Visit the Youth Sports Webpage for all Northwest Youth Sports rules and schedules.

The Northwest YMCA offers an enormous variety of sports for children and adults. At the YMCA, we use sports as a way to model the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. We create better players by emphasizing skill development and positive competition. Our programs focus on safety, fun, fairness, inclusion (everyone plays) and family involvement.

Our Summer 2010 Youth Super Sports information and registration packet is now available for download.

Looking to do your own thing? Our basketball gym has open times, pick-up games and walk on classes throughout the week.

Jr. Suns Basketball
YMCA Youth Basketball is for boys and girls from Pre-Kindergarten to 9th grade. Along with the fundamentals of basketball, this program emphasizes the YMCA character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Teams are divided into age groups based on grade and include:1st -2nd, 3rd - 4th, 5th - 6th, and 7th - 9th grades. Basketball fees are $55 for Facility Members and $75 for Program Members.

Jr. Mercury Girls Basketball
This program is for girls ages 6-12, and teaches the fundamentals of basketball and the character values of the YMCA. This is a low-competition league, and teams are divided as 1st-3rd, 4th-6th grade. (Grades are for the 2009-2010 school year). Fees are $40 for Facility Members and $60 for Program Members.

Basketball Skills Clinic
We are offering a two hour basketball clinic on May 8th from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Northwest YMCA gym.  The cost is $15 per participate. This is a high energy, high intensity camp for players who desire to take their game to the next level. Skills covered will include ball handling, dribble moves, passing, shooting, foot work, 1 on 1 moves, moving without the ball, playing out of the triple threat, basketball IQ.  Jeremy Daniels will be the instructor for the day.

Jeremy Daniels is the Owner/Operator of Triple Threat Basketball Services.  He is a National Clinician, Skill Development Trainer with two successful National Basketball Instructional DVD’s (35 Street Moves and 22 Game Time Moves) with Championship Productions.  Jeremy has worked with over 25 collegiate players and several professional athletes.  

Soccer
YMCA Youth Soccer is for boys and girls ages 4-11. The fundamentals of soccer and the character values of the YMCA are stressed in this league. Coed teams are divided into three groups: 4 to 5 years old, 6 to 8 years old and 9 to 11 years old. There is a  maximum of 12 players per team. All games are played at the YMCA on Saturdays. The fee is $45 for Facility Members and $55 for Program Members.* Soccer is not offered during the summer session.

Tee Ball
Tee Ball focuses on introducing new players to the fundamentals of baseball without the pressure of trying to win the game. Available for 3 - 5 year olds, this is a great program to teach your child the fundamentals of the sport while they have fun and make some new friends.  Players are divided into teams and practice times are determined by the volunteer coach.  Games are on Saturday morning at Tortolita Middle School or Sunset Point Park.  No score is kept.  After hitting the ball, the batter runs to first.  Outfielders go through the motions of catching and throwing.  The last batter is “clean up” and everyone left on base runs home.  Once each player on a team has hit, teams switch. This continues for 9 innings.  The fee for Tee Ball is $45 for Facility Members and $55 for Program Members. Players a required to bring their own glove. Registration ends March 10th. Season runs in the fall, and in between the winter and summer seasons.

Coaches Pitch
Coaches Pitch is designed to help your child to learn the skills needed to play baseball by using rules and equipment modified for beginning athletes.  Available for 6-8 year olds, this program will help your child develop hand eye coordination as he or she learns more about the game.  Players are divided into teams and practice times are determined by the volunteer coach.  Games are on Saturday morning at Tortolita Middle School or Sunset Point Park. At the beginning of the season, no score is kept and games are run just like Tee Ball.  Halfway through the season, coaches will be asked to evaluate their team.  If all coaches feel that players have improved, then rules will be altered to add more competition to the games. Fees are $45 for Facility Members and $55 for Program Members.  Players are required to bring their own glove. Registration ends March 10th. Season runs in the fall, and in between the winter and summer seasons.

Itty Bitty Sports
This is a 9-week program for parents and children ages 3 to 4. Parents get to participate with their child and must be present for all classes. The fundamentals of basketball, soccer, tee ball or football are taught in 3 week segments in a non-competitive environment. This instructor led class meets on Saturday mornings at 8:30am and 9:45am. We also offer a class on Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 5:30pm. Each hour session has a minimum of 5 participants and a maximum of 15. The fees are $45 for Facility Members and $55 for Program Members.*

Flag Football
Flag football offers a well organized, supervised and fun program for boys and girls ages 6 to 14. Participants are divided into the following groups: 8 and under, 11 and under and 14 and under.  This program introduces a youngster to the great game of football while reinforcing the YMCA character values and increasing physical fitness.  Games are played citywide at McCormick Park (adjacent to the Lighthouse Family YMCA) on Saturdays. Practice times and sites are determined by the volunteer coach.  All participants are required to purchase a mouth guard and wear it at all times during games and practices. The fee is $40 for Facility Members and $50 for Program Members.* Flag Football is not offered during the summer session.

We are always looking for more people who can pass on their knowledge about football as a volunteer coach.

Spring Break Sports Camps
We are offering two multiple sports camps during the month of March that will take place at the Northwest YMCA.  Our camp program is designed to create a fun environment for boys and girls ages 6-14.  Program staff will guide your camper through a variety of sports activities including indoor soccer, basketball, gladiator, climbing wall, and other activities.  Emphasis will be placed on fun, teamwork and good sportsmanship. The first camp will be offered Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 2:00pm from March 15th – 19th.  The second camp will be offered Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 2:00pm from March 29th – April 2nd.

Facility Members will pay $75 and Program Members pay $85 for the program. The fee includes a t-shirt for the camper. The deadline to register is March 11th, after which no late registrations will be accepted. Space is limited, so register soon!

Cheerleading
Cheerleading has evolved into a team sport in its own right, and the Northwest YMCA is proud to have 2 excellent cheer programs.

Cheer Squad focuses on basic stunts and cheers. Cheerleaders in this program will perform at YMCA basketball games on Saturdays (times vary). Practices are held on Wednesdays at 6:30pm.

CheerCats is our program for more advanced cheerleaders. Participants should have at least 6 months of previous cheer, dance or gymnastic experience. We focus mainly on complex stunt, dance and parade routines. Cheercats will show off their skills at various community events and parades throughout Tucson. Practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.

Earlier this year the CheerCats participated in the 84th Annual Tucson Rodeo Parade and won the first place trophy for Best Creative Float!

Twirling
Join this new program designed to teach 5-8 year olds the basics of baton twirling.  Instructed by experienced, nationally award winning twirlers at the University of Arizona, your children will work on flexibility, athleticism, and hand eye coordination as they are taught new tricks and learn two separate baton routines! These routines will be performed for the parents on the final day and at the halftime of a recreational league tournament game.  Practices will be on Thursday afternoons at from 4:15 to 5:00pm. Cost is $45 for facility members and $55 for program members. Baton fee of $20 is due at the time of registration.

Karate & Taekwon-do

This is a highly structured and safe program for kids, teens, and adults. Classes are offered for: 4 and 5 yrs old, 6 to 14 yrs old, and adults. Our child and teen classes stress courtesy, discipline, and the development of safe and effective self-defense skills as well as improved athletic skills. Our adult classes feature a sensible fitness program with effective self defense and the allure that Martial Arts have for all. 

The instructor has been practicing Karate and Taekwon-do for more than 50 years and teaching both for more than 40 years.  He has taught not only here in Tucson for many years, but also in Europe and other parts of the United States.  His experience and teaching skill will help all students, no matter their abilities, to reach their goals.  This is a total Martial Arts program including Black Belt training. Visitors are welcome to watch and ask questions.

For ages 4-5, classes for all levels are offered on Wednesdays at 4:30pm and Saturdays at 9:00am. Additional classes include:

 Ages 6-14 and Adults

Beginners	Intermediates	Advanced 1	Advanced 2	Adults
Wed. 5:15pm	Tues. 5:30pm	Tues. 6:30pm	Mon. 6:00pm	Tues. 7:30pm
Sat. 10am	Thurs. 5:30pm	Thurs. 6:30pm	Wed. 6:30pm	Thurs. 7:30pm

Indoor Badminton
This is a great game for beginning and advanced players ages 16 and above. Badminton starts January 4 - March 8, and the following session will run March 15 - May 17.Classes will be held from 2:30pm - 4:30pm. We also have open play that takes place Thursdays from 2:00pm-4:00pm. *Participants must furnish their own rackets.* This program is free for YMCA members and only $30 for Program Members. Register today! Badminton is not offered during the summer session.

Youth Volleyball
Youth Volleyball is for girls and boys ages 8-13.  The fundamentals of volleyball and the character values of the YMCA are stressed in this non-competitive league.  Leagues are divided as 8-10 yrs and 11-13yrs.  There is a maximum of 10 players per team.  Teams are organized by location in the Northwest area and will practice once a week with games on Saturday.  All practice sites, days and times are determined by the volunteer coach at the coaches workshop.  Games are played at NW YMCA, Mountain View HS, or Tortolita Middle School.  Participants are required to purchase knee pads. Volleyball registration fees are $45 for Facility Members and $55 for Program Members.

Recently, one of our teams had the opportunity to practice with the University of Arizona Wildcats women's volleyball team. Don't be surprised if you see some of our girls on the U of A team in the future!

Adult Coed Volleyball
This 6 on 6 coed league is open to men and women 18 and older. Teams must consist of 6 to 12 players. At least 2 players on court must be female. Teams are guaranteed at least 10 indoor refereed games and postseason play. Games take place on Monday nights at 6:30pm. The season runs from May 24 - August 9th. The team fee is $175, so grab your friend and get a team to register today!

Summer Rec Legue Schedule

Summer Intermediate League Schedule

 

* Facility Members are those who are paying monthly fees to the YMCA in exchange for the privilege of using the YMCA facilities. Facility members also receive a reduced rate for participation in most fee based YMCA programs.

**Program Membership. A Program Membership is required for those who do not have a current facility membership. A $20 annual fee (per person) is charged and allows you to register for YMCA programs throughout the year.