Youth Sports
Our youth sports programs will help your child learn character traits, develop their skills and encourage them to have fun as they play their way to a healthier lifestyle.
Nick Walker, Director of Sports & Recreation
Email: nwalker@edwymca.com • Phone: 618-655-1460 x 2231
Proud To Partner With SIUE For Junior Cougars Youth Soccer, Volleyball & Basketball Leagues!
Soccer
Edwardsville YMCA Junior Cougars Soccer Program
We are incredibly excited to officially announce the next chapter of youth soccer at the Edwardsville YMCA.
After years of continued growth and the success of our partnership with SIUE Athletics through Junior Cougars Basketball and Volleyball, we are bringing that same energy and identity to our largest youth sports program. Beginning this Fall, Edwardsville YMCA Youth Soccer officially becomes the Edwardsville YMCA Junior Cougars Soccer Program in partnership with SIUE Athletics.
Families can expect the same fun, developmental, and community-focused soccer experience that has made YMCA Soccer such a staple over the years, now with an exciting new identity, upgraded 100% polyester jerseys, and a refreshed look that gives the program a more athletic and elevated feel. We cannot wait to kick off Year One of Junior Cougars Soccer with all of you.
*Jersey Colors Different Per Team Per Division*
See Youth League Schedules & Rules On IMLeagues App
Junior Cougars Rookies Soccer (4 - 5 Years)
Perfect for our youngest players who are not yet in Kindergarten, this program introduces the game of soccer in a fun, age-appropriate environment. Teams will play 5v5 games and follow the “games approach” to learning, helping kids develop basic skills, coordination, and confidence through play.
As part of the inaugural season of the Edwardsville YMCA Junior Cougars Soccer Program in partnership with SIUE Athletics, players will experience the same great YMCA soccer program families know and love with a refreshed look and brand-new athletic jerseys.
Volunteer coaches are essential to making this program possible. If coaches are still needed after registration closes, all families will be contacted until a volunteer steps up.
- Practices: Friday evenings
- Games: Saturday mornings
- First Practice: September 4th (at coach’s discretion) – September 11th (official)
- First Game: September 12th
- Season Length: 6 games, ending no later than October 31st
- Uniform: Junior Cougars Soccer Jersey included
- Shin guards are REQUIRED for games
Come join us this Fall and be part of the first season of Junior Cougars Soccer! (SPOTS WILL FILL IN THIS DIVISION, SO GRAB YOUR SPOT!)
Please Note: If your child is in Kindergarten, please register for the Kindergarten division instead.
Register Online ›Junior Cougars Youth Soccer League (K - 8th Grade)
Our youth soccer leagues feature Friday evening practices and Saturday morning games, all held at Plummer Family Park near the Meyer Center. This program emphasizes individual skill development, soccer tactics, team strategies, and the games approach to learning soccer in a fun, team-oriented environment. Through our partnership with SIUE Athletics, players can expect a refreshed Junior Cougars look and experience that reflects the growth and excitement surrounding our soccer program.
Volunteer coaches are essential to making this program possible. If coaches are still needed after registration closes, all families will be contacted until a volunteer steps up.
- Practices: Friday evenings
- Games: Saturday mornings
- First Practice: September 4th (at coach’s discretion) – September 11th (official)
- First Game: September 12th
- Season Length: 6 games, ending no later than October 31st
- Uniform: Junior Cougars Soccer Jersey included
- Shin guards are REQUIRED for games
Junior Cougars PEEWEE SOCCER (AGE 3)
This introductory soccer class is designed just for 3-year-olds and is the perfect way to introduce your child to the game! Each week, participants will explore basic soccer movements, coordination, and foundational skills through fun, engaging activities in a positive and encouraging environment.
As part of the inaugural season of the Edwardsville YMCA Junior Cougars Soccer Program in partnership with SIUE Athletics, even our youngest athletes will get to be part of this exciting new chapter of YMCA Soccer and receive their own Junior Cougars shirt.
Classes are led by the Director of Sports and Recreation along with YMCA Rec Sports staff to ensure every child has a great first soccer experience.
- Schedule: Wednesday evenings
- Class Times: 5:00 – 5:45pm or 6:00 – 6:45pm
- Length: 6-week session
- Dates: September 9th – October 21st (NO Class on September 23rd)
- Location: Meyer Center Grass Field (east side of building)
- Uniform: Junior Cougars T-shirt included
Come join us this Fall and be part of the first season of Junior Cougars Soccer!
If you have any questions, please contact nwalker@edwymca.com
Register Online ›Soccer Field Layout
Volleyball
See Youth League Schedules & Rules On IMLeagues App
Junior Cougars Youth Recreational Volleyball (2nd - 8th Grade)
Rocking a newer look, this is an instructional league with an emphasis on fundamentals and equal playing time is required. There will be 6 weeks of practices and 6 weeks of games. Games will be played on Saturday mornings and practice times will be offered as space and scheduling allows throughout the week!
Register Online ›Junior Cougars Youth Trophy VOLLEYBALL league (Grades 6th - 8th)
Rocking a newer look, this is an enhanced competitive league for our 6th-8th graders who have prior volleyball experience. The league includes 6 weeks of practices, 5 weeks of regular season games, and a single elimination tournament in the 6th week to crown the champions. The champions will receive T-shirts and a trophy! Game play and rules will differ from the Recreational League, providing a more competitive experience to prepare players for their next steps in the sport. Equal playing time is NOT required in this league. Games will be played on Saturday mornings, and practice times will be offered as space and scheduling allow throughout the week.
Register Online! ›Basketball
See Youth League Schedules & Rules On IMLeagues App
Junior Cougars Rookies Basketball (K - 1st Grade)
Our Rookies basketball session is geared towards Kindergarten and 1st Graders new to the sport of basketball! Each Wednesday night we will have an hour long practice led by experienced staff members introducing the kiddos to skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. Kiddos will use junior sized balls and shoot on 8ft hoops to help instill the skills that they can expand upon in the future. If you have any questions, please contact Nick at nwalker@edwymca.com.
Register Online ›Junior Cougars Youth Basketball (2nd - 8th Grade)
This is an instructional league for kiddos looking to improve their basketball skills with an emphasis on fundamentals and equal playing time. Games will be on Saturday mornings, with one practice per week on a weeknight of the coaches choice on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday evenings. This league includes six total games, but up to eight weeks of practice!
All volunteer coaches must fill out a volunteer application which is linked here!
Register Online ›NFL Flag Football
NFL Flag Football (2nd - 8th Grades)
Get ready for something new this fall — the Edwardsville YMCA is proud to introduce NFL FLAG Football! This nationally recognized, non-contact program brings the excitement of football to kids in a safe, fast-paced, and inclusive format. With official NFL team jerseys, a 6v6 game format, and a focus on skill development, teamwork, and fun, NFL FLAG is the perfect way for young athletes to learn and love the game. Whether your child is new to football or already a fan, this is their chance to hit the field like the pros!
Each player will receive a sublimated NFL Flag Jersey and NFL Flag set with their registration. Mouth guards are required for every game!
Boys and Girls are welcome! Players will be grouped into the following divisions:
- 2nd/3rd Grade
- 4th/5th Grade
- 6th – 8th Grade
If you have any questions, please contact Nick, our Director of Sports & Recreation, at nwalker@edwymca.com or call 618-655-1460 ext. 2231.
Register Online ›SWHET Clinics
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? The Edwardsville YMCA has joined up with SWHET to bring you four three day clinics hosted by collegiate athletes. At each clinic you’ll receive expert instruction from collegiate athletes who know what it takes to succeed. SWHET’s instructor(s) will guide you through a series of engaging drills and exercises tailored to beginner/intermediate skill levels. Note: The amount of coaches in attendance is based upon about 10 – 1 registrant to coach ratio.
SWHET VOLLEYBALL PERFORMANCE ACADEMY *NEW*
Did you enjoy our last SWHET Volleyball Performance Academy? Are you ready to take your volleyball skills to the next level? Partnered with SWHET, we are excited to bring you a 3-week Volleyball Performance Academy this time, hosted by SIUE Volleyball players Kinley Quast (#3 DS), Teagan Sullivan (#13 OH), and Anika Ivester (#18 MB).
At the Academy, 4th-8th graders will receive expert instruction from athletes who know what it takes to succeed. These coaches and players will guide you through a series of engaging drills and exercises tailored to beginner/intermediate skill levels for each age group. Space is limited to 30 athletes per age group! Sign up early!
Register Online ›
Volunteer
We Are Looking For Volunteer Coaches!
The success of our youth sports program is dependent on support and involvement from volunteers. Share a special experience with your child; sign up as a volunteer coach by checking the box on your registration form.
The YMCA makes an active effort to prevent abuse and is in compliance with Y-USA volunteer requirements and the Safe Sport Act. So even though we may know you well, we are required to conduct criminal background and reference checks, and have our volunteers complete required training on Child Abuse Prevention and Mandated Reporting. It’s just one of the many ways we help protect children and other vulnerable people served by the YMCA. Thanks for your cooperation in this effort. Please start the volunteer process by selecting Youth Sports Coach Volunteer below.
If you have any questions about this or any part of our volunteer application process, please contact Human Resources, 618-656-0436.
Register To Volunteer! ›Youth Soccer Sponsors
The Edwardsville YMCA would like to thank all of your Rec Sports sponsors as we couldn’t do this without the help from our community. A sponsorship of a team(s) in our Youth Soccer Leagues it is $300 or $550 for 2 teams and every additional pair of teams. If you would like to become a sponsor, please fill out the form below and return it to Nick Walker, Director of Sports and Recreation, at nwalker@edwymca.com or for more information call 618-655-1460 x 2231.
Sponsors
