TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Put A Bounce In Kids' Step

ADVERTISEMENT

By HAROLD VALENTINE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 9, 2008

NORTHDALE - Parents looking to kick off their child's involvement in athletics may consider the Bob Sierra Family YMCA's spring sports.

Children interested in activities such as soccer for ages 3 to 11, flag football for ages 6 to 14, cheerleading for ages 5 to 12, and volleyball for ages 8 to 15 can get a start at the Y, 4029 Northdale Blvd. Members participate with children in their age group.

Ashley Sorensen, associate executive director at the facility's youth and family center, said learning the fundamentals of those activities is only part of the league's purpose.

"Children gain an understanding of fitness and an active lifestyle," Sorensen said. She added teamwork, responsibility, respect and good sportsmanship are other values coaches try to impart to league members.

The deadline for registration is March 1. Practice and games run from March 24 to May 24. Sorensen said games are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, and practices are on a weekday evening chosen by coaches, usually at 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

The cost for facility members is $65, $95 for community members and $155 for nonmembers. The fee covers uniforms, a trophy and expenses for running the league.

Sorensen said scholarships are available for families who cannot afford the costs.

She said she hopes for 600 members to join the spring activities, adding that 100 to 120 volunteer coaches are needed to cover all the teams. She said most coaches have children participating in Y programs.

Ken Jensen, whose 9-year-old son Jacob is a member of the spring program, is going into his sixth year coaching soccer at the Y. He said as a coach he emphasizes fun.

"After practice and games we always ask them, 'Did you have fun?' " Jensen said. "Whether we win or lose, we always make sure to have a fantastic time. I'd say that's probably why they keep coming back to me."

Jensen and Sorensen expect to put together a competitive soccer league on top of the more recreational soccer program with the spring session. Whereas anyone can participate in the Y's recreational soccer regardless of ability, players must try out for the more competitive division.

"I think a lot of people forget what they have out there," he said, referring to the aquatic facility that opened in June, along with the youth and family center at 4015 Ragg Road.

BOB SIERRA YMCA SPRING SPORTS

ACTIVITIES: soccer, ages 3 to 11; cheerleading, ages 5 to 12; flag football, ages 6 to 14; volleyball, ages 8 to 15

COSTS: $65 for members; $95 for community members; $155 for nonmembers (scholarships are also available)

DURATION: March 24 to May 24

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 1

Reporter Harold Valentine can be reached at (813) 865-1526 or hvalentine@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT