Volunteers are an integral part of the YMCA Youth Sports Program. To be frank – we can’t do it without you! From coaching to team communication and coordination, we need people just like you to help us teach sportsmanship, teamwork, and game fundamentals. Do you not feel like an expert in your child’s favorite sport? No problem at all! We’ve done this for over 150 years and have many resources to share to help you feel more comfortable.
The YMCA of Greater Birmingham has zero tolerance for abuse and will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of consumers in its programs. Any mistreatment or abuse by an employee or volunteer will result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or volunteer service and cooperation with law enforcement.
To ensure the safety of all children in our programs, all volunteer coaches must complete the following before being assigned to a team:
1. Complete Application
2. Interview
3. Reference Checks
4. Background Check (completed every 2 years)
5. Child Abuse Prevention Training (annually)
6. Safe Sports Training (annually)
7. CDC Concussion Training (annually)
8. Signed Code of Conduct and Abuse Prevention Policies and Procedures
Scroll through to see Youth Sports Programming and Leagues traditionally provided by the Y.
Fall Basketball League
YMCA Youth Basketball Leagues are the perfect way for kids to stay active, build confidence, and develop key skills on and off the court. Players will learn the fundamentals of the game, including dribbling, shooting, and defense, while also practicing teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy habits. Best of all, they’ll have a blast while doing it!
Details
Season Dates | 9/8 – 10/25
Ages | Co-ed leagues for ages 5-12
Divided into the following age groups: 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, and 11/12
Practices Begins | Week of 9/8
Games | 9/27– 10/25
Practice Days and Time
Parents will choose their practice day and time at the time of registration.
Game Locations
All games will be played on Saturday mornings rotating between the following branches:
*Alabaster | Greystone | Hoover | Pelham | Trussville | Downtown Youth Center
*Alabaster YMCA is offering basketball for ages 5 to 8 only this season.
Travel for game days will be required.
Cost
Early Bird Rate | Member: $67 Non-member: $134.00 (7/28-8/3)
Regular Registration Rate | Member: $84 Non-member: $168 (8/4-9/7)
Late Registration Rate | Member: $100 Non-member: $200 (9/8-9/19)
Contact:
Alabaster, Pelham, Youth Center & Northeast: Brittany Womble
Greystone: Melanie Norman
Hoover: Emily Truncellito
Shades Valley: Erica Jones
Trussville: Fred Hatcher
Interested in becoming a volunteer coach? Click HERE.
Click below to register at your desired branch!
Registration closed. Check back for new session soon!
Our new YMCA Cheerleading Squad will be cheering for our new Flag Football League.
Cheerleading at the Y teaches confidence, responsibility, teamwork and unity. When joining our program, your child will learn new cheerleading skills, create lifetime bonds and increase self awareness. YMCA cheerleading programs are designed to give a full work out while improving flexibility, coordination, balance and strength.
Ages | 5-7
Cost | $84 Members; $168 Non Members
Registration | Opens Feb. 10
Location | Shades Cahaba Elementary School field
Practice | Tuesdays or Thursdays beginning April 1; parents can select which practice time they prefer
First Game | Saturdays beginning April 19
Last Game | May 17
Registration closed. Check back for new session soon!
Flag Football for Kids is an introductory program for children aged 5-7, designed to prepare them for organized flag football in a fun, non-threatening environment. Using age-appropriate equipment, it teaches basic skills like throwing, catching, running, and agility, helping children and parents get ready for organized sports without the pressure of competition or fear of injury. There is no tackling and all kids will be placed on a team and coached by a vetted volunteer coach.
Ages | 5-7
Cost | $84 Members; $168 Non Members
Registration | Opens Feb. 10
Location | Shades Cahaba Elementary School field
Practice | Tuesdays or Thursdays beginning April 1; parents can select which practice
First Game | Saturdays beginning April 19
Last Game | May 17
With 21 clay courts and 3 indoor courts in the Birmingham Metro area, the YMCA offers a variety of tennis programming with opportunities for juniors to play and participate in one of the healthiest lifetime sports available.
Our USPTA certified tennis professionals offer instructional programs for every level. Looking to get in the game? We offer private lessons, junior clinics, leagues and tournament opportunities at our three tennis locations.
Contact our Tennis Professionals for More Information:
Greystone : Steven Faulkner
Mountain Brook: Joey Unkenholz
In our Youth Soccer League, young kids have the opportunity to learn game fundamentals, basic rules and the joy of playing on a team! Our soccer leagues are family friendly! There are no try-outs. Every player is placed on a team and every child will play. All of our teams are coached by caring and vetted volunteers.
Change to the 2025 season:
Previous seasons had a combined game and practice during the week. This season, players will have a designated practice each week (selected at the time of registration) throughout the season and a game on Saturday mornings. Practices and games are no longer combined. However, like previous seasons, games do not start until week 3 of the season, giving your young athlete space to build confidence and excitement ahead of age-appropriate competition.
Ages | 3-6 Co-ed (Teams are assigned by age group: 3/4 year olds and 5/6 year olds)
Locations | Alabaster and Pelham YMCAs
Registration | July 21 through September 19. See below for special early bird pricing and member-only discounts
Practices | Begin week of September 8 and run the entirety of the league season (your 1x weekly practice day is selected at time of registration)
Games | All games are played on Saturday mornings beginning Saturday, September 27 through Saturday, October 25 and rotate between the Alabaster and Pelham locations
Registration fees:
Early Bird | Member: $67 Non-member: $134.00 (July 21 through August 3)
Regular Registration | Member: $84 Non-member: $168 (August 14 through September 7)
Late Registration | Member: $100 Non-member: $200 (September 8 – through September 19)
Registration closed. Check back for new session soon!
In our co-ed recreational league, young players of all skill levels are welcome to join a team! Every player is placed on a team and coached by a volunteer. There are no try-outs and every child plays.
Beginners and experienced players alike will have opportunities to learn fundamentals, build on their skillsets, become better athletes and teammates, and have fun! Our league is family-friendly: All games are played on Saturdays and parents/guardians can select a preferred practice day at the time of registration!
Details:
Ages | 7-16, co-ed
Cost -Branches | $84 for members; $168 for non-members
Cost – Youth Center | $84
Registration | Registration deadline extended to April 18
First Week of practice | Week of April 13
First Game | May 3
Last Game | May 31
Game Locations:
All games will be played on Saturdays rotating between the following branches:
Alabaster, Greystone, Hoover, Pelham, Shades Valley, Trussville, YMCA Youth Center
*Travel for game days will be required.
Questions, contact:
Alabaster, Hoover, Pelham, Youth Center & Northeast: Brittany Womble
Greystone: Melanie Norman
Shades Valley: Erica Jones
Trussville: Fred Hatcher
Interested in becoming a volunteer coach? Click HERE.
Our YMCAs rely on the help of our volunteers to deliver the best experience for our youth in our Sports Youth Leagues. To provide the safest environment for our young players, our volunteer coaches undergo annual background screenings and other required trainings. If you are interested in being a volunteer coach, please contact Jennifer Weems at jweems@ymcabham.org