Family YMCA
of Northwest
Illinois

Youth Programs

Youth Dance

Step into the rhythm with our YMCA Dance Program! Open to all skill levels, this program welcomes kids ages 3-13 to explore movement, expression, and creativity through dance. Participants will learn fundamental techniques, choreography, and performance skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Youth Volleyball

At the Y, volleyball allows kids to build confidence in themselves while they learn to bump, set, and serve. We teach players to live a healthy lifestyle by building skills in this lifetime sport. They can meet new friends, build skills, develop interests and try new things in a supportive environment with caring adults. Our programs emphasize values, sportsmanship, friendship, and most of all, fun.

Youth Indoor Soccer

Our YMCA Soccer Program helps kids become not only better soccer players, but better people as well. It’s a progressive program, with multiple age-specific levels. We are committed to teaching sound fundamental skills, fair play, and positive competition.

Youth Basketball

Y Basketball Leagues teach kids the basics of the sport while also helping them make new friends, stay active and learn new skills that will help them succeed in life. We’re committed to coaching with a focus on fair play, healthy competition, and parent participation.

Youth Outdoor Soccer

Outdoor Soccer is played on Saturday mornings on Highland Community College fields, located West of the YMCA building.

Youth Indoor Ultimate Football

This program gives boys and girls the opportunity to learn and develop the fundamental skills of football like throwing, catching, running routes, and defending. In ultimate football, each player gets the opportunity to perform each skill as the positions are ever changing. This is a great program to work on skills without the worry of physical contact that traditional football poses.

Games will be held on Saturdays in the Auxiliary gym.

YMCA Youth Sports Philosophy

The Y nurtures the potential of children through our Youth Sports programming by strengthening character in our youth, engaging families, and building lasting relationships. Participants in these programs build skills, learn about teamwork, and focus on sportsmanship. Families are presented with second-to-none volunteer opportunities as coaches, team parents, and committee members. Youth learn new skills, make new friends, develop essential character traits, and set individual and team goals. This improves self-confidence, promotes diversity, increases self-esteem, and improves physical condition. The positive time with family and friends in this environment strengthens our communities. Youth Sports emphasizes healthy relationships between adults and youth as well as family, intending to build social skills and sport skills with all participants for the future. The goals and objectives of the YMCA youth sports program are based upon a philosophy of nine concepts:

1. Participation – Everyone plays!

2. Fun – We play to have fun!

3. Fitness – Regular exercise is important for a lifetime!

4. Skills – We learn fundamentals that help us play the game.

5. Teamwork – We focus on cooperation, not competition!

6. Fair play – We respect all involved, other players, coaches, parents, and officials

7. Family Involvement – Youth sports is a family program. Parents and kids learn and practice together.

8. Volunteers – They are the key to a successful program.

9. Character Development – Emphasis on Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

YMCA Financial Assistance

Financial assistance will be awarded to applicants based upon the available resources of the Association. Financial assistance and scholarships are obtained through a simple and confidential application process.

Family YMCAof NorthwestIllinois