HELP KIDS STAY ACTIVE AND HEALTHY
Our goal is to make our programs accessible to EVERYONE throughout our community. Financial aid is available.
Join us for fun, skill-building, and teamwork in our YMCA Youth Recreational Sports League. Our YMCA Youth Programs are values-based and nurture young athletes to grow as individuals by facing challenges, forging new friendships, and learning values that they can use both on and off the field.
With an array of sports offerings each season, there is something for everyone throughout the year. We welcome and encourage participants from any skill level and experience to participate.
Spring Youth Sports
THURSTON COUNTY YOUTH SPORTS
Youth Basketball | Thurston County
A classic game - invented at the YMCA!
AGES: K-8th Grade All Genders + Girls
COST:
- Grades Pre-K-3: $90 - Facility Members | $105 - Program members
- Grades 4-8: $110 - Facility Members | $120 - Program members
LOCATION: Thurston County
Additional details:
- Grades K-3 practice 1/week
- Grades 4-8 practice 2/week
- Games on Saturdays
- Financial aid is available
- Participants will receive a team t-shirt
- Equipment needed: basketball, water bottle, tennis shoes, athletic wear
Volunteer Coaches and role-models wanted!
Youth Volleyball | Thurston County
A classic game - invented at the YMCA!
AGES: K - 8th Grade All Genders
COST:
- Grades K-1 (Skills Clinic): $65 - Facility Members | $75 - Program members
- Grades 2-3: $70 - Facility Members | $80 - Program members
- Grades 4-8: $90 - Facility Members | $105 - Program members
LOCATION: Thurston County
Additional details:
- Grades K-3 practice 1/week
- Grades 4-8 practice 2/week
- Financial aid is available
- Participants will receive a team t-shirt
- Equipment needed: volleyball, knee pads, tennis shoes, athletic wear, water bottle
Volunteer Coaches and role-models wanted!
MASON COUNTY YOUTH SPORTS
Youth Basketball | Mason County
A classic game - invented at the YMCA!
AGES: Pre-K - 8th Grade All Genders
COST:
- Grades Pre-K-3: $60 - Facility Members | $70 - Program members
- Grades 4-8: $70 - Facility Members | $80 - Program members
LOCATION: Mason County
Additional details:
- Grades K-3 practice 1/week
- Grades 4-8 practice 2/week
- Games on Saturdays
- Financial aid is available
- Participants will receive a team t-shirt
- Equipment needed: basketball, water bottle, tennis shoes, athletic wear
Volunteer Coaches and role-models wanted!
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Serving thousands of youth every year, The South Sound Y’s sports program is made possible by our dedicated volunteer coaches comprised of community members and parents like yourself. Our volunteers are passionate about empowering youth in the community and creating an environment that is inclusive, educational, and fun for children.
ALL VOLUNTEERS
- Each of our coaches goes through a YMCA Coach’s Orientation where they commit to modeling the Y’s core values, and complete concussion and child abuse prevention training.
- Background and reference checks are in place for all volunteers/staff to ensure safety for all kids.
BALANCING THE FAMILY SPORTS BUDGET

Youth Sports FAQs
Spring 2025 Season Youth Sports Info
When is registration?
Registration is open through early March.
When does the season run?
March 24, 2025 through May 24, 2025
Where and when do you practice?
- Grades K-3 practice 1/week
- Grades 4-8 practice 2/week
When and where are games?
Games are on Saturdays. Full schedule will be sent during first week of practice.
What about holidays?
Practices and games held on federal holidays will be rescheduled. Please contact your coach or the youth sports staff for info. No practice during the week of Spring Break.
Do I need to be a Facility Member to register?
Nope! Families only need to be registered as Program Members to use any of our programs. Program Memberships have zero cost and must be renewed every 12 months.
When is payment due?
Full payment is due at time of registration.
When is the registration deadline? Can I register my child after the Deadline?
Check the seasonal flyer or the online registration page for the registration deadline. Participants may register after the deadline; however, a $10 late fee will be applied and there is no guarantee of team placement. If space is available, participants will be added to a team; if all teams are full, participants will be put on a waitlist.
May I volunteer to coach my child’s team?
Yes! Please fill out our volunteer coaching application on our website. All of our teams are coached by parent, family, and/or community volunteers. If a parent or community member wants to coach, encourage them to fill out the Volunteer Youth Sports application on our website and contact youthsports@ssymca.net. Please let us know if you would like to get involved.
How do you form Youth Sports teams?
The South Sound YMCA works collaboratively with various parks & recreation departments and school districts across Thurston County to procure practice and game facilities each season. Volunteer coaches choose their practice days and locations based on what is available. We try to match players to the coach that best meets their locations, and buddy/teammate requests. Given that we base schedules off volunteer requests, not all players’ needs can be accommodated.
Where do I find my child's practice schedule?
Volunteer coaches will contact families directly with their practice time and location the week prior to the first practice. If you have not heard from your coach by the first day of the season, please contact the YMCA at 360-753-6576 or youthsports@ssymca.net.
Will I get my buddy/coach preferences that I put down when I registered?
We will do our best to accommodate special requests. Rosters are capped with a maximum number of players, so coach/buddy requests are not guaranteed.
Do you offer Financial Assistance?
Yes! Our goal is to make our programs accessible to everyone throughout our community. If you need financial assistance, please contact youthsports@ssymca.net or leave a comment below.
Does the waitlist guarantee my child a spot on a team?
Unfortunately, no it does not. We can only have a team if there is a coach for that team and enough players to field a team. If you are concerned about your child not having a coach, volunteer! We would love to have you and your neighborhood friends come on board with us.
When are game schedules distributed?
Game schedules will be distributed to coaches during the first week of practice. Games are typically held at local public schools or at your local YMCA Gymnasium. Games start after the second week of practice.
My child has been placed on a waitlist. When will I hear back about if there is space open?
We will contact you as soon as possible if a space opens up, prior to the start of practices.
May I coach a team even if I don’t have a child playing?
Yes! Please fill out our volunteer coaching application on our website. All of our teams are coached by parent, family, and/or community volunteers. If a parent or community member wants to coach, encourage them to fill out the Volunteer Youth Sports application on our website and contact youthsports@ssymca.net. Please let us know if you would like to get involved.
What will my child need for practices/games?
Athletic wear and a water bottle.
Basketball
- Athletic shoes
- Basketball (call size: K– 1st 27.5 in, 2nd-5th 28.5, 6th-12th boys 29.5, girls 28.5)
Outdoor Soccer
- Soccer ball (ball sizes: PreK-1st size 3, 2-3rd size 4, 4-5th size 5)
- Shin guards
- Cleats
Volleyball
- Volleyball
- Athletic shoes
- Knee pads
YMCA Staff at Games
We will have trained staff on hand at all games to manage and officiate. Please understand we recruit Y staff and in some leagues, professional referees. In many cases, this is their first job. We ask that you keep the YMCA core values in mind, and treat all staff, volunteers, participants, and spectators with respect at all times.