We love sports at the Y! Team sports are an excellent way for kids to learn new skills, practice discipline, meet new friends, and have fun! The Y offers a variety of sports leagues across the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, including Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, and other seasonal sports.
Leagues at the Y run in the fall, winter, spring, and summer each year. The types of leagues offered will vary based on your branch location.
Our Leagues
Explore the leagues we offer at the Y. Once you are ready to get started, visit our Y online platform to see which leagues are offered at branches near you.
Next Leagues: Fall
League Preview Opens: July 3, 2023
Registration Opens: July 10, 2023
Online Registration Closes: September 24, 2023
In-House Registration Closes: October 1, 2023
Leagues Begin: September 11, 2023
Upcoming Leagues: Winter
League Preview Opens: October 2, 2023
Registration Opens: October 9, 2023
Online Registration Closes: December 18, 2023
In-House Registration Closes: December 26, 2023
Leagues Begin: January 2, 2024
Basketball
Basketball was invented at the Y! By working together on a team, kids will realize their full potential, gain self-confidence, and will learn the basic skills of dribbling, passing, shooting and good sportsmanship.
Our Coaches and Staff are trained through our library of more than 250 instructional videos designed by the Jr. NBA on the MOJO Sports Platform. They share a singular vision of helping boys and girls of all skill and ability levels develop a lifelong passion for the game of basketball by creating a safe space to connect with friends and positive role models and learn teamwork during our weekly practices and games.
Registration fees include a YMCA reversible basketball jersey that is required to be worn at all games. This program is best suited for beginners who are new to the game of basketball. We recommend all participants wear suitable sneakers and bring a water bottle.
Soccer
Dribble, pass, shoot and score! Kids will have fun learning the basic fundamental skills of soccer through structured activities and weekly small-sided games. Soccer helps kids build endurance, increase muscle tone, bone strength, and promote heart health. Our trained coaches will help your child learn character development, sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork in a safe and fun environment.
Our coaches are trained through the MOJO Sports platform’s curriculum developed in partnership with US Youth Soccer and Major League Soccer. The curriculum features age-appropriate levels that provide proper instruction to youth players at every stage of development.
All participants will receive a YMCA soccer jersey they will be required to wear each week. We also recommend children wear shin guards, cleats and bring a water bottle.
Flag Football
The foundation of YMCA Flag Football is more than just learning the fundamentals of running, catching, throwing, and the basics of offensive and defensive formations. It’s about being a part of a team and, most importantly, having fun. With less players on the field, there’s more engagement and a faster speed of play. Games are quick, competitive and every drive counts.
Our Coaches and Staff are trained through our library of more than 250 instructional videos designed by the NFL Flag on the MOJO Sports Platform. They share a singular vision of helping boys and girls of all skill and ability levels develop a lifelong passion for the game of football by creating a safe space to connect with friends and positive role models and learn teamwork during our weekly practices and games.
Registration fees include a YMCA Flag Football shirt. All necessary Flag Football Equipment will be provided. We also recommend children wear sneakers or cleats and bring a water bottle.
Volleyball
Bump, set and spike your way to fun. Our youth volleyball league is designed to help kids develop fundamental volleyball skills while learning teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship. Skills taught include serving, passing, setting and hitting with an emphasis on team spirit and sportsmanship.
Leagues are structured and led by experienced coaches and staff that are dedicated to skill development. Your child will enjoy learning how to play this sport which was invented at the YMCA!
Registration fees include a YMCA Volleyball shirt. We also recommend children wear suitable sneakers and bring a water bottle.
League FAQS
Most questions regarding leagues at the Y can be answered by the Sports Coordinators at our branches across the greater Philadelphia region. They will be the main point of contact once you have registered. Get answers to some common questions below.
Does my child have to be a member of the YMCA to participate?
No, your child does not have to be a member to participate in youth sports, however, YMCA members do receive reduced registration fees and all the other benefits of a YMCA membership.
When are the games/practices?
Practice and game times will be available during registration for each season.
Where are the practices/games?
For indoor sports, the games and practices will most likely be held at your local YMCA, or a nearby facility.
For outdoor sports, practices and games are held at local fields in your community. You will receive practice and game times and locations once the schedules are set prior to the start of the season.
Will we have to travel to different Ys for games?
Travel for games is dependent on scheduling between branches. We make every effort to keep travel to a minimum if it's needed.
How will I know if a practice or game is canceled? Are canceled games made up?
If a game or practice is canceled, you will receive a message from your sports director or coach in the MOJO app at least an hour before your scheduled practice or game. Parents can turn on notifications in the app to ensure they do not miss an update.
We do our best to reschedule canceled games; however, rescheduling is dependent on the weather and facility/field availability.
Will my child need any special equipment/clothing?
All equipment needs will be communicated at registration.
Who will the coach be?
Our coaching staffs are composed of YMCA staff and volunteers. Each volunteer must go through a background screening, child abuse prevention training and other YMCA sports specific training. Each coach is also provided a coach’s manual and is required to attend a pre-season meeting to review proper YMCA procedures and expectations.
Interested volunteer coaching? Sign up here to learn more.
Who should I notify if my child cannot make a practice or game?
Notify your coach as soon as possible in the MOJO app using the chat feature.
How do you determine who plays on which teams?
The Greater Philadelphia YMCA randomly places players on their youth sports teams. If there are significant discrepancies in ability, we try to move players around, when possible, to even teams out.
Can I make a special request, like a teammate?
We do take special requests into consideration; however, no request is guaranteed. Late registration with requests will not be honored.
How do you determine age (grade) requirements?
A child is permitted to play in the level of the age he/she is or turns during the season. For example, if a child is 6 years old, but turns 7 during the basketball season, he/she may play in the 7 to 8-year-old league. If a young person is 15 when the season starts but turns 16 during the season, he/she may play in the 13 to 15-year-old league.
What is the MOJO app?
MOJO Sports is a free youth sports app that empowers coaches to instill the love of a sport in kids. MOJO provides practice planning, team management, and communication tools for coaches to help manage all aspects of their individual teams. Each league participant is expected to use the MOJO app to find important league info and to communicate with their coach.
What is the difference between a YMCA sports class and a YMCA sports league?
The YMCA offers sports leagues and classes. Classes are instructional in nature and designed to teach the basic fundamentals of each sport. Leagues are set up with weekly team practices and organized games throughout the season.