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My child wants to play sports, now what?
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Community sports programs can be an ideal way to keep consistent activity in your child’s life while learning the fundamentals of sportsmanship and teamwork. Unfortunately, advertising is usually not at the top of the budget for community leagues so finding out what is offered can be tricky.
Area schools are always a great place to start. High schools will often offer club sports to gain early age interest, especially in the more popular sports such as basketball, football, baseball and soccer. But clubs for swimming, volleyball and wrestling are also often available through the school’s network. Be on the lookout for brochures or handouts sent home with your child’s school work, or for advertisements about upcoming league registration posted around your child’s school.
Christian leagues, or community leagues associated with churches, are also great places to turn for youth sports. These programs are usually less competitive than the clubs affiliated with the school systems. Upward is a national youth sports league with multiple church affiliates around greater Indianapolis. In addition, many of the larger churches in the area have developed facilities to provide community sports leagues of their own. Church membership is not a requirement to participate in these community leagues, although devotions are typically part of the leagues' regular practices. Church affiliated leagues do not have the residency restrictions that school affiliated clubs have so even if there is not a church affiliated league within your immediate community, chances are that you can find one within a reasonable driving distance.
The YMCA, while Christian by definition, does not necessarily provide devotions during sports practices. The range of sports available for participation is greater than most community church leagues, as is the schedule of events. Where a church community center will offer a winter youth basketball league, the YMCA can offer multiple leagues running congruently. Membership is encouraged; registration costs are higher for non-YMCA members to participate.
City parks and recreation departments are another great resource for available youth sports. City sports are usually residency restricted (i.e. you must live within the city limits for eligible participation) but more often than not non-resident participation is available at an increased registration cost.
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