Pittsburgh, in western Pennsylvania, is a city steeped in sports tradition with the Penguins ice hockey team, the Pirates baseball team and the Steelers football squad. Children continue the Steel City's athletic legacy by participating in a range of team and individual sports. In addition to having fun, children develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
Golf
The World Golf Foundation runs First Tee programs across the country that teach life lessons through golf. The program's core values are confidence, responsibility, perseverance, sportsmanship, honesty, judgment, integrity, courtesy and respect. The Pittsburgh chapter--for children age six through high school--doesn't turn away kids if they can't afford the clinics, and provides clubs and balls. The First Tee of Pittsburgh takes place at the Bob O'Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park.
Ice Skating
Children can enjoy ice skating in the fresh air of winter on two outdoor rinks. The Schenley Park Skating Rink has lessons for children five and over, and special events, such as a "Skate with Santa" and "Mascot Skate," in which kids skate alongside local mascots like the Pirate Parrot. The outdoor Rink at PPG Place also has lessons and public skating sessions. Families can also skate year-round at the indoor Robert Morris University Island Sports Center. In addition to ice skating lessons for kids three and older, children four and older can enroll in ice hockey classes.
Organized Sports
BIG League Sports is a youth program sponsored by Citiparks--Pittsburgh's parks and recreation department--the Pirates and the Penguins. Children four to 18 can participate in baseball, basketball, softball, soccer and street hockey programs that provide instruction and competition. As a bonus, baseball and softball teams compete in the Mayor's Cup tournament with the finals at PNC Park, the home of the Pirates. Other sporting options for children include the Pittsburgh Youth Lacrosse league and the Pittsburgh Youth Volleyball league.
Swimming
Pittsburgh children of all ages have swimming options. Infants and preschoolers from 18 months to five learn the basics, such as kicking and water entry in lessons offered by Citiparks. A parent must accompany her child in the water during the lesson. Kids six to 15 are taught the basics and advanced techniques in Learn-To-Swim classes. Competitive swimmers six to 18 can join a swim team based at one of the city's 18 local pools. The teams compete during the summer, capped by a city-wide championship meet.
Tennis
Citiparks introduce tennis to novices and helps mold competitive players. Kids ages four to 17 can take lessons in the Junior Tennis program and attend a week-long summer tennis camp. Kids 10 to 14 can test their skills in the Frick Park Red Clay Junior Open held in the summer. Kids play year-round at the indoor Mellon Park Tennis Center and at over 50 neighborhood playgrounds and parks throughout the city.
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