YMCA Sports Classes

Kids practice core basketball skills such as ball handling, defense, offense, rebounding and shooting. As they develop their athletic talents, children also build character, values and confidence through teamwork and discipline.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

• You can also register in person at Member Services 
• Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
• The Y will provide all necessary equipment
• Arrive on time
• Have your child use the restroom before class begins
• Remain in the building throughout the entire class
• Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y

In this fast-paced, energetic game, players on two teams throw a large foam ball at each other, trying to hit a player of the opposing team. At the same time, they keep moving to “dodge” throws from their opponents. Y instructors teach safe throwing techniques and make sure everyone plays with respect. Kids learn defensive techniques such as dives, dips and ducks. They also learn safe throwing form and team strategy. All classes are grouped by age and ability.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

• You can also register in person at Member Services
• Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
• The Y will provide all necessary equipment
• Arrive on time
• Have your child use the restroom before class begins
• Remain in the building throughout the entire class
• Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y

The YMCA operates Early Childhood Learning Centers (ECLC) throughout the Greater Twin Cities metro area and Hudson, Wisconsin. Certain sports are offered at these branches as well. Click below to see those offerings.

ECLC Sports

Our flag football program helps kids get a feel for football as they work on the fundamentals of throwing, catching, and playing as a team in this no-tackle sport.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

• You can also register in person at Member Services
• Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
• The Y will provide all necessary equipment
• Arrive on time
• Have your child use the restroom before class begins
• Remain in the building throughout the entire class
• Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y

From basic puck work and shooting to successful stickhandling and passing techniques, kids have a great time learning floor hockey fundamentals at the Y. In this comprehensive program, kids progress from the basics to more advanced techniques as they master each level in a safe environment. Floor hockey instructors use a skills assessment to find the right class for your child. All classes are grouped by age and ability.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

• You can also register in person at Member Services
• Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
• The Y will provide all necessary equipment
• Arrive on time
• Have your child use the restroom before class begins
• Remain in the building throughout the entire class
• Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y

Golf Training

This program, in partnership with the Payne Stewart Kids Golf Foundation, is designed to introduce children of all ages to the game of golf. With a flexible curriculum, it can be taught both indoors in a gymnasium and outdoors on the grass, ensuring accessibility for all participants. We look forward to growing interest in golf for all students and providing a strong foundation so they can continue developing their skills independently.

As the premier introductory golf program, children ages 4-9 will not only learn the fundamentals of golf but also develop character-building virtues that foster personal growth. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong passion for the sport while instilling values that help young athletes thrive both on and off the course.

YMCA Homeschool Physical Education is designed to help K-12 homeschool students learn the importance of healthy living through sports and aquatics activities. The program follows a comprehensive curriculum that includes instruction in sports, gym games, and pool activities. YMCA Homeschool P.E. is a great place to meet new friends, create long-lasting relationships, and learn about the importance of healthy living.

This dynamic, fast-growing sport has roots in the cultural traditions of the Native American Iroquois people. We’re excited to share it with kids of all ages at the Y. In our comprehensive lacrosse program, kids learn stickhandling, throwing and catching. Classes start with the basics and work up to more advanced techniques for older kids. Our lacrosse instructors use a skills assessment to find the right class for your child. All classes are grouped by age and ability.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

• You can also register in person at Member Services
• Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
• The Y will provide all necessary equipment
• Arrive on time
• Have your child use the restroom before class begins
• Remain in the building throughout the entire class
• Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y

Martial arts traditions teach self-defense, competition, mental discipline and personal development. Classes at the Y focus on self confidence, spatial awareness, coordination and rhythm. Kids learn techniques for kicks, punches and blocks.

Available at:

• Forest Lake
• Maplewood
• Shoreview
• White Bear Area

Designed to introduce the sport's fundamentals of having fun recreating and socializing in a safe, supportive, pressure-free environment. Participants will learn and develop basic knowledge of equipment, rules, scoring, etiquette, positioning, and strokes, gaining enough skill and confidence to be able to join open social play sessions.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

• You can also register in person at Member Services 
• Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
• The Y will provide all necessary equipment
• Arrive on time
• Have your child use the restroom before class begins
• Remain in the building throughout the entire class
• Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y

As the popularity of soccer continues to soar nationwide, kids really get a kick out of our programs that teach fundamental skills such as passing, trapping, shooting, dribbling, stealing and goalkeeping.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

• You can also register in person at Member Services
• Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes (shin guards recommended but not required)
• The Y will provide all necessary equipment
• Arrive on time
• Have your child use the restroom before class begins
• Remain in the building throughout the entire class
• Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y

A sports class that introduces kids to the four core Y Sports of basketball, soccer, flag football, and track & field. Each sport will be taught for 2 of each 8 week class. As kids develop their athletic talents, they also build character, values and confidence through teamwork and discipline.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

• You can also register in person at Member Services
• Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
• The Y will provide all necessary equipment
• Arrive on time
• Have your child use the restroom before class begins
• Remain in the building throughout the entire class
• Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y

Our t-ball, baseball and softball programs give kids the skills and passion to enjoy the national pastime. We help kids shape fundamentals into skills such as throwing, catching, pitching, hitting and running bases.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

• You can also register in person at Member Services
• Have your child bring water and wear active wear, tennis shoes and glove (plastic cleats optional)
• The Y will provide all other necessary equipment
• Arrive on time
• Have your child use the restroom before class begins
• Remain in the building throughout the entire class
• Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y

Our tennis program teaches kids the fundamentals of tennis including basic strokes, footwork, volleying and serves. The program features curriculum from the United States Tennis Association. Tennis is truly a lifetime sport that can be enjoyed by all!

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

• You can also register in person at Member Services
• Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
• The Y will provide all necessary equipment
• Arrive on time
• Have your child use the restroom before class begins
• Remain in the building throughout the entire class
• Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y

Kids will engage in a 30 or 45 minute class designed to get them moving and develop a love for running! Children will begin to learn proper running form and build endurance through a curriculum of exercises and games. Our coaches provide a safe nurturing environment for our newest runners.

Instructors give kids a safe, supportive environment for learning the fundamentals of tumbling. Tumblers work on balance, flexibility and routines, building from basic moves to more advanced techniques for older kids.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

• You can also register in person at Member Services
• Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
• The Y will provide all necessary equipment
• Arrive on time
• Have your child use the restroom before class begins
• Remain in the building throughout the entire class
• Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y

Volleyball at the Y gives kids a solid foundation in fitness while they learn the right skills to play one of the world’s most exciting, fastest growing sports. Kids start with basic passing and setting techniques, footwork and ball contact. Higher-level classes teach serving, hitting and blocking footwork, and incorporate small scrimmages. All classes are grouped by age and ability.

Tips and preparation for parents and guardians

• You can also register in person at Member Services
• Have your child bring water and wear active wear and tennis shoes
• The Y will provide all necessary equipment
• Arrive on time
• Have your child use the restroom before class begins
• Remain in the building throughout the entire class
• Show a photo ID or driver’s license as you enter the building if you’re not a member of the Y