Rockwall YMCA Celebrates Successful Fall Sports Season

(ROCKWALL, TX — November 30, 2018) The JER Chilton YMCA at Rockwall wrapped up another highly successful fall sports season, with over 1,000 players participating in the Y’s youth soccer, flag football and volleyball programs. The Rockwall YMCA welcomed 127 flag football players, 174 volleyball players, and kicked off its fall Small Fry and Youth Soccer programs with 837 players and 82 total teams.

Despite a lot of rainy weather over the course of the season, each youth soccer team got to play every game on their schedule. JER Chilton YMCA Athletic Director Bill Cadman said that’s due to the dedication of the Y’s sports staff, who work hard to give kids every opportunity to experience sportsmanship in a fun, nurturing environment.

“Even with all the rain we had, we still were able to reschedule all games and get those played,” Cadman said. “That’s a testament to the coaches and parents and staff at the YMCA for us to be able to accomplish that.”

The Rockwall Y’s flag football and volleyball programs also saw players and coaches exhibit that same strong level of dedication, sportsmanship and teamwork. With each child guaranteed 25 percent playing time regardless of skill level or practice attendance, every kid that played flag football at the Y this past fall was eligible to catch a pass, carry the ball, and score a touchdown.

During the YMCA’s division volleyball tourney, Coach Josh Puckett and the Rockwall Tigers were crowned champions in the 2nd/3rd/4th grade girls division, while Coach Jaime Perkins and the 7th grade Dallas-Christian Chargers earned champion honors in the 5th/6th/7th grade division.

Record-Breaking Registration for Winter Basketball

Following up its successful fall sports season, the YMCA now looks ahead to its winter youth basketball league, and already has seen a record number of kids participating in the upcoming season. The program has nearly 1,000 kids and 111 teams registered to hit the court this January – a five percent increase in signups from last year.

“The substantial increase in registration this year is in part due to the quality of facilities at which we play and the quality of our referees,” Cadman said. “It’s also because our focus isn’t on winning no matter what; it’s on providing a safe environment for the young players, promoting positive competition, and allowing kids to enjoy the thrill of the sport.”

The JER Chilton YMCA at Rockwall Little Ballers and Youth Basketball League have no tryouts; kids participate in every game and receive equal playing time regardless of skill level.

“Our philosophy here at the Y is to put the child first, and the sport second,” Cadman said.

Youth winter basketball league teams begin practice next Monday, Dec. 4.

ABOUT THE YMCA

J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall is a nonprofit organization strengthening our local community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. More than just a gym, the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA is a full-service recreational center offering a 6,000 sq. ft. fitness floor; indoor pool; personal training; group exercise classes including yoga, PiYo, Zumba, BodyCombat, spin, dance, and more; health and wellness programs; youth sports; Youth & Government and other teen programming; water fitness and swim lessons, Angel Camp for children with special needs; Camp Dakota Summer Day Camp; and Adventure Guides for fathers and their children. The Y’s mission is to put Christian values into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Financial assistance is available.

Story and photos by Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News.

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