In a world where cut-throat competition begins at preschool, the White Rock YMCA Youth Sports Program seems conspicuously different. As a result of their family-friendly, compassionate sports programs, they’ve recently won a National Excellence in Youth Sports Award given by the National Alliance for Youth Sports. According to the Alliance, the local YMCA encourages “a safe, positive and fun youth sports experience for children.”
The award, given to only four other national sports programs, provides a $5,000 stipend. White Rock YMCA Executive Director Val England, Youth Sports Director William Cornell, and Assistant Youth Sports Director Heather Althoff will travel to Orlando, Fla. , for the Nov. 8 award ceremony.
Beginning with their MVP Program, which stands for “Making Values a Priority,” the White Rock YMCA seeks to provide an inclusive atmosphere for children and their families to play sports together. Activities include age-specific soccer, basketball, softball and baseball leagues, and many parent/child clinics.
“We have a child-centered, fun-first policy in our sports program,” says Althoff. Game rules change, depending on age level, and every child plays half the game. “We don’t keep score or compete for over-all standings, and we don’t award all-stars.”
Instead, they encourage the larger values of the YMCA such as citizenship, trustworthiness and honesty. The MVP program awards principles instead of winning scores, and is strictly voluntary for teams. “It’s a great way for them to exemplify the values of a team effort,” Althoff explains, “The kids get rewarded, and the parents get a chance to instill values in their children.”
Parents also shoulder responsibility in the sports program. According to MVP rules, all parents must participate in their children’s sports in some way. “We really stress family-involvement. I think that’s one reason we won the award,” says Althoff.
Above all, the White Rock YMCA wants children to enjoy sports. Extensive background checks and training for coaches ensure children’s safety. In fact, $1,000 of the award money will subsidize background checks.
The rest of the award money will help improve playing facilities. The YMCA plans to work with the school district and the parks department to improve field conditions, install sprinklers and buy new equipment.
Althoff says, “We just want to let kids go out there and learn and have fun.”
