Fall Sports in Full Swing at YMCA
Fall is a busy time at the YMCA! Youth Fall Outdoor Soccer is in full swing, but we are already looking ahead to several fall and winter opportunities for young athletes. According to the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State University, sports activities for children not only offer health benefits, but also offer psychological and social benefits. That’s precisely why youth sports fulfill part of the YMCA’s mission to provide opportunities for youth development.
Recent research shows that many children are getting either too much, or too little, physical activity. Too much physical activity can contribute to burnout or even physical injuries, but too little can increase the likelihood of children developing conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The YMCA youth sports programs maintain a healthy balance of activity and instruction in a safe and encouraging environment.
While playing sports during the chilly fall and winter months is a great way to help kids burn off excess energy, there are also many long-term benefits. Studies show that kids who play sports are more likely to carry the habit of exercise into adulthood, leading to lifelong health benefits. Life skills like time management, being a gracious winner or loser, and being an effective leader are other important skills that youth learn during YMCA sports programs.
YMCA Youth Basketball will be offered at the Mattoon Area Family YMCA and the Neal Center YMCA this year. Youth Basketball is for children who are four-years-old through 3rd grade, and children are divided into teams by grade. Coaching for children in preschool and Kindergarten focuses on age-appropriate skill development. There are no practices, and games are usually held on Friday evenings at the Y.
Children in 1st through 3rd grade will focus on the fundamentals of the game such as dribbling, passing, shooting and defense. Practices are held once a week at the Y with practice times determined by the team coach. Games will be held on Saturday mornings.
This year, the Mattoon Area Family YMCA has partnered with the Mattoon Youth Basketball League to offer teams for boys and girls in 6th-8th grades. Students in 4th and 5th grades will continue to play with the City League. Students in the YMCA league will continue to develop their basketball skills while playing some competitive games. This age group is offered only in Mattoon. All practices for this league are held Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday evenings, while games are played on Thursday evenings. This is a six-week league followed by a tournament.
Registration for all Youth Basketball leagues is open now. All leagues are open to both boys and girls. Rates will increase on September 22, and registration closes October 14. Season dates can be found on the YMCA’s website. Early registration fees are $25 for YMCA members and $45 for non-members. After September 22, the fee increases to $35 for members and $55 for non-members. Program scholarships are available to non-members and members who complete a Membership for All application through the YMCA. Interested families can register by calling (217) 234-9494 for the Mattoon Area Family YMCA or (217) 235-2500 for the Neal Center YMCA. Registration is also available online at www.mattoonymca.org and www.nealcenterymca.org.
Once basketball is over, you can focus on keeping your child’s soccer skills up during the winter by playing Y indoor soccer. This six-week league will be held at the Mattoon Area Family YMCA and the Neal Center YMCA and is open to boys and girls ages 4-14 of all skill levels and abilities. The season runs January 17, 2020 through February 29, 2020. Games are on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. Early registration for Youth Indoor Soccer opens November 1. Early registration fees are $30 for members and $50 for non-members. Regular registration begins December 20. Regular registration fees are $40 for members and $60 for non-members. Registration will close on January 5, 2020. Interested families can register by calling (217) 234-9494 for the Mattoon Area Family YMCA or (217) 235-2500 for the Neal Center YMCA. Registration is also available online at www.mattoonymca.org and www.nealcenterymca.org.
