The Kearney Family YMCA Youth Sports programs provide a wholesome, values-oriented atmosphere where all children are given the opportunity to play!
The purpose of YMCA Youth Sports is not only to teach sports skills effectively and in a fun way, but also to teach life skills – helping children today to become more effective adults tomorrow. We emphasize character development as much as physical development.
The Y is a community leader in offering quality youth sports, programs that discourage winning-at-all-costs and instead encourage fun, skill development, fitness, teamwork, fair play and family involvement.
Get your kid active and in the game! You can join in, too. YMCA Youth Sports are not possible without volunteer coaches. No experience is necessary and the majority of our coaches are parents with a similar philosophy to the Y: sportsmanship, fun and skill development are primary goals; winning and losing are secondary. The responsibilities of a coach include promoting the Y philosophy to players, making sure all children get equal playing time, attending a coaches meeting and using yourself as a model of sportsmanship and fair play.
The Goals of Y Youth Sports:
1. Building self-esteem and confidence
2. Teaching social skills – values, communication, human relations
3. Teaching physical skills, fitness and health
4. Developing responsibility and decision-making skills
5. Enhancing leadership skills in youth and adults
6. Building relationships among peers and between parent and child
7. Supporting and strengthening family life
8. Creating fun experiences for children and their families
The Y believes that character development and focusing on core values (caring, honesty, respect and responsibility) are an essential element to all sports programs. As a result, sportsmanship is required from all participants, coaches and spectators at all times.
YMCA Jr. Loper Sports Programs at the Y
The Lopers and Kearney Family YMCA have teamed up to deliver exciting MIAA action and mentorship to local youth through the YMCA Jr. Loper Sports program. The Jr. Loper program serves boys and girls, grades K-7, through year round leagues and clinics. The program serves children from all ethnic, geographic and economic backgrounds.
With the resources provided by the YMCA and UNK; coaches, parents, and officials offer youth programs that emphasize fun, personal excellence, skill development, and healthy competition. The Jr. Loper program aids in the development of athletic ability and leadership skills with the assistance of UNK players and coaches, attendance and recognition at special Loper games, and pre-season Jr. Loper clinics.
Jr. Loper Pre-Season clinics will be hosted before each season begins, where youth will have a chance to learn from their UNK mentors. In addition, Jr. Lopers are invited to attend UNK home games with their “Jr. Loper VIP Pass” and Jr. Loper jersey. This program provides kids with a great opportunity to interact with UNK student-athletes who serve as role models and a source of encouragement.
