Youth Sports Philosophy

The Pocono Family Youth Sports Programs are offered to provide all youth, boys and girls, with the opportunity to participate in organized sports while maintaining the values of fair play and good sportsmanship.  The emphasis of each program is on personal growth and development through teamwork, improved physical fitness, and development of lifetime sports skills.  Each program also strives to strengthen family relationships through personal involvement.

The major focus is on the development of the four core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility rather than finishing first.  The spirit of competition is encouraged but winning, losing and personal successes are put in proper perspective.  This is achieved by allowing each child to participate and play equally in every game.  Congratulating teammates and opponents alike on a good game, shaking hands, and acknowledging and respecting the authority of the referee are considered essential.  The quality of our youth sports program is not in a team’s win/loss record, but rather by the attitude of the players and coaches and their ability to compete in the spirit of good sportsmanship.

Program Objectives and Goals

-       To grow personally - YMCA Sports provide the means for learning personal goal setting, to develop a healthy self-image and increase self-esteem.

-       To clarify values – YMCA Sports emphasize the value of learning and growing rather than winning by focusing on being “a winner in life” and putting winning or losing into proper perspective.

-       To improve personal and family relationships – YMCA Sports encourage family participation in league events.

-       To appreciate diversity – YMCA Sports bring together a variety of economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, religions, neighborhoods, ages, and skill levels in a team oriented environment.

-       To become better leaders and supporters – YMCA Sports provide numerous leadership opportunities for adults and youth, while encouraging teamwork, a key factor in being a good supporter.

-       To develop valuable skills – Sport specific skills contribute to the overall development and coordination of children.  Improvement in decision making, communication, cooperation, goal setting, and leadership skills is also a part of YMCA Sports.

-       To develop an active and healthy lifestyle – YMCA Sports strive to instill in children the importance of a lifelong program of physical activity. 

-       TO HAVE FUN – One of the most important aspects of YMCA Sports is to have fun.  If games and practice sessions are fun, children develop a positive attitude toward physical activity and a healthy attitude toward competition.