In sports, you get your bumps and bruises. You win some. You lose, too. You work on a team, but sometimes it’s all on you….
We hope youth in our sports program develop a lifelong love of play and exercise, gain new skills, and learn respect… respect for fair play, boundaries, for one’s opponent, one’s self, coaches, referees and fans.
In the heat of a contest, we hope players and fans will remember to value the other team and the officials. You wouldn’t have a game without them, and one day if you are lucky enough you will probably call all of them your friends.
The best sportsmanship recognizes and applauds the effort and the exertion, not the win. It focuses on your own part and maintains your dignity. Perhaps the best sportsmanship is a genuine smile and “Congratulations, well played.”
So how do we keep from feeling bad about a loss?
A Los Alamos parent whose children went through recreational and competitive sports programs once shared some sage advice at a YMCA coaching clinic. Robert Benjamin spoke as a parent who had lived through the experience and come out the other side. He offered three reflective questions, emphasizing that coaches, parents and fans must also buy into these ideas. He said if we can emphasize these three things in sports, then losing won’t feel so bad.
- Did you try? An anonymous quote says, “If you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you’re right!” Robert promotes emphasizing to youth that you are a winner if you try.
- Did you learn anything? Experience, even in losses, is the best teacher. We learn in the doing. It’s during the games where most of our knowledge is gained, much more than in practices.
- Did you exercise? Sweating and working hard is a benefit to your body in innumerable ways.
If we look at being able to answer yes to these questions and believe it, everyone involved will walk away more satisfied.
Sports Trips:
Future trip destinations may include: Professional sport events to go see MLB Spring Training in Phoenix or to Denver to see the Nuggets, Avalanche or Broncos. Maybe you want to see more Topes and Lobo games in ABQ. Whatever you would like to see with Sports Trips please submit requests to sportsdirector@laymca.org. Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paid supervising chaperone for YMCA Bus trips. All ages are welcome for group ticket rate events. For more information call the YMCA at 662-3100.Open Gym and Family Time
Monday - Friday 12:30-4:15 pm. This is a time set aside for the community to drop in and use the gym. It runs on a first come-first served basis and is open to all YMCA Members at no charge. Non-members must purchase a day pass. To see available times, filter for the gymnasium section on the web calendar.Gym use is free to members, or $2 per person for youth ages 17 and under, or $4 for those 18 and older. This is a great time for parents, siblings, cousins, mentors, partners, etc., to hang out. All ages welcome, youth 12 and under need a supervising adult with them.
Noon Basketball Co-Ed
Adult basketball programs run on a monthly program basis. Monday/Wednesday/Friday program runs from 11:30-12:30 pm and 12:30-1:30 pm; free to members. Tuesday/Thursday programs froms from 11:30-12:30 pm and 12:30-1:30 pm; free to members, All participants must check-in with volunteer program coordinators to participate.
Co-Ed Volleyball
Participants will require training on net setup and take down. Please make arrangements on volleyball preparations. See current calendar for available times.
Lock-in Parties
Groups and birthday parties can spend the night at the Y, playing a multitude of games. The Y can be reserved on a Saturday night from 7:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. the next day. Parties will have full use of the gymnasium to play games such as kickball, volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, indoor soccer, etc. At 7:00 p.m. the party starts and the doors are locked until morning. Come prepared with sleeping bag, snacks and coffee for the chaperons! Cost for lock-ins is $20/youth, with a minimum of 10 participants. The Climbing Wall can be incorporated into your party for an additional fee.
Sports Birthday Party
An instructor will organize athletic games including basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, soccer, or t-ball for your child's birthday. Parties are for 2 hours with 30 minutes set aside for parent-led opening of presents and having cake. Parties can be tailored to the age group and interests of the participants. Cost is $110 for 1-8 kids, $150 for 9-12 kids and $195 for 13-16 kids. Parties can be hosted on Saturdays and Sundays; youth must be at least 5 years old. Groups under age minimum or large parties over price rate maximum must obtain approval from Sports Director. Registrants are required to hold a quick meeting with Sports Director to review party plans prior to event.
Youth Co-Ed Basketball & Girl's League Basketball (Grades 1st-6th)
Youth co-ed basketball is for boys and girls & Girl's League is for girls only in grades 1st-2nd, 3rd-4th and 5th-6th. These recreational development leagues offer athletic opportunities for youth of all abilities. Basketball practices will be 2x a week in WR and LA; Saturday games held at the Y, LAHS or LAMS and begin in January.Season: November 28-February 25, 2012
Register: October 1-November 9, 2011
Fee: Y Members: $65, Program Members: $97
Youth Co-Ed Basketball & Girl's League Basketball (Grades 7th-8th)
Youth co-ed basketball is for boys and girls & Girl's League is for girls only in grades 7th-8th. These recreational development leagues offer athletic opportunities for youth of all abilities. Basketball practices will be 2x a week in WR and LA; Saturday games held at LAHS or LAMS begin in January.Coed
Season: September 11-November 17, 2012
Registration: August 1-31, 2012
Girls
Season: January 9-March 4, 2012
Register: October 1-January 2, 2012
Fee: Y Members: $65, Program Members: $97
Bumpers Youth Volleyball (Ages 4-7)
This is an 6-week introduction for children to work on their coordination and socialization. Play will be on a lowered net, 4'-5’ high and with beach balls, balloons and soft volleyballs to ensure success. Volunteers needed to coach.Register: May 7-June 24, 2012
Season: July 9-August 17, 2012
Fee: Y Members: $32, Program Members, $48
Diggers Volleyball (Youth Grades 3rd-6th): 2 Seasons
Each 6-week program will teach passing, hitting, setting, serving and rules of the game. Practice/games 2x per week.Per Session Fee: Y Member: $32, Program Member: $48
Spring Session: Register: January 27-February 29, 2012
Season: March 5-April 19, 2012 (Not on Spring Break)
Fall Session: Register: July 16-August 19, 2012
Season: September 4-October 12, 2012
Junior Co-Ed Wrestling (Developmental Youth Grades K-6th & Competitive Ages 9-15)
This is an excellent way for youth to burn off some steam and learn to wrestle the right way. Open to boys and girls in grades K-6th. Competitive practices are at the Y gym on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4:15-5:55 pm. Developmental/Recreational practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Y gym, from 4:15-5:55 pm. Season begins as listed below and runs for approximately 14 weeks. There are separate optional tournaments at the end of the season for those interested.Developmental/Recreational: Register: December 1-January 4, 2012
Season: January 11-April 7, 2012
Fee: Y Members: $55, Program Members: $82
Competitive: Register: October 1-January 4, 2012
Season: November 2-February 24, 2012
Fee: Y Members: $83, Program Members: $123
Kinderhoops (Ages 4-5)
An introduction to basketball for girls and boys. Mini-sized balls will be used as well as 6’ baskets. Focus will be on developing coordination and learning the basic rules of the game. Practice will be 2x per week at YMCA or Chamisa.Register: August 10-September 16, 2012
Season: October 2-November 20, 2012
Fee: Y Members: $32, Program Members: $48
Kinderkick Soccer (Ages 4 & 5): 2 Seasons
Instructional practices / games run for 6 weeks, two days per week. Volunteer coaches lead practices at days and times set by them, after work. Volunteer coaches, assistants and team parents are needed. Coaches training will be provided.Per Session Fee: Y Member: $32, Program Member: $48
Spring Session: Register: January 31-April 2, 2012
Season is April 16-May 25, 2012
Fall Session: Register: July 16-Aug.19, 2012
Season is September 4-October 12, 2012
UK Soccer Camp
2 separate Week-long soccer camp, half or full days,Camp Dates: TBA
Camp Times: TBA
Registation starts April 1, 2012
Call 662-3100 for more information.
UK International Soccer Day Camp creates an environment that is fun and conducive to learning for all ages and ability levels. Coaches work with players on skills and activities appropriate to their age and skill level, at the fields they already know and love. UK International Soccer Camps are conducted by the best nationally and internationally trained coaches. Established in 1990, they have developed an excellent reputation and have become one of the largest providers of soccer instruction throughout the United States.
UK International coaches are primarily from Great Britain and have been specially selected for their expertise in teaching children the game of soccer. The result is a soccer camp experience players will remember for a lifetime. All camp sessions are based on individual attention to ball skills, as well as technical & tactical games to put those skills into practice and develop teamwork. Players are encouraged to express themselves in order to develop confidence and individual creativity on the field.
Families are also asked to please consider hosting a soccer coach for fun. It is a truly rewarding experience; coaches are introduced to American lifestyle while hosts learn about the British (or other nationality) way of life, its cultural differences and their passion for soccer. This creates a memorable week and long-lasting friendships. Click here to register as a host.
Youth Flag Football (Ages 6-12)
The Y youth flag football league for boys and girls ages 6-12. The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork.Location: Community field in Los Alamos,
Registration: March 12-April 22, 2012
Season: May 6-June 17, 2012 Sundays 2-4pm.
Fee: Y Member: $32, Program Member: $48.
Kindertrack (Ages 5-9)
This program offers instructional practices 2x per week for 6 weeks. The instructors will introduce participant to all events in track and field.Register: April 2-May 13, 2012
Season: May 22-June 28, 2012
Fee: Y Members: $32, Program Members: $48.
TNT Track & Field (Ages 10 - 12)
Thermo Nuclear Track club provides opportunities for athletes to learn from track coaches and to participate in track & field events. The events are sanctioned by USATF organization and fee includes USATF registration. Separate, optional track meets on weekends.Register: Feb. 25-April 5, 2012
Season: April 10-May 31, 2012. depending on seasonal track meets.
Fee: Y Member: $50, Program Members: $75.
Fencing (Ages 10 & up)
This course covers basic fencing strategies and footwork. The beginning/ intermediate class is for participants with little or no experience and experienced fencers. The advanced class is for competitive fencers. Instruction will cover use of the foil, strip rules, judging and directing.Instructors: Tom Hill, Jack Stafurik and Dom Peterson
Starts: Beginning of each month; new students only accepted in October & February or with instructor approval
Day & Time: Tuesday, 6:30-7:30 pm-Beginning/Intermediate class
Tuesday, 7:30-8:30 pm-Advanced class
Monthly Fee: Y Members: $24, Program Members: $36
Adult Winter Co-Ed Volleyball 6v6
Teams must be co-ed, play is on a men’s 7’11” net. Put together a team from work or your neighborhood; it’s great fun. Games will be at the YMCA Gym on Sundays for the Winter League approx. 11:30-3:30 pm and at Urban Park for the Summer League Approx. 6-9pm.Winter Session:
Register: December 1-January 15, 2012
Season: January 22-March 25, 2012
Team Fee: Y Members $180, Program Members $210
Summer Session:
Register: April 2-May 6, 2012
Season: May 17-June 28, 2012
Team Fee: Y Members $75, Program Member $113
Racquetball League
This league can fit all schedules. All players will play matches during the week and the players will work together to arrange a time for their matches. Open to adults ages 16 & up. Several matches are guaranteed and the season will end with a tournament.Y Members: $27, Program Members: $43
Fall Session:
Register: July 4-August 29, 2012
Season: September 11-November 17, 2012
Tournament: End of season
Winter Session:
Register: December 19-February 5, 2012
Season: February 21-April 27, 2012
Tournament: End of season
Independence Day Firecracker 5K Family Fun Run (All Ages)
Kick off America's birthday party with a run/walk for the whole family. Lottery prizes awarded to lucky participants and other catagories: 1st stroller, pet, senior, youth, best costume and other catagories to cross the finish line. You can only win if you register. Register to receive a T-Shirt and a race time. Race held on Monday, July 4, 2012. Click Here for the 2011 results.Early May Registration: May 1-May 31, 2012
June Registration: June 1-June 30, 2012
July Registration: July 1-July 4, 2012 (register at the front desk on day-of from 7-7:30am)
Check-in: Check-in begins at 7:15 am at the Y parking lot.
Race Time: Race begins July 4, 2012, 8 am
FEE: $10 per person for May Registration, $20 per person for June Registration, & $30 per person for July Registration.
