Sports

Youth Instructional Programs

The Y is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits they will carry with them throughout their lives. The benefits are far greater than just physical. When kids play sports, they can build confidence, discover their personal best, have fun and be a part of a team.

With our full court gymnasium and New Balance Track & Field, we have the facilities to offer sports classes, leagues and pick up games for all ages, levels and interests.

Visit Youth Leagues to learn more about our YBA Basketball Leagues, YSA Soccer Leagues, NFL Flag Football Leagues and Tee-Ball Leagues.

BROWSE PROGRAMS AND REGISTER

Click the button below to go to our online registration portal. Search for your desired program by program category or name.

Browse Programs and Register

Youth Instructional Programs at Church St Y

Wells Ave Y information coming soon.

Basketball 

Ages 6-12 (Co-ed)
Children will learn how to play the game invented at the YMCA, basketball! Games may be played, but our primary focus will continue to be on drills and skill development. Participants will improve on their dribbling, passing, and shooting, as well as their defensive movements moves. 

Girls Basketball   

Grades 1-4
Calling all girls! The girls will learn how to play the game invented at the YMCA, basketball! Games may be played, but our primary focus will continue to be on drills and skill development. Participants will improve on their dribbling, passing, and shooting, as well as their defensive movements moves. 

Advanced Basketball Training   

Ages 7-12 (Co-ed)
Taught by our Associate Director of Athletics, Josh Downes, who played four years varsity basketball in high school as well as 4 years at the division 3 level for Springfield College. The class will be a great preparation for Youth Leagues and the AAU Season.  

Kids Pickleball

Ages 7-13 (Co-Ed)

Join us and learn to play the fastest growing sport in America! Kids will focus on learning the rules of the game and basic skills like dinking, serving, overhead striking, as well as forehand and backhand striking. Game play will also be introduced.  

Youth Football Class   

Ages 6-12 (Co-Ed)
An introduction to football that emphasizes the rules of the game, covering the fundamentals of catching, throwing, route running and de-flagging.  The participants play games while learning the rules and fundamentals.

Dodgeball

Ages 7-12 (Co-ed)
"Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive" into the season! Learn the basics and play dodgeball in a fun, safe, and supervised environment. We will focus on playing basic dodgeball and venture into different dodgeball varieties as the session continues. The program uses super soft balls with the safety of game play being an important factor. Each week different teams are formed, and a different style of dodgeball will be played.

Karate/Martial Arts

Ages 4-11 & 12+ (Co-ed) 
The West Suburban YMCA is excited to announce the return of the Karate/Martial Arts to its program line-up led by Shihan Eric Hung and Staff.  Programs are available for ages 4-6 and 7-12.  The classes teach the fundamentals of martial arts and follow belt advancement track. To get the most out of training, participants should have the right supplies and equipment. Specifically, the karate uniform, or gi, and belt are highly recommended for the program.  Please contact Mike Leavitt, Ass. Sports Director, to order equipment or with questions at michaell@wsymca.org.

Little Kickers Soccer Class   

Ages 2-4 (Co-ed)      
A great introduction to organized sports, our Parent-and-me program allows our younger stars to play in a group environment while still retaining the comfort and security of playing with their parents.  With a variety of simple games and exercises, this is truly a soccer class that is fun for parents and children alike. 

YMCA Soccer Class 

Ages 4-10 (Co-ed)
Our Mini Soccer program is an instructional program to introduce kids to the game of soccer and emphasize the proper techniques and fundamentals of dribbling foot skills, passing, shooting, and learning the rules of the game. Biddy & Rookie soccer is also an instructional program with more skill development, teaching specific soccer moves. Scrimmages may be incorporated. 

Super Sports Class 

Ages 4-6 (Co-ed)   
A weekly dose of fun and exercise!  Super Sports is an opportunity for your kids to experience new sports and activities in an organized pressure free environment.  Activities include Soccer, Basketball, Tee Ball, Floor Hockey, Dodgeball, Lacrosse, Kickball, and Gaga Ball.

Tennis   

Ages 6-12 (Co-Ed)
A great introduction to tennis and other racket sports. Our Tennis program will focus on the basic fundamentals and rules of the sport, as well as patience and concentration. Our participants will learn proper forehand, backhand, and overhead striking. We will also be teaching footwork, serving the ball, and returning serves. 

Youth All Sports (Adaptive)   

Ages 8-12 (Co-ed)
This program is intended for children with mild social and emotional disabilities who would like to play sports in a fun and supportive environment. Sports include basketball, flag football, soccer, floor hockey and even group fitness and exercise training.  

Teen All Sports (Adaptive)   

Ages 13-18 (Co-ed)
A program designed for teens with mild social and/or emotional disabilities. The group will play different sports each week in a positive, supportive environment. Sports include basketball, flag football, soccer, floor hockey and group fitness and exercise training. 

Prep for Tee Ball   

Ages 4-6 (Co-ed)     
An introduction to baseball that emphasizes the rules of baseball, proper techniques, and the fundamentals of catching, throwing, fielding, and hitting off a tee.  Great preparation for the Spring Tee Ball League.

YMCA Track Club & Sports Conditioning   

Ages 6-12  (Co-ed)
Track and Field participants come away with improved self-confidence, athletic coordination, and knowledge of the sport. Through our program, kids will learn the fundamentals of body movements and be introduced to more advanced techniques. This program will provide exercise that is needed now more than ever! They will do a variety of fun exercises designed to create friendly competition amongst teammates, and improve their agility, speed, and strength. Classes will be held outdoors, weather permitting.

Private Lessons

Looking for one on one training for your child? Please contact Josh Downes, Association Director of Athletics, at joshuad@wsymca.org or Mike Leavitt, Assistant Director of Sports and Recreation, at michaell@wsymca.org to schedule a lesson. Lessons are typically 30-minutes in length. Longer durations can be discussed, and no lessons are guaranteed. We do private lessons for basketball, soccer, flag football and sport conditioning.