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Sports & Rec at the Y

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The YMCA offers tons of ways to stay active beyond typical workout routines.

Here, sports and recreational activities are something special. With friendly competition, lots of variety and a supportive environment, you’ll have fun while improving your health.

When kids play Y-Sports, they develop more than just skills—they develop character. Instructors and coaches model fairness and hard work while emphasizing teamwork, cooperation, and developing good values in this non-competitive program. Our volunteer coaches recognize achievements large and small and understand that winning is not just about the score. By playing sports, kids and their families feel a sense of belonging that comes from a community gathering together to cheer on their team. Everyone plays, and everyone wins!

Preschool Sports

Parent & Child Sports (2-3 years old)

Accompanied by a parent, each participant will be introduced to the basics involved in a variety of sports including soccer, basketball, t-ball, flag football, and floor hockey.  Emphasis will be placed on hand-eye coordination, balance, listening skills, and friendship.

Classes generally run on Monday evenings.

Preschool Sports Sampler (4-5 years old)

Each participant will learn the basic fundamental skills involved in a variety of sports, including Football, T-Ball, Basketball, Soccer, and Floor Hockey. Emphasis will be placed on hand-eye coordination, balance, listening skills, and friendship. Each session lasts 5 weeks and each class lasts 45 minutes.

Classes generally run on Tuesday evenings.

Preschool Mini Sports (4-5 years old)

Participants will develop an appreciation for sports and physical activity along with practicing skills and being a team player. Each session focuses on one singular sport and follows the same sport calendar as our Youth Sport League. Please note Preschool Mini Sports does not include any games outside of class dates and times.

Classes generally run on Thursday evenings.

Youth Sports

Youth will participate in weekly practices, regular season games, and one end of the season tournament style day. Kindergarteners practice on Mondays, 1st-2nd graders practice on Tuesdays, and 3rd-5th graders practice on Thursdays for 45mins – 1 hour. Games will be on Saturday mornings; the game schedule depends on how many teams there are and how many fields/courts are available for us to use. Teams are set first by buddy request made at registration and secondly by school. We have Kindergarten teams, 1st-2nd Grade teams, and 3rd-5th Grade teams for each sport. 

Basketball

Many kids start their basketball careers here at the Y and keep playing until it’s time to join traveling ball. Youth Basketball is a great program for youth to learn the game as well as sharpen up their skills.

Soccer

The youth soccer program is designed to meet each player at their current level. Kids really get a kick out of our program that teaches fundamental skills such as passing, trapping, shooting, dribbling, stealing, and goalkeeping.

T-Ball/Coach Pitch

Youth will develop the fundamentals of baseball and softball in an encouraging environment. The use of a tee will help them develop confidence in the area of hitting while teaching them the key concepts of the team sport like base running, catching, throwing, and fielding.

NFL Flag Football

The basic fundamentals are taught in flag football: catching, throwing, routes, and defensive skills. Come join as we learn these basics fundamentals and have fun doing so! This league is partnered with the NFL Flag football association. REAL team names and gear! Each child will receive an NFL team flag jersey and a flag belt.

Volleyball

Youth Volleyball introduces kids to the basics of volleyball in an inclusive and supportive environment. Each Saturday we start with 45mins of practice and then scrimmage another team for 45mins.

STRIDE

The STRIDE program provides lessons on leadership, character development, healthy choices, goal-setting, and cooperation, all within the framework of a fitness and running plan for boys grades 3rd-6th. STRIDE boys will participate in an end-of-season 5k run, check-marking a goal they trained to achieve all season!

Chesley Skate Team

Join the Chesley Skate Team (ages 6-12) where you’ll meet with your coaches and teammates for practice 1 night/5 weeks. Learn new skills and make new friends!

Adult Recreation

Whether you miss “suiting up” or are new to team activities, our adult recreation programs provide a perfect opportunity to be active, social, reconnect or start fresh with an activity you enjoy.

Men’s & Co-Ed Basketball

The Mankato Family YMCA has an Adult Men’s and Adult Co-Ed’s Basketball League each winter. Teams must have at least 6 players minimum and 12 players maximum. Full payment with a completed roster is required to be registered. Games will take place on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 6-7pm or 7:30-8:30pm. The season will end with a Playoff Tournament.

Racquetball / Handball

Whether you are a beginner or a power player, there is a place for you to have fun on the racquetball courts at the Y. We have 3 racquetball courts located on the main level of our facility. Racquetball is a fantastic way to sharpen your agility, hand-eye coordination, speed, and strength.

Indoor Pickleball

Pickleball is a paddle sport played with a whiffle ball on a badminton-sized court and a tennis-style net. A non-volley zone (or kitchen) prevents volleys close to the net, and the serving team cannot volley the return of serve. These unique rules favor players with less mobility and allow senior players to compete successfully with younger competitors. Pickleball is enjoyed by people of all ages and athletic abilities thanks to its ease of play and straightforward rules. Pickleball is played indoors at the Y during the fall, winter and spring seasons. 

Volunteer Coaching

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. Must be able to: Commit to an 8-week session, One 45 minute practice per week (M, T or TH), 6 regular season games on Saturday mornings, 1 tournament day, create practice plans (resources & handbooks will be provided), maintain required communication with program staff, and follow all procedures and policies of the Youth Department Program and the Mankato Family YMCA, including Child Abuse Prevention Policies.

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