Youth sports provide children with an opportunity to stay active while learning important skills that extend beyond the playing field. Sports can help build confidence, encourage teamwork, and teach children about discipline, responsibility, and sportsmanship.
Local YMCA branches are offering a variety of youth programs throughout the year, giving children opportunities to try new activities, develop their skills and make new friends. Programs change with the seasons and include options for children at different ages and experience levels.
Don M. and Margaret Hilliker YMCA – Bellefontaine
The Don M. and Margaret Hilliker YMCA will offer flag football as part of its fall youth programming. Fall I runs from September 14 through October 25, with programs designed to introduce young athletes to the sport in a fun and encouraging environment.
The YMCA’s Bitty Flag Football program is geared toward children ages 3 to 5. The six-week program will introduce young players to basic football skills while also emphasizing teamwork, having fun, and learning how to be part of a team.
The program is designed to give children a positive first experience with organized sports, with activities focused on developing skills and allowing players to learn through practice and games.
The Hilliker YMCA is also looking for volunteer coaches to help lead its youth programs. Former Ohio State football player Antonio Smith will be involved with a coaches’ help camp ahead of the flag football season, working with coaches and demonstrating drills and skills they can use with young players.
Throughout the high school football season, the Hilliker YMCA will also host all ages for their own version of Friday Night Lights. The evenings will feature a variety of activities, including open gym, football, kickball, volleyball and other recreational opportunities.
Flag football is just one part of the YMCA’s youth offerings. The Bellefontaine location also provides swimming throughout the year, along with basketball during the winter and other seasonal programs.
The location’s executive director, Matt Evans, describes what youth sports do for the kids that get involved.
The Hilliker YMCA is located at 300 Sloan Boulevard in Bellefontaine.
Champaign Family YMCA – Urbana
The Champaign Family YMCA provides youth sports and activities throughout the year and serves more than 850 young people annually.
The fall season includes outdoor soccer programs for several age groups. The programs are designed to help young players develop their soccer skills while also learning about teamwork, sportsmanship and healthy competition.
For younger children, the program focuses on introducing the basics of soccer and giving them an opportunity to become comfortable on the field. Older players continue building their skills while taking on more competitive play and preparing for future opportunities in school athletics.
The Champaign Family YMCA will also offer youth basketball programs beginning in October and November, with opportunities available for different age groups.
Other programs offered throughout the year include swimming, volleyball, baseball, softball and indoor soccer, giving families a variety of options as the seasons change.
The YMCA also offers volleyball camps for junior high and high school students during the summer, providing older athletes with an opportunity to continue developing their skills.
The Champaign Family YMCA is also offering a free seventh-grade membership to eligible students who attend or live in Champaign County, including homeschooled and private-school students.
Students can sign up with a parent or guardian at the YMCA Welcome Center. The free membership is active from the first day of school through August 31, 2027.
Greg Hower preaches the importance and benefits that come with involving children in athletics.
The Champaign Family YMCA is located at 191 Community Drive in Urbana.
Both YMCA locations depend on parents and community members who volunteer as coaches and helpers. Those volunteers play an important role in giving local children a positive experience while helping them stay active, learn new skills and build connections with other young people.
