Youth Sports - South Sound YMCA

Youth Sports

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HELP KIDS STAY ACTIVE AND HEALTHY

Our goal is to make our programs accessible to EVERYONE throughout our community. Financial aid is available.

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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.

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.
Volunteer

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!

 

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Youth Sports FAQs

When is registration? 

Registration is open through early January.  

When does the season run? 

January 8 through March 2, 2024

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 in advance of the season beginning.

What about holidays?

Practices and games held on federal holidays will be rescheduled. Please contact your coach or the youth sports staff for info.

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.  

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.

Full payment is due at time of registration.

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.

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.

VOLUNTEER

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.

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.  

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.

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.   

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.

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.  

We will contact you as soon as possible if a space opens up, prior to the start of practices.

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.

VOLUNTEER

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.

FORMS

Player Comment and Requests