Sports Are Fun
YMCA Rookie Sports is designed for kids, ages 3 - 5 (potty-trained), who are new to sports and teaches basic skill development in soccer, basketball and tee-ball.
Details
Rookie Sports is a 6-week program that spends 2 weeks on each sport. Kids experience the basics of soccer, basketball and tee-ball. We focus on fundamentals and improving motor skills.
Registration Dates
Fall Season
Aug. 1: Members; Aug. 15: Program Participants
Winter Season
Nov. 1: Members; Nov. 15: Program Participants
Spring Season
Jan. 1: Members; Jan. 15: Program Participants
Winter Season
Alexander Family YMCA
Wednesdays, 1 - 2 p.m., Oct. 14 - Nov. 18
Kerr Family YMCA
Saturdays, 9 - 9:45 a.m., Nov. 14 - Dec. 12
Saturdays, 9 - 9:45 a.m., Jan. 23 - Feb. 13
Poole Family YMCA
Thursdays, Dec. 3 - Jan. 21
Spring Season
A.E. Finley YMCA
Tuesdays, March 6 - April 13, 2027
Kerr Family YMCA
Saturdays, 9 - 9:45 a.m., March 6 - 27
Winter & Spring Registration
Rookie Sports
YMCA Youth Sports are for everyone. We group children based on age and date of birth. Please view our age chart to determine your child's league.
Parents are expected to remain onsite (fields and gyms) as the primary supervisor of their child. This includes taking their children to the restroom and addressing any challenges that may arise. This allows our coaches to focus on leading practices and games. In addition, YMCA sports staff will be present at all practices and games.
Youth sports soccer teams are led by volunteer coaches. All volunteer coaches undergo a background check and training. Opportunities are available for coaches and assistant coaches at all locations.
Other Programming
YMCA locations may also offer a U5 youth basketball, soccer and/or youth tee-ball programs. Please visit our program pages for more information.
The Benefits of Youth Sports
Learning new skills, social interactions and exercise all contribute to a well-rounded child.
Skill Development
Learning to dribble a ball, guard a player, shoot a basket and run the court are examples of new skills kids learn through youth sports. They teach dexterity, motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Good Sportsmanship
We don’t keep an official score for younger players. We clap for all the goals and always shake hands at the end of every game. Learning to win and lose gracefully is a skill everyone can use.
Teamwork
Learning how to work and get along with others is a part of being on a team. But this skill reaches far beyond the field or court and into the classroom and life.
Sports Camp
YMCA Sports Summer Day Camps offer kids a full summer of basketball, soccer, flag football, baseball or a mix of all sports. Our camps focus on a different sport each week. Skill development, drills, and scrimmages are part of each week, as camp assemblies and swim time.
Sports Directors
Please contact us with questions about YMCA Rookie Sports.
A.E. Finley YMCA: Alex Joseph Smith
Alexander Family YMCA: Eric Rhinehalt
Chatham Park YMCA: Annalee Workman
Durham YMCAs: Taylor Dorsey-Flowers
Kerr Family YMCA: Jason Herbert
Poole Family YMCA: Noah Franklin
Athlete Safety
The YMCA is committed to the safety and well-being of all youth athletes. We've established protocols around head injuries, concussions and when athletes can return to the game.