From fishing in one of the state's many ponds to dominating the soccer field to lighting up the boards on the basketball court, there are many opportunities for youth sport activities in Washington. While many different sports are offered, soccer is a popular sport played by girls and boys throughout the state. Some of the most populated cities, like Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver and Yakima, offer numerous sports venues and programs for kids, including soccer, basketball and volleyball opportunities.
Outdoors
There are many outdoor activities for kids to enjoy in Washington. The hiking and camping opportunities on Yakima Peak and the Yakima Rim offer families a chance to get outdoors and enjoy fun activities together. A number of ponds, lakes and creeks also provide many different places to fish. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife encourages kids to participate in fishing events, held in locations like the Reflection Pond at Sarge Hubbard Park in Yakima and at Columbia Park Pond in Kennewick. In fact, youth fishing is available all over the state, such as at Lincoln Pond in Clallam County and at Mill Creek Pond in Gray's Harbor County. While outdoor climbing routes, like Godzilla in Walls, may be too intense for kids, indoor climbing facilities, such as Vertical World in Everett, offer beginner courses.
Seattle
Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is home to the Space Needle, Pike Place market and the George Washington Bridge. It's also home to a year-round youth sports activities. With more than 204 soccer fields, this popular sport has found a home in one of Washington's biggest cities. At Seattle's Department of Parks and Recreation, fall is the time for flag football, cross country, volleyball and ultimate Frisbee. Winter sees courts full of basketball jerseys. Girls' softball and track and field come with spring. The long days of summer are filled with camps, from volleyball to basketball to ultimate Frisbee. During warmer months, boats skim the water at Green Lake Small Craft Center and Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center while the Amy Yee Tennis Center is open for classes and camps all year.
Spokane
The Youth Sports Association in Washington's biggest northeastern city offers a variety of programs all year. Indoor soccer takes place all year, while outdoor seasons are split between the spring and fall. Seasonal sports include fall and summer baseball, winter basketball, fall football and volleyball as well as spring softball and lacrosse. Recreational cross country takes place in early fall, followed closely by competitive cross country. Recreational track and field takes place in the spring, just before the competitive season begins in late spring and summer.
Vancouver
The Parks and Recreation Department of the Town of Vancouver, located just north of Portland, divides the town and its youth sports leagues into two parts: the east and west side. On the west side, the programs at Marshall Community Center include karate, gymnastics, parent/child classes and toddler sports. The Firstenburg Community Center on the east side offers skateboarding classes, cheerleading classes and camps, and fencing. Both sides offer outdoor soccer spring through fall with fall and winter soccer indoors. Other leagues include basketball, fall and winter football, co-ed T-ball and machine-pitch, as well as winter volleyball. Classes, such as soccer, basketball, gymnastics and golf, are also offered on both sides.
Yakima
The Yakima Youth Soccer Association facilitates training and competition in soccer leagues for girls and boys and different ages. While the Yakima Valley Sports Commission acts as a go-between for sports venues, participants, fans and tourists, promoting sports like archery at AS & J Archery and skating at Chesterley Skate Park, the Yakima Athletic Club offers members an opportunity for fitness and sports. Youth Programs at the Club include swimming lessons, racquetball, fitness academy and tennis.
Member Comments