Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois

Youth Programs

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

This is a skills-based league designed for both beginners and experienced players to build and grow their skills in the game of soccer. All participants will receive a soccer ball with their registration.

Dance Fundamentals

This class will help children learn the basics of dance; including moving to the rhythm and beat of the music, coordination, following choreography, and creating choreography themselves.
Dancers will be encouraged to express themselves in many dance styles.

Cheerleading

We are offering a three-step cheer progression. Each level will expand on the skills learned in the previous class and add on new skills.

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.

Days Till Registration Opens

T-Ball

YMCA T-ball is designed to teach young baseball players the fundamentals of the game. Participants will learn how to catch, throw and bat in a fun team atmosphere. YMCA baseball formats include T-ball, coach-pitch, and player-pitch.

Days Till Registration Opens

Youth Flag Football

Want to play football without worrying about tackling and all the heavy gear? Then try Flag Football! Even if you’ve never played football before, you can learn like the pros. Boys and girls will enjoy playing in this fun program that promotes fitness and teaches youngsters valuable football lessons about teamwork and fair play. This league is traditional flag football that teaches the basic skills of football; running, receiving, and defending.

Youth Outdoor 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.

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.