YMCA Sports Classes

Grade Pre-K through 8

In YMCA Sports classes, kids will meet weekly to develop their skills through a variety of age appropriate skill drills and team-building exercises for a variety of sports. The session kicks off with a focus on skill development and advances to teamwork concepts which may include light scrimmaging and positive competition. Trained YMCA staff leads each class with help from qualified volunteers. At the end of the session, each age level will have acquired specific skill outcomes needed to advance to the next level of skill development.

Mini Session Classes

Kids will get a short spring session of sports classes before school is out. These two to four week classes will be a fun taste of what's instore for summer classes and run between Session 2 and Session 3.

Classes offer a great opportunity to try a new sport!

(click sport to see available locations)

Basketball

Kids practice core basketball skills such as ball handling, defense, offense, rebounding and shooting. As they develop their athletic talents, children also build character, values and confidence through teamwork and discipline.

Session 2

Mini Session classes available at:

 

Session 3

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

  • You can also register in person at Member Services 
  • Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
  • The Y will provide all necessary equipment
  • Arrive on time
  • Have your child use the restroom before class begins
  • Remain in the building throughout the entire class
  • Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y
Dodgeball

In this fast-paced, energetic game, players on two teams throw a large foam ball at each other, trying to hit a player of the opposing team. At the same time, they keep moving to “dodge” throws from their opponents. Y instructors teach safe throwing techniques and make sure everyone plays with respect. Kids learn defensive techniques such as dives, dips and ducks. They also learn safe throwing form and team strategy. All classes are grouped by age and ability.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

  • You can also register in person at Member Services
  • Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
  • The Y will provide all necessary equipment
  • Arrive on time
  • Have your child use the restroom before class begins
  • Remain in the building throughout the entire class
  • Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y
ECLC Sports Programs

The YMCA operates Early Childhood Learning Centers (ECLC) throughout the Greater Twin Cities metro area as well as Rochester and Hudson, Wisconsin. Certain sports are offered at these branches as well. Click below to see those offerings.

ECLC Sports

Flag Football

Our flag football program helps kids get a feel for football as they work on fundamentals of throwing, catching and playing as a team in this no-tackle sport.

Session 2

Mini Session classes available at:

 

Session 3

Mini Session classes available at:

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

  • You can also register in person at Member Services
  • Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
  • The Y will provide all necessary equipment
  • Arrive on time
  • Have your child use the restroom before class begins
  • Remain in the building throughout the entire class
  • Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y
Floor Hockey

From basic puck work and shooting to successful stickhandling and passing techniques, kids have a great time learning floor hockey fundamentals at the Y. In this comprehensive program, kids progress from the basics to more advanced techniques as they master each level in a safe environment. Floor hockey instructors use a skills assessment to find the right class for your child. All classes are grouped by age and ability.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

  • You can also register in person at Member Services
  • Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
  • The Y will provide all necessary equipment
  • Arrive on time
  • Have your child use the restroom before class begins
  • Remain in the building throughout the entire class
  • Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y
Homeschool P.E.

YMCA Homeschool Physical Education is designed to help K-12 homeschool students learn the importance of healthy living through sports and aquatics activities. The program follows a comprehensive curriculum that includes instruction in sports, gym games and pool activities. YMCA Homeschool P.E. is a great place to meet new friends, create long lasting relationships and learn about the importance of healthy living.

Session 2

Mini Session classes available at:

 

Session 3

8 week classes available at:

 

Lacrosse

This dynamic, fast-growing sport has roots in the cultural traditions of the Native American Iroquois people. We’re excited to share it with kids of all ages at the Y. In our comprehensive lacrosse program, kids learn stickhandling, throwing and catching. Classes start with the basics and work up to more advanced techniques for older kids. Our lacrosse instructors use a skills assessment to find the right class for your child. All classes are grouped by age and ability.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

  • You can also register in person at Member Services
  • Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
  • The Y will provide all necessary equipment
  • Arrive on time
  • Have your child use the restroom before class begins
  • Remain in the building throughout the entire class
  • Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y
Martial Arts

Martial arts traditions teach self-defense, competition, mental discipline and personal development. Classes at the Y focus on self confidence, spatial awareness, coordination and rhythm. Kids learn techniques for kicks, punches and blocks.

Available at:

Pickleball

Designed to introduce the sport's fundamentals of having fun recreating and socializing in a safe, supportive, pressure-free environment. Participants will learn and develop basic knowledge of equipment, rules, scoring, etiquette, positioning, and strokes, gaining enough skill and confidence to be able to join open social play sessions.

Session 2

Mini Session classes available at:

 

Session 3

8 week classes available at:

Mini Session classes available at:

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

  • You can also register in person at Member Services 
  • Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
  • The Y will provide all necessary equipment
  • Arrive on time
  • Have your child use the restroom before class begins
  • Remain in the building throughout the entire class
  • Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y
Soccer

As the popularity of soccer continues to soar nationwide, kids really get a kick out of our programs that teach fundamental skills such as passing, trapping, shooting, dribbling, stealing and goalkeeping.

Session 2

Mini Session classes available at:

 

Session 3

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

  • You can also register in person at Member Services
  • Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes (shin guards recommended but not required)
  • The Y will provide all necessary equipment
  • Arrive on time
  • Have your child use the restroom before class begins
  • Remain in the building throughout the entire class
  • Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y
Sports Sampler

A sports class that introduces kids to the four core Y Sports of basketball, soccer, flag football, and track & field. Each sport will be taught for 2 of each 8 week class. As kids develop their athletic talents, they also build character, values and confidence through teamwork and discipline.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

  • You can also register in person at Member Services
  • Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
  • The Y will provide all necessary equipment
  • Arrive on time
  • Have your child use the restroom before class begins
  • Remain in the building throughout the entire class
  • Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y
T-ball/Baseball/Softball

Our t-ball, baseball and softball programs give kids the skills and passion to enjoy the national pastime. We help kids shape fundamentals into skills such as throwing, catching, pitching, hitting and running bases.

Session 3

8 week classes available at:

Mini Session classes available at:

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

  • You can also register in person at Member Services
  • Have your child bring water and wear active wear, tennis shoes and glove (plastic cleats optional)
  • The Y will provide all other necessary equipment
  • Arrive on time
  • Have your child use the restroom before class begins
  • Remain in the building throughout the entire class
  • Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y
Tennis/Racketball

Our tennis program teaches kids the fundamentals of tennis including basic strokes, footwork, volleying and serves. The program features curriculum from the United States Tennis Association. Tennis is truly a lifetime sport that can be enjoyed by all!

Session 3

8 week classes available at:

Mini Session classes available at:

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

  • You can also register in person at Member Services
  • Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
  • The Y will provide all necessary equipment
  • Arrive on time
  • Have your child use the restroom before class begins
  • Remain in the building throughout the entire class
  • Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y
Track & Field

Kids will engage in a 30 or 45 minute class designed to get them moving and develop a love for running! Children will begin to learn proper running form and build endurance through a curriculum of exercises and games. Our coaches provide a safe nurturing environment for our newest runners.

Session 3

8 week classes available at:

Tumbling

Instructors give kids a safe, supportive environment for learning the fundamentals of tumbling. Tumblers work on balance, flexibility and routines, building from basic moves to more advanced techniques for older kids.

Session 3

8 week classes available at:

 

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

  • You can also register in person at Member Services
  • Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
  • The Y will provide all necessary equipment
  • Arrive on time
  • Have your child use the restroom before class begins
  • Remain in the building throughout the entire class
  • Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y
Volleyball

Volleyball at the Y gives kids a solid foundation in fitness while they learn the right skills to play one of the world’s most exciting, fastest growing sports. Kids start with basic passing and setting techniques, footwork and ball contact. Higher-level classes teach serving, hitting and blocking footwork, and incorporate small scrimmages. All classes are grouped by age and ability.

Session 2

Mini Session classes available at:

 

Session 3

8 week classes available at:

 

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

  • You can also register in person at Member Services
  • Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
  • The Y will provide all necessary equipment
  • Arrive on time
  • Have your child use the restroom before class begins
  • Remain in the building throughout the entire class
  • Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y

2024 Session Schedules

Session 1: January 8 - March 3

Leagues: Basketball, Futsal and Volleyball

Registration opens December 12

Session 2: March 11 - May 5 + Mini Session: May 6 - June 2

Leagues: Basketball, Futsal and Volleyball

Registration opens February 13

Session 3: June 3 - July 28 + Mini Session: August 5 - September 1

Leagues: Vikings Flag Football, Track & Field and Soccer

Registration opens March 12

Session 4: September 2 - October 20

Leagues: Vikings Flag Football and Soccer

Registration opens July 16

Session 5: October 21 - December 15

Leagues: Basketball, Futsal and Volleyball

Registration opens September 17

*session dates, leagues and registration openings subject to change.

Communication with parents and guardians

Once you register your child for a sport, all communications from the Y take place over email and on Playerspace.

You’ll receive information about:

  • Schedules
  • Locations for games
  • What to do if there’s bad weather on game day

Accessibility, financial assistance and special needs

We believe everyone should have equal access to Y programs and facilities regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, ability and financial status.

Need help covering class and league fees for your child? Find out if you qualify for financial assistance.

Y programs accommodate special needs into existing programs to the extent that financial and physical resources permit. Please contact us if your child has any special needs or requires any accommodations.

Volunteer coaches and assistants

Serving as a youth coach is one of the greatest investments of time and energy anyone can make. Coaches become some of the most influential voices in a child’s life, and you can help us fill each season with lessons that last a lifetime.

Y volunteer coaches must:

  • Be 18 or older
  • Apply online
  • Complete a background check
  • Complete Y training
  • Commit 2 hours per week for leagues and 1 hour for classes

We also need assistants during classes to help run small groups of kids through preplanned drills and organize teams during scrimmages.

Y volunteer assistants must:

  • Be 14 or older
  • Apply online
  • Complete a background check
  • Commit 1 hour per week

All coaches and assistants must attend the Coaches Meeting.