OUR FOCUS: 

We believe that to bring meaningful change in individuals and communities, we must be focused and accountable.  That's why we focus our work in three key areas that are fundamental to strengthening community:  youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

SEVEN PILLARS OF YMCA YOUTH SPORTS

1. Everyone Plays - In Y Sports, there are no tryouts and no one gets cut from teams. Everyone who registers is assigned to a team and all players have the opportunity for abundant playing time in games, teaching participants valuable social and teamwork skills and contributing to a healthier community. All players participate throughout practices and games. This keeps players physically active, increases their ability in a sport, develops communication, and, boosts their physical skills.

• Allows all participants the opportunity to feel like part of a team
• Allows all participants the ability to learn the game through playing
• Empowers staff to communicate with coaches to provide the “everyone plays’ environment

2. Safety First – Safety in Y Sports is a primary concern, and we do all we can to prevent injuries from occurring. Sports are modified and taught at age-appropriate levels, and constant supervision ensures that training levels are gradual and that no unsafe activities occur. To be sure all program areas are safe for participants, medical waivers are collected, facility spaces are inspected to be sure they’re appropriate for the activity, equipment is frequently checked, and risk management plans are put in place from the beginning.

• Provides a safe environment for learning sports and practice and in games
• Ensures that the activities are conducive to the health and wellbeing of all involved
• Coaches and staff reinforce wellness concepts through sports

3. Character Development – participants work together in a team atmosphere, they learn how to make decision, communicate, work on teambuilding, trust and build character.  Youth Sports teaches kids to play by the rules, respect the game, and maintain an attitude of good sportsmanship.  Intentionally teaches participants to follow the core values that encompass fair play, which leads to character development in each participant.

• Teaches participants the rules and traditions of the game
• Teaches participants the skills and tactics of the game
• Develops responsibility and decision making skills

4. Positive Competition – In sports, the pursuit of victory is kept in perspective. Adults make decisions that are always in the best interest of the participants, and the participants are more important than winning the game.  Through positive competition participants learn to set individual goals, gain better understanding of winning on and off the playing field, and teach cooperation.

• Teaches participants to win on and off the playing field
• Teaches participants that ‘winning’ does not always refer to the final score
• Helps participants meet individual goals throughout the season, teaching individual positive competition
• Enhances leadership skills

5. Family Involvement – Parents benefit from participation in Sports as volunteer coaches, officials and time/scorekeepers.  Family participation in the programs crates and environment conducive to open communication, volunteer work opportunities, positive role modeling, and relationship building.  And when parents attend practices and games, they have the opportunities to become positive role models for the kids.

• Intentionally engages parents and families to participate each season through family events, volunteer coaching, becoming a team parent, scorekeeping and volunteering on a committee
• Engages staff and families to interact through feedback and strong relationship building; builds relationships among peers and between parents and their children
• Allows families, specifically adults, to be positive role models
• Boosts family support, positive family communication, and asset building

6. Sports for All - Sports are welcoming to all and teach participants to respect and appreciate all of their teammates.  Y Sports encourages all those who participate – coaches, players, and families.

7. Sports for Fun – Sports strives to be fun and engaging, helping participants discover the enjoyment of learning and mastering skills, participating with friends, and competing.

• Offer program opportunities to meet various needs, levels, and interests
• Intentionally create an understanding of the needs for all regardless of ability
• Create an atmosphere for building self-esteem in participants
• Create positive experiences for participants and families

 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:

At the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg, we believe everyone deserves access to the Y—no matter their financial situation. No one is denied membership or program participation due to an inability to pay. Our Financial Assistance program is made possible through the generosity of our donors and community partners who support the YMCA Annual Campaign. Together, we help ensure that individuals and families can belong, grow, and thrive at the Y.