Game on! Registration now OPEN for fall youth sports leagues

The Y’s youth sports leagues are about so much more than shooting hoops and scoring touchdowns—they’re spaces where youth can learn sports fundamentals, form healthy relationships with peers and adults, build teamwork skills, and, of course, have fun!

With basketball and football options for children of all genders aged 5-14, the Y’s fall athletic offerings create an inclusive learning environment that encourages kids at every skill level to reach their fullest potential. And just like all YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago programs, our youth sports leagues adhere to state and local public health guidelines, ensuring the utmost safety during both practice and gameplay.

"My son participated in youth basketball at the Lake View YMCA and had a blast,” one parent wrote in a Google review. “The coaches and staff put in a lot of effort to make sure that the kids had a wonderful experience while still adhering to COVID protocols. They utilized positive coaching techniques and created an environment that cultivated a love of the game for these kids. Thank you!"

Another parent, whose son and daughter participated in the Elmhurst YMCA’s youth basketball program, enjoyed the league’s positive atmosphere so much that she even volunteered as a coach. “Our entire family enjoyed the experience,” the parent said. “My son and daughter learned key fundamental skills in the weekly practices and loved the games played on the weekend in the gyms around town. I was able to coach a girls’ 2nd- and 3rd-grade team and felt so supported by the Y’s staff! I found so much joy in teaching a great group of girls.”

Olive, who received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Buehler YMCA, was “absolutely thrilled” to participate in her center’s mobile vaccine clinic.

Families participating in our centers’ basketball and football leagues have also enjoyed the balanced teams, equal playing time, and opportunity to train with high school and college athlete mentors.

Derek Schlager, Executive Director at the Elmhurst YMCA, encourages grownups to register the budding athletes in their lives for a sports league at their local Y. “Our youth sports leagues are a true testament to the Y's mission of youth development,” he said. “Our participants build character and sportsmanship, stay active, develop friendships and have fun while in a safe environment!”

Don’t fumble this opportunity to give your child a fall full of sports and fun—sign up today!