Youth Programs
Youth Programs
Youth Basketball
We offer youth basketball programs for every age group, from K-5 coed leagues, middle school boys and girls leagues, a high school girls league, and even a 3-on-3 tournament Enroll your student to learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and basketball skills in a fun, supportive environment!
Flag Football
Our K–5 co-ed flag football program teaches fundamentals in a fun, non-contact setting with volunteer coaches and MHSAA officials. Players receive official NFL jerseys, building excitement, teamwork, and a true sense of team pride.
Soccer
Dribble, pass, shoot, score! The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA’s coed K-5 soccer leagues help players of all experience levels develop age-appropriate skills. Our coaches emphasize fair play, positive engagement, and team collaboration.
Lacrosse
Help your elementary or middle school-aged student discover the fun of this increasingly popular sport with lacrosse at the Y In partnership with TC United Lacrosse, this program focuses on learning the sport’s rules through skills, drills, and small-sided games.
Short Sports
Short Sports is a program designed for our youngest athletes. Short Sports introduces a new sport to children ages 3-5 monthly. Participants will develop balance, coordination, and teamwork by learning the basics in a supportive and confidence-building environment.
Taekwondo
We partner with Seung-ni Martial Arts; to offer this Korean martial art that teaches life skills that enhance home life and academics. Age-appropriate groups (ages 3 to 12) learn Taekwondo in a safe, character-building setting.
Youth Tackle Football
The Y is the administrator for northern Michigan’s Pop Warner tackle football program, facilitating game scheduling and securing officials for 30+ communities across the region. Contact your local town’s team to join this age-appropriate sport that builds athletic skills and character. Homeschool students are welcome to take part through their closest community team.
Youth Tennis
Our youth tennis programs follow USTA’s proven developmental pathway with age-appropriate instruction, from beginner fundamentals to competitive techniques for advancing players.
Date Night at the Y
On the second Friday of each month, our caring, qualified Y staff host “date night” at the YMCA. From 5 to 8 pm, our team leads games and activities for students ages 5-12. The program allows children to connect with their peers and make new friends in a safe environment while allowing parents a rare evening off to grab a bite to eat, run errands, or catch up on laundry! Cherished by parents and kids alike, our date night program is the most enjoyable and affordable way for parents to enjoy a kid-free evening.
Strength Training for Teens
Teens in this program will be working with their peers and certified personal trainers to understand common strength training movements. Teens will also get the opportunity to go onto the Wellness Floor under the supervision of a trainer (in accordance of our facility policies) to begin learning how to properly use strength training machines. For ages 12-15.
Youth Strength Circuit
Youth will learn how to safely perform basic exercises with an introduction to using age-appropriate functional equipment. The exercises will be performed in a fun and motivating circuit-style class led by a certified personal trainer. For ages 8-11.