Sports

Kids who participate in Y Sports get to learn, progress and play in a program that promotes teamwork, safety and positive competition.

At the Y everybody gets an opportunity to play. As kids learn how to work together and support teammates from all backgrounds and beliefs, they also build character and develop healthy self-confidence.

Family involvement plays an important role in Y Sports as well. We ask parents or guardians to remain on-site for the duration of classes, and to keep up with communications from instructors. Kids learn a lot from this model of discipline and accountability—and thrive with the support of involved, engaged adults.

Overview

The Emma B. Howe Y currently offers the following youth sports:

See the Emma B. Howe Y sports schedule

Classes

Age 3 through grade 8

$65 for members and $90 for non-members for an eight-week session

Kids will meet weekly to develop their skills through a variety of age appropriate skill drills and team-building exercises. The eight-week session kicks off with a focus on skill development and advances to teamwork concepts which may include light scrimmaging and positive competition. Trained YMCA staff leads each class with help from qualified volunteers. At the end of the eight-week session, each age level will have acquired specific skill outcomes needed to advance to the next level of skill development. 

Registration is open for:

Leagues

Grades 2-8

$100 for members and $125 for non-members for an eight-week session

Leagues let kids take their skills to the next level and experience positive competition. Age-based offerings vary by session and by sport. Leagues consist of organized practices and team contests with coaches and officials. The first two weeks focus on skill development practice and teamwork, while the remaining weeks introduce scored games and meets along with continued practice. At the end of each session a tournament or all city Track & Field meet will be held. Leagues guarantee a minimum of 8 practices and 6 games throughout the session.

Note: a structured game or meet schedule will be developed and issued the first week of each session.

We are improving our look in YMCA Youth Sports! Purchase one of our new, reversible jerseys at your local Y branch, at a cost of $15. Players are required to wear our new jerseys to participate in any YMCA league.

Registration is open for:

Sports Training

Grades 3-12

Pricing varies by package

Small-group and one-on-one training sessions help young athletes grow by developing fundamental sports skills. Kids connect with an expert trainer, who creates customized training to match your child’s abilities and goals.

Sports Training for basketball is available through the Eagan and New Hope Ys.

High School Leagues

Leagues give teens a chance to play a team sport at the Y. Available sports vary by location and session. Find locations and available sports.

Clinics schedule—Grades K-8

Our free sports clinics let kids try out a sport they’re curious to explore. Mark your calendar for upcoming clinics:

August 12 – Flag Football

October 14 – Basketball

There’s no need to register ahead of time, just plan to come to the clinic and you’ll be asked to sign in.

Session schedules

Session 1: January 15 - March 11

Registration opens November 28, 2017

Session 2: April 2 - May 27

Registration opens February 13, 2018

Session 3: June 11 - August 12

Registration opens April 24, 2018

Session 4: August 20 - October 14

Registration opens July 3, 2018

Session 5: October 22 - December 23

Registration opens September 4, 2018

Communication with parents and guardians

Once you register your child for a sport, all communications from the Y take place over email and on Playerspace.

You’ll receive information about:

  • Schedules
  • Locations for games
  • What to do if there’s bad weather on game day

Class/Game Cancellation Policy

One class or game canceled due to inclement weather conditions will not have a make-up date. If more than one class or game is canceled due to weather or other unforeseeable challenges we will issue Y BUCKS that may be used for a future class or program.

Accessibility, scholarships and special needs

We believe everyone should have equal access to Y programs and facilities regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, ability and financial status.

Need help covering class and league fees for your child? Find out if you qualify for our program scholarships.

Y programs accommodate special needs into existing programs to the extent that financial and physical resources permit. Please contact the Emma B. Howe sports director if your child has any special needs or requires any accommodations.

Volunteer coaches and assistants

Serving as a youth coach is one of the greatest investments of time and energy anyone can make. Coaches become some of the most influential voices in a child’s life, and you can help us fill each season with lessons that last a lifetime.

Y volunteer coaches must:  

  • Be 18 or older
  • Apply online
  • Complete a background check
  • Complete Y training
  • Commit 4 hours per week

We also need assistants during classes to help run small groups of kids through preplanned drills and organize teams during scrimmages.

Y volunteer assistants must:

  • Be 14 or older
  • Apply online
  • Complete a background check
  • Commit 1 hour per week

All coaches and assistants must attend the Coaches Meeting.