YMCA Youth Sports programs provide a great opportunity for young people to develop physical skills, hone their athletic prowess, and embrace the values of teamwork and fair play, all in a safe and supportive environment. For parents, choosing the right youth sports program can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it's important to consider key factors that can ensure a good experience for your child. To help you make the best choice for your family, we’re getting to the bottom of the key factors to consider before joining a youth sports program.
• Understand the Program’s Philosophy: Be sure to find out the program’s vision for sports. Is there an emphasis based on building skills, encouraging fair play, learning positive sportsmanship, and winning without compromising core values? At The Y these core principles are baked into our youth sports programs.
• Check Out the Coaches: Check to see who is leading the team, how experienced they are and how they approach teaching the sport. Look for commitment levels that will give your child the best possible experience.
• Confirm Cost: Find out the costs associated with the program – registration fees, equipment fees, travel fees, uniform fees, etc. – so you know exactly how much you will be expected to pay. Financial assistance may be available through Every Kids Sports.
• Evaluate Availability: Be sure that the program meets your needs in terms of the time commitment and practice/competition frequency. Make sure that your child’s schedule will work with the program's schedule. Check the dates for each of our youth sports programs before registering your child.
• Talk Other Parents: Ask other parents in the program what their experience has been like. Find out if they have any tips or advice for you as you make your decision. You can always find other parents at The Y or at other community activities.
• Educate yourself on the risks of sports injuries. Understanding the risks of different types of athletic activities can help you choose what is the best fit for your individual child’s needs. Children with preexisting health conditions may require special considerations. Always disclose these conditions when you register your child for youth sports.
At the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA, we believe that every child should have the chance to participate and succeed in sport. Our coaches prioritize character development and strive to help youth become better people as well as better athletes. We emphasize the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect for each other, and encourage players to strive for excellence and demonstrate good citizenship. By joining a YMCA Youth Sports program, your child will learn important values that will stay with them throughout their lives. Remember that at the YMCA, Everybody Plays, Everybody Wins!