WINNING IS A PART OF EVERY SPORT,
BUT IT IS NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT PART.
The YMCA strives to teach sportsmanship, teamwork, skills and values above all else. Every child plays half of every game and the score is only kept in upper grade levels, so that fun and skill development can remain the focus of YMCA Youth Sports. Below is a listing of upcoming Youth Sports registrations along with a list of Youth Sports offered throughout the year.
PARTICIPATE IN THE ILLINOIS YMCA FOOTBALL SKILLS CHALLENGE
YMCAs across the state of Illinois are hosting football skills challenges with the top three competitors in each division and age group competing for state champion. Individual competitors strive for the highest score in four skills challenges: passing, punting, kicking and agility. Scores will be compared across the state and the three highest scores in each division and age group will compete for state champion during half-time of the IHSA State Football Championships in November.
- Divisions: Boys Division, Girls Division
- Age Groups: 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
- Age Groups: 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
- Date: October 20, 2025
- Location: Mattoon YMCA
- Time: 5:45 PM
- Championships (Thanksgiving Weekend):
- Friday, November 28 for 5th and 6th Grade
- Saturday, November 29th for 7th and 8th Grade
- Half-time of 1pm and 4pm High School Championship Games
- Hancock Stadium, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Free to participants. Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Athletes may arrive anytime and will compete in a first come, first served basis.
Download full rules HERE.
PARTICIPATE IN THE ILLINOIS YMCA STATEWIDE 2BALL TOURNAMENT
Are you ready to show off your basketball skills? Join us for 2Ball on TBD at the Mattoon Area Family YMCA – a thrilling challenge where two-person teams compete to score the most points in just 60 seconds from designated areas!
- Age Groups for Boys & Girls: 7-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 | 13-14
- FREE to all athletes!
- 2026 Date TBD
Download full rules HERE.
In YMCA basketball, youth ages 4 through Kindergarten will learn skill development appropriate for beginning athletes. Children in 1st through 3rd grade focus on the fundamentals of the game such as dribbling, passing, shooting and defense. Practices are held once a week at the Y with practice times determined by the team coach. Games will be held on Saturday mornings. This league is open to both boys and girls and each player will receive a t-shirt and a participation medal.
MATTOON & TOLEDO
Ages: Pre-K (4) -3rd Grade
Early Registration: 9/1/2025-9/19/2025
Regular Registration: 9/20/2025-10/19/2025
Clinic: TBA
Season Dates: 11/1/2025 – 12/13/25
Early registration fees: Y members $30/ Non-members $50
Regular registration fees: Y members $40/ Non-members $60
Continue to develop your game while looking to play some competitive hoops in a six-week co-ed league, followed by a tournament. All practices held weekday evenings while games are played on Saturdays. All players receive a shirt and games are officiated by paid staff. Financial assistance is available to members and non-members who are interested in participating in this program. Click HERE for an application.
MATTOON ONLY
Ages: 4th-8th Grade
Early Registration: 11/3/25-11/28/25
Regular Registration: 11/29/25-1/16/26
Clinic: 1/11/2025
Program dates: 1/31/26-3/7/26
Early registration fees: Y members $30/ Non-members $50
Regular registration fees: Y members $40/ Non-members $60
Our most popular youth league is bringing the game inside! Indoor Winter Soccer is for youth in Pre Kindergarten through 8th grade in Toledo. Teams are divided by age, based on registration numbers. Each team will have one practice a week, and games will be played on Saturdays.
We are always looking for coaches! Call (217) 234-9494 or email acarie@mattoonymca.org for more information.
TOLEDO
Ages: Pre- K- 8th grade
Early Registration: 11/11/2025-11/30/2025
Cost: $30/members or $50/non-members
Regular Registration: 12/01/2026-1/16/2026
Cost: $40/members or $60/non-members
Program Dates: 1/31/2025-3/07/2025
Foam balls are used for this fun-filled league. There are no practices, and games are played on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Age and gender league will depend on registration numbers.
TOLEDO
Our most popular youth sport, Outdoor Soccer is coming this spring! This sport is for youth ages 4-14. Teams are divided by age, based on registration numbers. We are always looking for coaches! Call (217) 234-9494 or email acarie@mattoonymca.org for more information.
MATTOON
Ages: 4-14
Early Registration: 1/6/2025-2/07/2025
Cost: $30/members or $50/non-members
Regular Registration: 2/08/2025-3/21/2025
Cost: $40/members or $60/non-members
Program Dates: 4/5/2025-4/19/2025
Games will be held at the Mattoon Middle School fields.
SULLIVAN
Ages: 3 years-4th grade
Regular Registration: 2/08/2025-3/21/2025
Cost: $40/members or $60/non-members
Program Dates: 4/5/2025-4/19/2025
Games will be played at the park.
Our most popular youth sport, Outdoor Fall Soccer will be here before you know it! This sport is for youth ages 4-8th grade (Mattoon) and 3 years-4th grade (Sullivan). Teams are divided by age, based on registration numbers. Youth ages 6 and older will practice one evening a week during the season. Mattoon games are played at Mattoon Middle School. Sullivan games are played at the park. Games are played on Saturday mornings beginning at 8:30.
We are always looking for coaches! Call (217) 234-9494 or email acarie@mattoonymca.org for more information.
Early Registration: 5/9/25-6/6/25 ($30 Members / $50 Non-Members)
Regular Registration: 6/7/25-8/1/25 ($40 Members / $60 Non-Members)
Clinic: 8/2/25 (Mattoon & Sullivan athletes combined at Mattoon location)
Season Dates: 8/16/25-9/27/25
Ages: 4 years-8th grade (MATTOON)
Ages: 3 years-4th grade (SULLIVAN)
Join us for Flag Football in Toledo! The Neal Center YMCA’s Flag Football is for ages 1st-3rd grade. Participants will learn the fundamentals of the game, sportsmanship and football specific skills. Practices will be during the week with games on Saturdays.
We are always looking for coaches! Call (217) 234-9494 or email acarie@mattoonymca.org for more information.
TOLEDO
Ages: 1st-3rd grade
Registration:7/09/25-9/22/25
Cost: $30 Members / $50 Non-Members
Program Dates: 9/27/25-10/11/25
The Neal Center YMCA is thrilled to collaborate with our Cumberland Youth Recreation League and help with registration and getting their baseball season started this year. CYRL will set the scheduled and run the league at the Greenup Ball Park. Ages Pre-K-8th grade.
Call (217) 234-9494 or email ljones@nealcenterymca.org for more information on registration.
GREENUP
Early Registration: 2/1/2025-3/15/2025
Cost: $40
Regular Registration: 3/16/2025-4/10/25
Cost: $45
We are excited to partner with Emerald Acres for Youth Sports Performance Training this fall!
Middle school athletes will train two days a week on speed and agility at Emerald Acres, and two days on strength and power at the Mattoon YMCA.
2 Days/Week: Speed & Agility at Emerald Acres
2 Days/Week: Strength & Power at the YMCA
Session 1: Sept. 15–18
Session 2: Sept. 22–25
$50/week | 6–8th grade | Max 24 athletes per session
Register now to take your game to the next level!