New Partnership Brings YMCA Youth Sports to Heath

(ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX – Jan. 31, 2019) The J.E.R Chilton YMCA at Rockwall and the City of Heath are excited to announce that they have partnered to bring YMCA’s youth sports programming to Towne Center Park fields. YMCA soccer sign-ups are underway and available through the Rockwall YMCA through Sunday, February 17^th for the spring season, which runs March 23 through May 18.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership and the ability to offer Heath families a chance to enjoy the benefits of Y sports closer to home,” said Clint Elliot, District Executive Director at the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA. “Our youth sports programs have experienced record-setting growth over the past few years. This unified effort between the Y and the City provides another opportunity for more families to become active and involved.”

The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA will use the City’s practice fields at Towne Center Park for youth soccer this spring. Located at 200 Laurence Drive behind Heath City Hall, Towne Center Park’s amenities include soccer, football and baseball/softball fields, a walking trail, and a pavilion with picnic tables, two playgrounds, and restroom facilities.

“This is an absolute home run for our community,” said Heath Mayor Kelson Elam. “We are thrilled to partner with the Y to bring their high quality youth programming closer to our residents. It will decrease the time it takes to get to practices and games, and put more fun back into simply enjoying these activities right here in our own hometown. We thank everyone on the Y staff for working so hard with us to make this happen.”

Y programming will be on Heath fields 1-4 Tuesday and Thursday evenings; and Saturday mornings. At the same time, Heath is bringing on three additional practice fields, 5-7, at the back of the park, and lighting it in phases. This will further expand field availability to users on the nights the Y is using the front fields.

SPRING SOCCER

The Y’s Spring Soccer program welcomes boys and girls in Pre-K through 6^th grade (ages 4-12), as well as Small Fry players (ages 3-4). Participants do not need to be members of the YMCA; however, those with family memberships receive a discount on sports registration. And now, if you join the YMCA by Thursday, January 31^st, the Joiner Fee is only $1. New joiners will be eligible to win Y Swag Packs to be presented in February.

“The soccer program at the J.E.R. Chilton Y helps young athletes to not only improve their skills, but to be the best they can be off the field as well,” said Bill Cadman, Sports Director. “Each child gets a chance to play in a safe, fun and exciting environment encouraging fair play, a positive atmosphere and family involvement. And unlike most club soccer leagues, there are no tryouts so all kids are welcome to play.”

The cost for Spring Soccer registration is $95 for Family Members; or $139 for non-members (Activity Members). Financial assistance is available. As a nonprofit organization whose mission is to put Christian values into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all, the Y believes that no one should be turned away due to inability to pay.

“For more than 30 years, the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall has worked to empower and strengthen the foundation of our community. We are thrilled that Mayor Elam and the City of Heath share the same vision as we focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility,” said Elliott.

Registration is currently available in the branch, located at 1210 N. Goliad Street in Rockwall, or online at jerchiltonymca.org (select “What We Offer”, then “Sports”, then “Soccer”, and chose either the Youth Sports or Small Fry tab).

For questions or additional information on the YMCA’s youth sports programs, contact Bill Cadman at 972-772-9622 or bcadman@ymcadallas.org. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the JER Chilton YMCA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@YMCARockwall).

Submitted press release by the JER Chilton YMCA Communications Team for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photos.

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