Trying Something New: Youth Sports at the YMCA
As a staff member at the Gretna Crossing YMCA, I routinely meet members who are hesitant to walk onto the weight floor, or through the doors to a group fitness class. This hesitation is normal, and we frequently discuss the best ways to provide a welcoming and knowledgeable environment for our members. But adults are not alone in their hesitation. An experience I had this summer with my son made me pause and realize that our children, too, can be scared to try new things.
It was our first day of YMCA summer baseball and my son’s first time ever playing. I parked the car, grabbed his new mitt, and started walking towards the field. After a few steps I realized my 7 year old had stayed in the car. Looking sad, he asked, “what if the other kids all know how to play already?” He was hesitant, worried, to start a new sport. He was worried his teammates would already know what to do and that he would be left embarrassed. But once we coaxed him to step out onto the field, his coaches introduced themselves, started with a fun game, and walked through the very basics. Throughout the season we saw kids of all levels, each learning skills new to them, and having fun doing it. Some will develop a love for baseball and choose to play again, while some will not. Maybe they will try another new sport next season.
And there lies the magic of YMCA Youth Sports: everyone comes in at a different level, and all are welcome. The coaches are excited, helpful, and often know just how to interact with the age group they are coaching. At the YMCA the games aren’t about winning, they are about learning the skills of the game, working as a team, and (sometimes) it’s just about the snack at the end. That's okay! Thousands of kids each season are kicking a soccer ball or throwing a football for the first time.
As Fall sports kick off, take the time to tell your kid you are proud of them for trying something new! Encourage them to try their best and make friends. Most of all, thank your coaches for volunteering their time and making youth sports a possibility!
If you are interested in signing your child up for fall basketball or volleyball (volleyball is played at our Iowa locations this season), visit us at any location or online: https://metroymca.org/youth-sports. Basketball teams are available for kids 3 years-12th grade and volleyball for kids 1st-8th grades.
Sophie H., Gretna Crossing YMCA Group Fitness Manager (and Y mom!)