Sports & Recreation

a volunteer coach and participants playing sports at the Y

Building stronger connections.

So many activities serve to restore our spirits and energy, get us outdoors or test our limits. And for many of us, they’re the foundation of active living and rewarding relationships. Along with improving health, Sports and Recreation programs at the Y give adults the opportunity to connect, in person, to others.

Explore Sports & Recreation programs at the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

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a Girls on the Run team practicing after school

Recreational activities at the YMCA are non-competitive, and undertaken for enjoyment, relaxation, and pleasure.

  • Adaptive Social Club

    Adaptive Social Club

    Adaptive Social Club brings groups of peers with special needs together on Saturdays for socialization and fun. Activities include physical fitness, games, crafts and community outings. Groups are led by experienced, caring staff and volunteers. A light dinner is included, or participants may bring their own meal. Additional fees may apply for community outings or…

  • Adventure Guides

    Adventure Guides

    Adventure Guides is a parent-child program designed to help foster a lifetime of understanding and companionship, and to strengthen the relationship between children and parents.

  • Facility Rentals & Parties

    Facility Rentals & Parties

    Are you looking for a place to host your next big event? Whether it is a birthday, office activity party, scout group, overnight lock-in, think of the Y. With different options our staff is here to meet your party needs.

  • Girls on the Run

    Girls on the Run

    Girls on the Run is a physical activity based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. We teach life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games.

  • Gymnastics and Dance

    Gymnastics and Dance

    Gymnastics and Dance classes at the YMCA give youth and adults a place to develop balance, coordination, and enjoy the benefits of creative movement.

  • Martial Arts

    Martial Arts

    The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit offers a variety of styles of martial arts practice, giving you lots of fun ways to achieve fitness and focus, and cultivate self-discipline and socialization skills.

  • Rock Climbing

    Rock Climbing

    Besides increasing strength throughout the body, rock climbing helps develop balance and coordination. With the sport of climbing, you can improve endurance and feel an excitement that comes with this unique kind of challenge.

  • STRIDE

    STRIDE

    STRIDE is a fun fitness and running program for boys in grades 3 through 5. Boys have the chance to share their thoughts and opinions about various life topics in a safe, encouraging environment that helps them develop character, while building running endurance to compete in a 5K.

a child participant and volunteer basketball coach in a youth sports program at the YMCA

Sports at the YMCA are structured, competition-based physical activities governed by rules and regulations.

  • Basketball

    Basketball

    At the Y, children learn basic basketball skills using age-appropriate equipment (i.e. smaller balls and baskets for preschool ages). They do fun drills and games that teach ball handling and shooting skills. Early in the program, skill work is stressed as they practice, and as players develop, coaches work on the idea of team play…

  • Pickleball at the YMCA

    Pickleball at the YMCA

    Pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a community, a way to stay active, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a new hobby, give pickleball a try – you might just find your new favorite pastime!

  • Soccer

    Soccer

    At the Y, children learn basic soccer skills using age-appropriate equipment (i.e. smaller balls and goals for young kids). Players do fun drills and games that teach fundamental soccer skills, such as dribbling, passing and shooting. As players develop, coaches work with the kids on the idea of team play and basic strategy.

  • SportPort

    SportPort

    SportPort is a collaborative that provides access to sports sampling, free play and free sports equipment to kids so they can play in their own neighborhoods. Through both stationary and mobile partners, SportPort provides access to free sports equipment for traditional and non-traditional sports like baseball, basketball, football or even hockey, disc golf and lacrosse.

  • Sports Samplers

    Sports Samplers

    Kids need opportunities to try new things, explore and test new abilities–just for fun. In a Sports Sampler, we introduce children to a variety of sports-related activities, while encouraging healthy attitudes about play.

About Sports at the YMCA

The Y is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. The benefits are far greater than just physical health.