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.
LATE FALL YOUTH SPORTS
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!
THURSTON COUNTY YOUTH SPORTS
Youth Basketball | Thurston County
A classic game - invented at the YMCA!
AGES: Pre-K - 8th Grade All Genders
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!
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
Often, parents find themselves dipping deeper into the family savings or reaching for the credit card to pay for their kids’ sporting experiences. Before you fork over big bucks for coaches, travel expenses, league fees, uniforms, and equipment, consider these tips to help you lower your costs—and still have fun!
Youth Sports FAQs
Early Fall 2023 Season Youth Sports Info
When is registration?
Registration is open through August 6.
When does the season run?
August 14th-October 7th
Where and when do you practice?
- Grades K-3 practice 1/week
- Grades 4-8 practice 2/week
- Soccer and flag football practices take place at North Thurston and Olympia school fields. Tennis practice is held at LBA Park.
- Track & field practices at Marshall Middle School.
- Outdoor practices take place between 5pm and 7pm on weekdays.
- Indoor practices take place between 6pm and 8pm on weekdays.
When and where are games?
Games are on Saturdays starting August 26th at Mckenny Elementary.
Track meets are at Capitol High School during practice time; dates TBD.
What about Labor Day?
No games scheduled Labor Day weekend.
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.
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.
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.
What are your COVID-19 Safety Measures?
Since March 2020, the South Sound YMCA has led our region in safely implementing youth programs that enable children to thrive, parents to work, and our community to stay safe. We continue to be committed to creating a safe environment for everyone.
- Face masks are not required for participants and spectators, though we recommend it.
- Please respect others who wish to take precautions.
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 chosen days, locations, and buddy/teammate requests. Given that we base schedules off volunteer requests, not all player 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/time 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.
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 us 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. Mouth guards are recommended for contact sports.
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
Baseball
- Glove
- Batting helmet
- Cleats
Flag Football
- Cleats
Tennis
- Racket (2nd-3rd grade 23 inches; 4th-8th grade 25-26 inches)
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.