Programs & Schedules: Youth Sports

The YMCA offers year-round Youth Sports & Skate Programs for children 4 - 13 years of age. Programs include: Beginning, Intermediate/Advanced Skate, Basketball, Baseball, Flag Football, and SportShorts (Soccer, Basketball and Floor Hockey in the fall. Soccer, Floor Hockey and T-Ball in the winter. ) Games are scheduled after teams are formed.

“The Montecito Y basketball program is fantastic! If you’re looking for a program geared towards sportsmanship, character and learning fundamentals, you’ll find it here.”
~Sam Kaiser , Veteran Volunteer Coach

“As a family, we’ve been involved with Montecito Y baseball program for 6 years. We love the atmosphere. Instead of a high- pressure situation for the kids, it feels more like a neighborhood picnic on game day.”
~Bob Strachan

YMCA Sports Philosophy

The goals and objectives of YMCA Youth Sports are based on a philosophy summarized in these eight concepts:

Participation. Everyone plays!
Fun. We play sports to have fun!
Fitness. Regular cardio-vascular exercise is important for a lifetime!
Skills. Emphasize the fundamentals!
Teamwork. Focus on cooperation not competition!
Fair play. Fair play involves respect!
Family involvement. Youth Sports is a Parent/Child program!
Character Development. National Character Counts Program
Volunteers. Volunteers are the key!

Learning to Skate

YMCA skate instructors team up to bring quality instruction and fundamentals in the world of in-line sports. Skaters learn balance, stopping, turning, safe falling techniques, traffic awareness, and street smart skating. Class is divided into two areas: beginning skate and intermediate/advanced skate.

Karate

The YMCA with South Coast Karate has one of the best programs in town. Karate is an effective way for children to build self-esteem, muscle coordination, and character. The Montecito Family YMCA & South Coast Karate program emphasizes self- defense and self-control in an environment that is caring and progressive. Come join the fun!

Ballet

This class is designed for 4 to 6 year olds. It is a fun way to learn ballet and to make new friends. Classes are designed to teach ballet fundamentals and each session culminates in a small performance. Participants also learn about sharing, taking turns, and the Character Counts! program.

Sport Shorts (Soccer, Basketball, Floor Hockey)

These activities have become a great program for children to meet and to learn character development, cooperation and teamwork. Sport Shorts are for four, five and six-year-old children. It is designed to teach the fundamentals and explain the games of soccer, basketball and floor hockey. Season begins in September and winds down in December. You may register for one or all sports. Practices and games are scheduled on the same day and parent participation is greatly encouraged. (Sport Shorts is also offered during Winter Session.)

Flag Football

Enjoy this fall sport with your friends. Learn the fundamentals of football, while having a wonderful time keeping physically fit. Participants will also learn teamwork and sportsmanship. This league has a 1st – 3rd Grade division and a 4th – 6th Grade division. Registration begins in August. League starts in October. Games are played at Carpinteria High School.

Winter Basketball League

Come and be a star in the Montecito Family YMCA Basketball League. All participants will learn and sharpen basic skills of the game. Qualities such as teamwork and sportsmanship will be learned during weekly practices and Saturday morning games. League runs from January thru the end of March.

Baseball & T-Ball

You’re sure to be a hit when you sign up for our spring T-ball, Coach Pitch or Kid Pitch leagues. Each player will be taught the fundamentals of the game with encouragement and instruction from our coaches. Baseball season runs from April to June. As one of our more popular programs, each year’s season has truly become a family affair. Parent participation is highly encouraged. If you are energetic and enjoy working with children, the position of coach, assistant coach, team parent, and volunteer committee member may be for you.

For more information about any Youth Sports Program, contact Cary Young, YMCA Program Director.