Sports

Information

Teams

Q: What ages can play Youth sports at the Y?

Our leagues are organized by grade for the current school year. Divisions are available for players in Kindergarten-5th Grade. Typically players are ages 5-11 years. Players cannot play down a division.  

Q. How are teams formed?

During the registration process, parents can list requested coaches and requested friends. We form teams first according to these requests. Then we form teams by schools and school districts. Coaches can email the Sports Director a list of kids they expect to have on their team, but parents still need to register their child individually. 

Registration

Q. Which YMCA Center should I register through?

Youth sports are organized by region instead of Y location. Each region offers one or more program location. Indicate your program location preference during the online registration process along with your school, friend or coach requests. 

• Atchison
• Jackson County
• Johnson County
• Northland
• Wyandotte County

Q. Do Y members get a discount on Youth sports?

Yes, members save up to 50% on Youth sports programs. To register for the program and receive your discount, log in to our ActiveNet system using the email address associated with your membership. Visit the Welcome Center of your Y to update your contact information or receive registration assistance. If you're not a member, you can join the Y online. 

Q. Who do I contact if I have questions about Youth Sports?

Please email Sports@KansasCityYMCA.org or call the Paul Henson Family YMCA at 913.642.6800.

Practices and Games

Q. Where are practices and games held?

Sports facilities vary from region to region. Practices and games for most sports are held at schools and parks in the community near the region where you have registered. Bathrooms are always on site for game fields but may not be for practices so please plan accordingly. Your coach will provide locations for practices and games five days before the first practice.

Q. What is the schedule for Youth Sports practices and games?

Teams in Grades K-5 get one practice on a weekday, usually a Monday, that they keep for the duration of the season. Game times will vary, but will be between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Typically teams have three weeks of practice before the first game. Teams in leagues play a minimum of seven games per season. View the current schedule here.

Q. When will we hear from our coach?

Your coach will contact you no later than five days before the first day of the start of practices. The coach will provide details regarding practice and game schedules and locations.

What to Bring

Q. What equipment does the Y provide?

The Y provides jerseys and practice space as part of the program. We also provide essential equipment such as flags for flag football, tees, bats, helmets, cones, and other game-day items. Items like shin guards for soccer, wristbands, and athletic clothing should be provided by the parents.  

Q. What should players bring to practices and games?

Kids should bring water bottles and personal safety items as needed. Kids should wear comfortable athletic clothing suitable for the weather and facility. 

Q. Do Y members receive a discount on programs?

Yes. Bitty programs are offered to Y members with a household membership at a discounted rate. The Bitty player must be included on the Y membership to receive the program discount. To register for the program and receive your discount, log in to our ActiveNet system using the email address associated with your membership. Visit the Welcome Center of your Y to update your contact information or receive registration assistance. If you're not a member, you can join the Y online. 

Q. Which YMCA Center should I register through?

View the locations map to find which location is closest to your home. Bitty sports vary from center to center, and may not be offered at all centers. 

Q. Where are practices and games for Bitty Sports?

Sports facilities vary from center to center. Practices and games for most sports are held at schools and parks in the community near the Y where you have registered. Bitty programs are held at the same location for each session. You will be provided location details five days before the first session.

Q. What should kids bring to clinics?

Kids should bring water bottles and personal safety items as needed. Kids should wear comfortable athletic clothing suitable for the weather and facility.