Studies have shown that playing sports isn't just good exercise, it also helps children thrive socially and academically. Whether or not the child excels at the sport or not, the benefits include:
- boosted health
- increased self-confidence and self-esteem
- higher academic success
- better time management skills
- improved social and leadership skills and teamwork
- enhanced strategic thinking and motor skills
- reduced stress
As the school year nears, local youth sports leagues are accepting registrations and holding skill assessment sessions for the fall. Below are the programs available at your local city's youth athletic department; click on the links for full details.
- Hickory Parks and Recreation - Soccer, Football, Baseball and tennis
- Newton Parks and Recreation - Football and Soccer
- Maiden Parks and Recreation - Soccer, Volleyball and Football
- Granite Falls Parks and Recreation - Soccer
- Hudson Parks & Recreation - Soccer
- Lenoir Athletics - Soccer and Baseball
- Valdese Recreation Department - Bowling, Cheerleading, Football and Soccer
- Morganton Youth Athletics - Flag Football, Fast Pitch Softball and Soccer
- Alexander County Parks and Recreation - Football, Soccer, Cheerleading and Volleyball
- Mountain View Recreation Center - Soccer, Baseball, Softball and Volleyball
- YMCA of Catawba Valley (Hickory Foundation & Shuford) - Soccer and Flag Football
Additionally, contact your local Optimist Club (Startown, St Stephens, Balls Creek, Bunker Hill, Sherrills Ford, North Catawba, Southern Caldwell, among others) for youth sports information. Catawba Valley Youth Soccer Association, YCVSC Eagles and Lenoir Youth Soccer Association are other options to consider, along with the Mt View Tigers Youth Football & Cheerleading, Catawba Valley Aquatic Club and Hickory Academy of Martial Arts.
Know of other youth sports leagues/programs for fall?
Comment below or email annah@macaronikid.com!