About Us
Whatcom Family Y, we are committed to providing youth of all skill levels with exceptional sports programs. Our aim is to nurture a lifelong love for the game and keep children fully engaged by prioritizing the FUN aspect of sports while simultaneously challenging them to acquire new skills. We firmly believe that sports serve as a valuable tool for developing core values and building character.
Our Goals:
- Provide access to affordable quality sports programs for our community
- Work to keep kids HAVING FUN while progressively teaching sports skills in a non competitive environment
- Promote sports as a tool to develop life skills and character
- Continue working to decrease burnout in sports
Program Structures | The consistency and flexibility working families can rely on!
Clinics: Our clinics (or skill builders) are a short term commitment for working families looking to have their child try out a new sport or to increase their kids skill before enrolling in our leagues. When you sign up for a clinic session your child will receive four 45 min classes coached by our YMCA coaches. These could be offered two days a week for 2 weeks or one day a week for 4 weeks.
Leagues: Our 6 week leagues offer kids a chance to play games and practice on a real team. League teams get one practice and one scheduled game a week for 45 min. All our teams are coached by volunteer coaches. Each week teams are focused on learning a different core value: Respect & Caring, Perseverance, Responsibility, Teamwork, Honesty, Sportsmanship. We offer flexible practice and game options to work around families schedules. To register go to your desired sports page and click on the practice time that works best for you.
Interested in getting involved in the community or a sport you loved from the past? Is it your dream to coach a sport but you never have known where to start?
Email aludtke@whatcomymca.org to get involved and start your coaching journey today!
Sports Camps
YMCA Sports Camps are designed to keep kids active and having fun while learning sports skills. We offer half day 9am-Noon camps as well as full day camps 9am-3pm. Each day of the camp the kids are focused on learning a different core value: Respect & Caring, Perseverance, Responsibility, Teamwork, Honesty, Sportsmanship.
Coaches
Our programs rely on the support of our wonderful volunteer coaches. We are thrilled to be able to provide a supportive encouraging environment for community members, parents, or students to give back to their community by helping coach a sport. All of our coaches receive training and resources in order to best prepare them for their YMCA coaching journey. With our training programs you definitely do not have to be an expert in the sport to be a great coach for the YMCA! There is nothing better than helping a child succeed in a sport that they love and knowing YOU were the one that helped them get there. There is no better way to stay active, involved and make a difference.
Email aludtke@whatcomymca.org to get involved and start your coaching journey today!
Sports Offered* | While these are our current sports, we're always looking at expending and offering more programming!
| Fall | Early Winter | Late Winter | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Soccer | Volleyball | Basketball | T-ball/Baseball |
Day Camps (Different sport per camp) |
*Program schedules can change. Make sure to sign up for our Youth Sports Mailing List to receive email updates on new programs and registration information.
Youth Sports FAQs
Registration:
Q: How and when do I sign up my child?
A: Program registration opening dates will be posted on our website and our designated sports pages. You can register by clicking on the link for either your desired clinic, league team or camp. Registration fees are due when you register.
Q: My child does not fall in the age range for the league/clinic or camp. Can we still register?
A: We allow age restriction exceptions on certain programs on a case by case basis. Programs we do not allow kids younger than the minimum age are our Sports Camps. Please reach out to Coordinator Aria Ludtke by email aludtke@whatcomymca.org to override age registrations.
Q: I have siblings or best friends that I would like to get on the same team. How do I do this?
A: When our league registration opens on our sports pages you will be able to select a team with a practice day and time that works best for you. This gives you control to register for the same team with friends or family members. Note: Teams can fill up fast so make sure you mark your calendar for our registration opening dates.
Q: The next season's schedule is not posted on the website. When will it be posted and how will I know when I can register?
A: If the next sports schedule is not posted on our website that means we are still in the process of scheduling. You can sign up for our Youth Sports Mailing List to receive email updates on new programs and registration information.
Q: I registered before signing up for my family membership. Can I still get a membership rate?
A: You must sign up for your membership (and keep it for the whole duration of the program) before registering for your desired sports program to receive the member pricing.
Q: I want to remove my child from the program. Can I get a refund?
A: Per our refund policy if you cancel a request to cancel your registration prior to 10 days before the start of the program you may receive a refund minus a $5 administration fee. Cancellations after the 10 day mark may only receive a YMCA refund credit. The credit is valid for one year and can be used for any programs offered at the Y.
YOUTH TEEBALL-BASEBALL PROGRAMS (SPRING and SUMMER) >
Run the bases with the YMCA! Kids will learn teeball-baseball skills in a non-competitive, supportive environment.
YOUTH SPORTS CAMPS (SUMMER)>
The Y Sports Camps offer kids a mix of all sports. Our camps focus on a different sport each day. Skill development, drills, and scrimmages are part of camp.
*If camps are full, registrants are encourage to use the waitlist as additional programs may be added if there is a high demand.
YOUTH SOCCER PROGRAMS (FALL) >
The YMCA is where most children receive their first experience with sports in a non-competitive environment, register your child today to get kickin' at the Y.
YOUTH BASKETBALL PROGRAMS (WINTER) >
At the Y, we teach children life skills of becoming responsible adults and are able to accomplish this by developing self-esteem and emphasizing good sportsmanship in our basketball programs.
YOUTH VOLLEYBALL PROGRAMS (EARLY WINTER) >
Tiny volleyball clinics focus on teaching beginning volleyball movement patterns as well as skills like arm swing, and approach, passing form and setting form. The class will also introduce life skills such as teamwork sportsmanship, and respect as well as fostering a love for the game.