMCA.
