For more than a decade, the Excellence in Youth Sports Awards have recognized programs that are doing superior jobs of conducting diverse activities with a focus on providing safe and positive experiences for all participants - including children, parents and coaches. Each year hundreds of programs across the country vie to be an award winner.
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department's history with the Award:
Mecklenburg County 2019 Award Winning Video:
Mecklenburg County Video.mp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnZNDOydJJk
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation offers a variety of youth sports & fitness programs throughout the year. All programs are recreation center based and take place at various facilities and parks throughout Mecklenburg County.
Youth Sports Rain Inclement Weather Hotline 704-432-3834
Youth Sports Philosophy
The youth sports philosophy in Mecklenburg County is based on three main goals.
- Safety
- Fun
- Participation development based on the following:
- Everyone Plays -
Providing opportunities to learn skills and improve conditioning by minimizing roster sizes and ensuring that players play at least half of every game.
- Balanced teams - Building teams that are evenly balanced with regard to skill level and ability
- Positive Coaching - Providing training and education for coaches to assist in the development of the player's self-worth and confidence.
- Sportsmanship - Creating a positive environment that fosters mutual respect
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical length of a season?
Each youth sports regular season consists of 8 games (approximately 8 weeks in length). A single elimination post season tournament is held for ages 9 and older, which is typically played out over a Friday, Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting).
How are the leagues organized?
Leagues are organized based on the number of teams registered within an age division in a recreation center region (north, central & south). Generally teams from each of the centers in a corridor will participate in the regular season together.
When and where will my child practice and play games?
During the registration process, you should locate your desired
recreation center and register. Ideally you want to choose a facility that is convenient to your home or place of work for ease of transportation to and from practices. The center staff will communicate with you regarding the practice days and times chosen by the volunteer coach or assigned by the facility. Practices are typically once a week in the evening and will continue throughout the season once games have begun.
The Sports & Fitness staff will make a concerted effort to place teams at the proposed game site closest to their home recreation center. However, we reserve the right to adjust the game sites based on the ability to form leagues with four or more teams from the respective recreation centers within the north, central and south Mecklenburg service areas. For example, if you are in a center in the south and you only have enough for two teams, you will be moved to the closest secondary site to form a league that comprised of four or more teams.
Can I register my child to play in an older age division?
While it is not recommended, we do allow youth sports participants to "play up" by one year of age only. For more information please see the Play Up Policy located below.
Individual sports at Park and Recreation facilities include:
Thank You Park Operations!
Providing our youth sports participants with the highest quality parks and recreational facilities possible is no small task. Hard work and dedication from these men and women day in and day out, make it possible for everyone to "Recreate All Year"! Please be sure to thank your park staff everyday for all they do.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS:
Police Activities League - PAL provides opportunities for youth that foster their leadership and citizenship skills through athletics and academics.