Youth sports at the Rockwall YMCA – so much more than a game
(ROCKWALL, TX – May 26, 2015) Did you know that the YMCA’s youth sports programs include flag football, cheerleading, baseball, volleyball, T-ball, soccer and basketball? The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall has a long history of helping young athletes learn the game and improve their skills, while teaching them to be their best off the field as well. No matter the sport, every child is afforded the opportunity to play in a safe, fun and exciting environment encouraging fair play, a positive atmosphere and family involvement. Best of all, there are no tryouts so all kids are welcome to play and receive equal opportunities on the field.
Sign-ups for SUMMER FLAG FOOTBALL, SUMMER BASEBALL, SUMMER CHEER CLINIC and FALL CHEERLEADING are underway through this Saturday, May 30. Parents are encouraged to register their children as soon as possible while space remains. Families do not need to be members of the YMCA to participate; however there is a discounted rate for members. Register online at www.jerchiltonymca.org, call 972-772-9622, or email Sports Director Bill Cadman at bcadman@ymcadallas.org.
Summer Flag Football
This year’s football program is a departure from the 2014 season, when tackle football was also offered.
“This year, we’re putting all of our focus on flag football, giving 110 percent of our effort and attention to kids in kindergarten through sixth grade who want to play recreational football in safe and positive environment,” said Bill Cadman, Sports Director at the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA. “Our staff and coaches are committed to teaching the first time player, as well as helping to further develop skills for the more advanced player. Whether your child is in kindergarten or 6th grade, a first time player or in their sixth year, the goal of the YMCA is to have the children play football with integrity and true sportsmanship while always putting safety first.”
From education for concussion awareness, proper equipment fittings and staying healthy in the heat, J.E.R. Chilton YMCA coaches are trained in all aspects of football. They teach kids safe tackling techniques to decrease long-term injuries.
Cadman emphasized that YMCA coaches are held to the highest standards and serve as role models for developing youth.
“Regardless of the outcome of the game, win or lose, YMCA coaches teach honor and respect, teamwork and positive attitude,” Cadman said. “Our flag football program not only helps to hone skills, but it forms friendships, builds confidence – making it more than just a game. It’s something the kids look forward to, and they become better players – and better people – because of it.”
Flag football practices are held Monday-Friday. Times and locations will be selected by the coaches. Games will begin Saturday, June 13 and be primarily played on Saturdays and some weekdays on J.E.R. Chilton YMCA fields throughout the 8-game season. Registration fee is $75/YMCA members; $115/program participants.
Summer Cheerleading Clinic, Fall Cheerleading
Everyone cheers at the YMCA! Regardless of skill or practice attendance, kindergarten through sixth grade youth are guaranteed 100% cheering time for each game. All youth will have the opportunity to cheer at a high school half time show, every Saturday YMCA fall football game, and the YMCA Super Bowl. There will also be a one week long SUMMER CLINIC led by the Rockwall High cheerleaders, teaching various cheers and stunts (date to be determined). The cost for the summer clinic is $65 to theRockwallHigh School cheerleaders, and includes a camp shirt and bow.
The Fall Cheerleading season runs August 6 through November 15. Practices start the week of August 11. Games are played on Saturdays, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The cost is $50/members or $75/program participants. The uniform cost is $92 plus tax and includes game day outfit, pom poms, bloomers, practice shirt and shorts.
Summer Baseball
Children are guaranteed playing time in each baseball game, regardless of skill, practice attendance, etc. Practices will be chosen by the coach regarding day, time and location at the coaches meeting. Practices are held once per week Monday-Friday. Times and locations are selected by coaches.
Games will begin June 13 and be played on Saturdays and occasional days during the week on J.E.R. Chilton YMCA fields throughout the 8 game season. Registration fee is $75/members; $115/program participants.
About the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA
Located at 1210 N Goliad St., the newly renovated J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall features a 12,000 sq. ft. addition, which includes a 6,000 sq. ft. cardio and free-weights workout area, spacious locker rooms and showers, and a large Welcome Center and lobby. The Y now holds more than $172,000 worth of state-of-the-art equipment, including new treadmills, ellipticals and step mills. There is a fresh look to the existing gymnasium and aerobics room, as well as a brand new cycling studio. An expanded child watch area was also added for parents to enjoy the convenience of working out while their children are cared for.
The Y’s multipurpose room serves as a place for Board meetings, community functions and senior luncheons. As a special added touch, the photographic works of Bob Chilton, the Rockwall Y’s namesake, grace the walls of the facility, highlighting milestones along the way.
As amazing as the facility is, Executive Director Bonnie LaVielle points out that the building is just a tool to fulfill the mission of the Y: to put Christian values into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help ensure that no one is turned away from participating in Y programs due to inability to pay.
From group exercise classes and personal training to water fitness and swim lessons in the indoor pool, the JER Chilton YMCA offers health and wellness activities for all ages and abilities.
Group exercise classes are included with membership, with such offerings as yoga, Pilates, BodyPump, Zumba, spin, step and line dancing. Participants enjoy a beautiful view of the YMCA grounds, thanks to the installation of a large window in the Group Exercise Room.
Teen programming includes a statewide, civic engagement program known as Youth & Government, giving high school and middle school students hands-on experience in the mechanics of the state legislative and judicial process.
Aquatics programs include everything from the Riptides competitive swim team to Family Swim, Senior Splash, LapSwim and AquaZumba. Plus, swim lessons are available for all ages; and the indoor pool is a great place to celebrate a private birthday party or other special occasion.
Summer camps, Angel Camp for children with special needs, and the Adventure Guides & Princess programs for fathers and their children are just some of the additional programs available through the Y that help nurture youth, build bonds, and strengthen families and the community.
Executive Director Bonnie LaVielle’s door is always open, and she invites everyone in the community to stop by, take a tour, ask questions, and get involved. To learn more, call 972-772-9622 or got to jerchiltonymca.org. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the JER Chilton YMCA on Facebook and Twitter (@YMCARockwall).
By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News.
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