Youth Programs, Sports & Special Events
Sports
Spring Sports
Registrations begins in March
Youth T-Ball/Baseball
YMCA T-ball/Baseball is available at the Y! Participants that are 3-5 years old can play T-ball and participants that are 6-8 years old will play baseball. The 6 week seasons take place at YMCA Camp Clay. All participants will learn and practice the basic rules of the game. Skills are taught based on age.
In the T-ball program the participants will learn the basics and focus on hand positioning and their swing. Once the participants move up to baseball.
Youth Soccer
YMCA Soccer is a 6-week youth program for ages 3–12 at YMCA Camp Clay. We serve 3 different age groups. Players learn age-appropriate skills, teamwork, and game basics in a fun, non-competitive environment focused on fundamentals—not wins or losses. All participants receive a T-shirt and an Award.
Summer Sports
Registration begins in June
Youth Golf
Each summer the YMCA of Van Wert County hosts a one week golf clinic at Hickory Sticks Golf Course. Must pre-register to hold a spot.
The clinic is open to participants that are 6-12 years old. They are taught by a golf professional and learn the basic fundamentals on our beautiful course. They will work primarily on putting, chipping, and iron play.
We can provide clubs for participants if needed.
Fall Sports
Registration begins in August
Youth Soccer
AGES 3- 12 yrs
YMCA Soccer is a 6-week youth program at YMCA Camp Clay. We serve 3 different age groups. Players learn age-appropriate skills, teamwork, and game basics in a fun, non-competitive environment focused on fundamentals—not wins or losses. 3-5 year olds focus on not using their hands. 6-8 years old learn more advanced skills working specifically on offensive and defensive positions. 9-12 years old will be prepping their skill participants receive a T-shirt & Award.
Youth Flag Football
AGES 1st - 6th Grade
The YMCA, Van Wert Parks Department, and Van Wert High School have teamed up to offer one exciting Flag Football league for our community. Games will be played at the Uptown Stadium in Van Wert. This league is open to boys and girls featuring two age divisions. The focus is on teaching the fundamentals of football, with one practice during the week and one game each week. Registration opens in May and ends before School Starts.
Youth Volleyball
AGES 8 - 12
YMCA Volleyball is a 6-week season at the YMCA of Van Wert County that provides a fun, supportive environment for learning the game. Participants develop fundamental skills and progress to more advanced techniques throughout the season. Teamwork is emphasized through age-appropriate practices and drills. The YMCA focuses on learning, skill growth, and fun over wins and losses. Each participant receives a T-shirt and an award at the end of the season.
Winter Sports
Registration begins in October
Bitty Ballers
AGE 3.5 - K+
AGE 1st - 2nd Grade
YMCA Bitty Ballers Basketball is a 6-week program at the YMCA of Van Wert County for ages 3.5–2nd grade. Intergender Pre-K–K teams play Tuesdays on 7 ft rims, focusing on basic skills. 1st–2nd grade teams play Thursdays on 8.5 ft rims and learn more advanced skills. Participants build teamwork, learn fundamentals, and receive a T-shirt and award.
Cost:
Members: $20
Youth Members: $30
Non Members: $80
School League Basketball
Our school league basketball serves youth in 3rd-6th grade. You must register a full team from your school. Teams come from schools all over the area. It is a 6 week season where teams will play two games every Saturday and the final week hosts a single elimination tournament.
Cost Per Team: $350
MOMO Tournament
The annual MOMO Tournament is for girls teams in grades 4-6. This memorial tournament sponsored by Troy Treece and Treece Landscaping is named after his Mother, Debbie McClure, whose family and friends lovingly called her MOMO!
Young ladies compete in a 1 day/single elimination tournament. Each grade is capped at 6 teams. Senior spectators will have their admission covered thanks to Treece Landscaping!
Cost Per Team: $175 (admission fees apply for spectators)
King of the Court Basketball Tournament
The KOTC Tournament is the big finish to the basketball season! This 2 day tournament is for boys teams grades 3-6. We allow up to 8 teams per grade in this program. Games are played over Saturday and Sunday and all teams are guaranteed 3 games. All boys must be from the same school. No AAU teams.
(admission fees apply for spectators)
Santa Shootout
AGES 3rd - 6th Grade
The Santa Shootout is a one-day basketball event designed to help teams prepare for their upcoming season. This preseason shootout gives players the opportunity to build teamwork, sharpen fundamentals, and gain valuable game experience. Use these games as extra skill development as you get ready for the January and February season ahead.
Men's Basketball League
Registration begins in December.
Men's league basketball is a great way for men to stay active and enjoy the game with friends. The season will last 7-8 weeks where teams play once a week. The teams will participate in a 1 day tournament at the end of the season. The winning team will receive a team trophy, t-shirts, and have their registration fee waived to participate the following year.
Contact Program Director Corey Clifton for further questions: corey@vwymca.org
Program Director: Corey Clifton
Corey Clifton
I serve as the Program Director here at the Van Wert YMCA. I started back in 2017 at the Lima YMCA as the teen and youth development Director and then came to the Van Wert YMCA in 2018 and have been here ever since! The main reason why I got into this profession is because of the youth. I enjoy being around the youth and the community and helping them achieve things that maybe they thought they couldn't. The most rewarding part of my job is watching a boy or girl start week 1 and possibly struggling with whatever sport or activity they are doing and by week 6 they have advanced so much that they are doing it on there own and having the most fun doing it. That is the best part of being at the YMCA.
Outside of the job, I enjoy golfing, being around family and friends, and traveling to new places. I enjoy being at the lake and spending time around water and doing all the outdoor activities.
Hope to see everyone here at the YMCA taking advantage of the amazing programs here at the YMCA.
Youth Fun Events
MLK Day
Presidents Day
Presidents Day
Our MLK Day Youth Program is available for families who still have to work while kids are off from school. Children ages 7–12 can be dropped off at 8:00 AM and picked up at 4:00 PM for a full day of supervised fun. Participants should bring their own lunch, drink, and towel for scheduled pool time.
In addition to games, swimming, and activities to keep them engaged, we will also take time to teach the importance of MLK Day—sharing age-appropriate lessons about respect, equality, kindness, and the meaning behind the day as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pre-registration required.
Presidents Day
Presidents Day
Presidents Day
Our Presidents Day Youth Program is available for families who still have to work while kids are off from school. Children ages 7–12 can be dropped off at 8:00 AM and picked up at 4:00 PM for a full day of supervised fun. Participants should bring their own lunch, drink, and towel for scheduled pool time.
In addition to games, swimming, and activities to keep them engaged, we will also take time to teach the importance of Presidents Day—sharing age-appropriate lessons about leadership, service, and the role of our nation’s presidents in shaping our country. Pre-registration required.
Valentines Party
Valentines Party
Valentines Party
AGES 3rd - 8th Grade
Our Valentine’s Day Parties are a fun and memorable way for kids to celebrate with their friends in a safe, welcoming environment. Each year features a new and exciting theme to keep participants engaged and looking forward to the event. Attendees can enjoy music, social time, and fun games with opportunities to win prizes throughout the evening. Concessions, including pizza and drinks, will be available for purchase.
Dedicated volunteers help decorate and prepare the space to create a festive atmosphere for all to enjoy. Be sure to follow us on social media to see what our Valentine’s Day Dances are all about! No registration.
Halloween Party
Valentines Party
Valentines Party
AGES 3rd - 8th Grade
Our Halloween Youth Events is designed to keep kids entertained in a fun, safe, and welcoming environment. Each year, we change things up to keep the excitement going—whether it’s a themed dance, interactive activities, or a special event. Participants can enjoy music, games, and festive fun while spending time with friends and celebrating the season in a creative way.
No registration.