Youth Sports programs at the Y help children to grow personally, develop leadership skills, and cultivate relationships while having fun. Our sports programs include clinics, skill-building classes, and leagues as listed below.
Youth Sports Programs Include:
Basketball – YMCA Basketball Academy Beginner or Intermediate Divisions (Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8 and Grades 6-8 girls only). Did you know? The Y invented basketball in 1891 and serves over 1 million youth sports participants annually. Our sports programs emphasize fun, safety and positive, equal play. Led by McGaw’s Sports and Courts Manager, George Washington, who brings his collegiate basketball background and over 15 years of coaching experience to the program, the Basketball Skills Academy helps youth learn and hone fundamentals to feel confident in game play. Experience the Y Sports difference where we emphasize each participant’s time with the ball, high repetitions and inclusive game play. Each session will include a warm-up, designated skill focus, tactical development and integration of the session’s lessons into game play. Beginner Academy is designed for youth with less than one year of basketball experience. Intermediate Academy is designed for youth with more than one year of basketball experience. Register here>
Martial Arts – Karate (Ages 5-13). Our instructors are experts in the martial arts and provide safe and ethical training that adheres to the values of discipline, personal growth and respect for others. Karate is a strategy for self-defense, as well as an individual performance sport that tests balance, coordination, and physical and mental strength. Meet our new instructor with decades of experience! Register here>
Pickleball – Skills, Drills & Games (Ages 9-11). Come enjoy one of the fastest-growing sports in the word—pickleball! Youth will get active, motivated and create lasting friendships here at the Y. Pickleball is a fast-paced, quick movement-based sport that is a cross between badminton, ping-pong and tennis. The game is played with a whiffle ball and paddle. The game can be played in singles format but is normally played in pairs. In this instructor-led clinic, youth will learn the scoring method, play style, game setup, skills and movement. Register here>
Preschool Sports – Sports of all Sorts (Ages 3-5). Our sports programs emphasize fun, safety and positive, equal play. Sports of All Sorts introduces youth to a variety of sports and skill sets to build confidence at the next level. Experience the Y Sports difference where we emphasize each participant’s time with high repetitions and detailed instruction. Each session will include a warm-up, designated skill focus, tactical development and follow-up group discussion. Register here>
Preschool Sports – T-ball Skills, Drills & Games (Ages 3-5). Our sports programs emphasize fun, safety and positive, equal play. Tee Ball introduces youth to a variety of foundational skill sets to build confidence at the next level. Experience the Y Sports difference where we emphasize each participant’s time with high repetitions and detailed instruction. Each session will include a warm-up, designated skill focus, tactical development and follow-up group discussion. Register here>
Preschool Sports – Tiny Tot Basketball (Ages 3-5). Did you know? The Y invented basketball in 1891 and serves over 1 million youth sports participants annually. Our sports programs emphasize fun, safety and positive, equal play. Experienced instructors introduce children to the game of basketball using an age-appropriate curriculum with activities and games designed to increase physical, cognitive and social/emotional development including balance, body awareness, hand-eye coordination and listening skills. Experience the Y Sports difference where we emphasize each participant’s time with the ball, high repetitions and inclusive activities. Each session will include a warm-up, designated skill focus and fun skills application game. Tiny Tot Basketball is the perfect introduction to organized sports play. Register here>
Volleyball – Lights Out Volleyball Clinic (Grades 2-5, Grades 6-8). Learn from the best in the community! Lights Out Volleyball is a non-profit organization that offers introductory and high-level instruction by professional players to elementary and high school youth (grades 2-12) across Chicago and metro Chicagoland. Experienced Lights Out Volleyball instructors, in partnership with the McGaw YMCA, guide youth through drills and games designed to learn volleyball fundamentals, teamwork and agility with a focus on the importance of movement and the fun of competition. This clinic is the perfect introduction or preparation for school, club or league play. Register here>
VIEW CURRENT OFFERINGS & REGISTER HERE
Open Court
McGaw Y members of all ages are invited to drop in for Sebring-Lewis Center (SLC) Gym Open Court hours. Youth under the age of 11 must be accompanied by 1 adult member for Open Court.
There are also designated times for Youth Open Court (members between the ages of 11-14 or middle school students) and High School Open Court (members between the ages of 15-18 or high school students).
VIEW THE SLC GYM SCHEDULE FOR OPEN COURT HOURS
Sebring-Lewis Center Gym Safety Protocols
As of 7/27/2022
Here’s what you can expect for your next visit to the Sebring-Lewis Center Gym:
- Capacity is 30 members per court unless otherwise stated or determined by staff.
- Youth under the age of 11 must be accompanied by 1 adult member during Open Court times.
- Use of a personal ball is allowed; there will be balls and other gym equipment available for use.
- Make-up classes cannot be honored.
- No dunking permitted on the rims.
- A shirt and gym shoes must be worn on the court; no boots.
- No food permitted in the gym.
- Bring your own water bottle with a secure lid (water fountains will be available for bottle fill only).
- Disinfecting of high touch and common areas will take place throughout the day.
- All personal belongings must be placed in a locker.
Learn more about general McGaw’s safety protocols and what to do before your visit.